METU Establishes "Harvard Model" Investment Fund for 70th Anniversary: $100 Million Target

Sustainable Financial Model Middle East Technical University (METU) has established the "METU70 Venture Capital Investment Fund" (GSYF) as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations to create sustainable resources for the university ecosystem.
This fund, which combines donations and investment income, aims to transform academic knowledge into economic value by providing financial support to startups during their growth stages.
The Harvard Model in Turkey METU Rector Prof.
Ahmet Yozgatlıgil described the newly established structure as the "Harvard model," implemented by prestigious universities worldwide.
Noting that leading global educational institutions create strong financial mechanisms through similar funds, Yozgatlıgil stated that 20 percent of the fund's returns would be transferred to the METU Development Foundation.
Targeting $100 Million Rector Yozgatlıgil noted that the fund's primary goal is to reach a size of $100 million, recalling that Harvard University's similar fund currently has a valuation of approximately $50 billion.
Emphasizing that METU TEKNOKENT and university alumni have launched many successful ventures, Yozgatlıgil stated that the fund would create new success stories by providing the capital these startups need.
Strong Support from Business and Alumni The newly established fund is receiving significant interest from the business world and alumni.
Supported by Haluk Bayraktar and Baykar, as well as numerous METU graduates, the fund will facilitate access to financing for projects born within the university.
This initiative is expected to take university-industry cooperation in Turkey to a higher level.