Campus 3
At METU Northern Cyprus Campus, the enormous project, the Kalkanlı Technology Valley project, which will transform Northern Cyprus into a research, development and technology-focused production center was launched in May.
Leaving 12 years behind in Northern Cyprus, METU Northern Cyprus Campus is to carry out an enormous project that will meet North Cyprus with science and technology-focused development, increase employment opportunities and attract researchers and entrepreneurs all over the world to the island. The Kalkanlı Technology Valley (KALTEV), which will be built in Kalkanli Valley on the METU campus, will bring together all stakeholders for a technology-focused economy as the first technology valley of the region.
R&D and Technology Base
As part of the METU Day ceremony organized to celebrate the establishment anniversary of METU every year in May, the foundations of KALTEV were laid this year. KALTEV AR-GE Complex will be completed in two stages in two years. The project will be funded by a protocol signed between METU Northern Cyprus Campus and Development and Economic Cooperation Office of Turkish Embassy in Nicosia.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, TRNC President Mustafa Akıncı expressed that he is proud of being one of more than 130 alumni of METU and stated for KALTEV; "We cannot wait for the embargoes to be removed from us, and nobody will do this favor to us. We can remove them with such projects." Referring to the logo of KALTEV, which was designated as olive tree, Mr. Akıncı expressed that the olive tree symbolizes taking roots, "We have to improve ourselves to take our roots, which is only possible with science".
METU President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Verşan Kök indicated that the North Cyprus Campus has reached an important point in the field of education and training with its education quality and alumni and added that KALTEV is an important breakthrough to bring more than 90 university students living in Northern Cyprus and more than hundreds of researchers to an innovative and productive organization. Pointing out that KALTEV, which has been put into operation with METU tradition, will be an innovation center where research on information, energy and modern agriculture and security will be done primarily, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Verşan Kök further stated: "The Kalkanlı Technology Valley will host innovative workshops focusing on contemporary world issues. KALTEV aims to bring together the technological production companies within itself and the innovative researchers who are working to solve the problems of North Cyprus and the world.
President of METU Northern Cyprus Campus Prof. Dr. Nazife Baykal expressed the pride they felt in making this investment to turn North Cyprus into an active player on the world scene. Highlighting that Kalkanlı Technology Valley and Northern Cyprus will turn into a technology island, Baykal said: We know that we can tackle with isolations with scientific productions that adds value to the world on a universal scale. Being an active player in today's world is only possible with science and technology. The future contributions of KALTEV to Northern Cyprus and the barriers we will overcome thanks to KALTEV will make us feel hopeful."
KALTEV R&D Complex, which will be in service in September 2018, will be transformed into a science and technology center that is open for 24 hours in Guzelyurt-Kalkanlı region. KALTEV will attract competitive companies to the Northern Cyprus with its offices and workplaces, laboratories and studios will make KALTEV a center of attraction for researchers, entrepreneurs and idea developers. Project development work within KALTEV started months ago, and negotiations with the sector representatives are underway for companies to be included in KALTEV.
