The Concept Behind NERITA
The name NERITA, which stands for Near East Research, Innovation, and Technology Area, is inspired by a mythological story unique to the island.
Named after this unique, endemic shellfish of our island, NERITA is rapidly advancing towards making Cyprus an “island of innovation” with its Technology Development Zone, Technology Transfer Office, Co-Working Space, Maker Space, Fab-Lab, and Pro-Labs.
Objectives
- Create an innovative vision.
- Lead in transforming long-standing educational experience into innovative developments.
- Undertake multinational projects within a diverse educational environment.
- Develop multi-disciplinary work environments and provide multi-faceted solutions to needs.
- Lead in innovative initiatives.
- Utilize the advanced campus structure for effective innovation activities.
- Support the entrepreneurship ecosystem at Near East University and in Northern Cyprus, creating strong entrepreneurship and innovation programs.
- Provide accelerative opportunities for innovative thinkers and entrepreneurs.
- Actively contribute within the quadruple helix of academia, industry, government, and civil society collaboration.
Technology Transfer Office (TTO)
Structure of TTO
The Technology Transfer Offices have three primary responsibilities:
- Facilitating university-industry collaboration and supporting joint projects.
- Protecting and commercializing intellectual and industrial property rights.
- Supporting entrepreneurship activities within the university and the connected ecosystem.
University-Industry Collaboration Efforts
The main objective of university-industry collaboration is to transform scientific potential in the university into economic value by transferring it to industry/private sectors, fostering sustainable collaborations based on mutual trust between academics and industrialists, and guiding regional firms towards R&D and innovation.
However, as the modern world needs answers to global challenges, all solutions for society and social innovation outcomes are embraced within this scope.
Core activities will include:
- Conducting focus group meetings between industry and university to foster new partnerships and organize various visits and events.
- Engaging with institutions that enhance collaboration within the city and country (such as chambers of industry and commerce).
- Contributing to identifying academic and industrial R&D needs for project ideas.
- Supporting every stage of the R&D process for industry, from concept to product.
- Guiding the transfer of academic expertise to industry and managing the entire collaboration process.
- Establishing platforms for industry-industry meetings.
Intellectual Property (IP) Processes
Protecting Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights is crucial for safeguarding developed technologies. Various protection frameworks are available within Northern Cyprus, Turkey, and globally.
The TTO has begun supporting researchers in these processes. Researchers with invention ideas can visit our office for information and mentoring. We can initiate the process by completing the Invention Disclosure Form and guiding you through IP protection steps.
Structures to Support Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Innovation, and Projects
Entrepreneurship Training
An entrepreneurship training program is being designed to increase the number of business ideas and to promote a culture of entrepreneurship. This program will combine theory and practice, offering both short- and long-term training to prospective entrepreneurs.
The design phase of the training program is ongoing.
NERITA will provide support to those included in the pre-incubation and incubation systems, including:
- Tailored mentoring
- Investor meetings
- Networking opportunities
- Co-Lab and Maker Lab support
- Business development activities
- Academic and corporate meetings
Underground (Fab-Lab, Maker Lab, Pro-Lab)
Underground is a digital fabrication lab and an event space equipped with production equipment, enabling creative ideas to be developed into projects. This space, with the technical and social infrastructure necessary for innovation, will serve as a hub not only for Near East University but also for the innovation, maker, and entrepreneurship movements in Northern Cyprus.
Co-Working Space
NERITA Co-Working Space aims to bring together a community of people who are passionate about innovation, open to new ideas, and actively work towards positive change, providing Northern Cyprus with a breath of fresh air in this direction.
Believing in the power of growing together, we have started working on establishing a space where entrepreneurs can support each other’s growth. This Co-Working Space is designed to be a place where the rising trends of open innovation and collaborative growth can thrive.
Incubation
Pre-Incubation and Incubation Systems
For those with new business ideas entering the pre-incubation system, mentoring support will be provided, enabling ideas to be tested and evaluated comprehensively. Market analysis will be conducted for the products to be developed, and comprehensive consulting and training services will be provided at every stage to transform business ideas into products and commercialize them.