Project

Project

About the Project

The TEAM-NANO (Teaming for Capacity Development and Synergies in Micro-Nanofabrication and Flexible Electronics for Widespread Impact) project aims to transform the Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM) into a Center of Excellence in micro- and nano-engineering, flexible electronics, and advanced materials. Supported under the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence programme (CSA), the project strengthens SUNUM’s institutional capacity through close collaboration with its European partners, TU Delft (Netherlands) and the University of Southampton (UK).
These partners bring world-class expertise in areas such as micro/nanofabrication, photonics, MEMS/NEMS, flexible and printed electronics, neuromorphic computing, and AI hardware, providing the scientific and engineering foundation needed to build a competitive and sustainable Center of Excellence.

Capacity Strengthening & Research Excellence

TEAM-NANO focuses on enhancing SUNUM’s scientific and administrative capabilities by upgrading research equipment, establishing a robust quality management system, and recruiting talented researchers. The project promotes research excellence, managerial competence, and infrastructure modernization while encouraging collaboration between academia and industry. Through these efforts, TEAM-NANO supports high-impact research, innovation, and the growth of SMEs and start-ups, strengthening SUNUM’s role in national and international R&I ecosystems.

Long-Term Vision & Impact

By implementing a structured roadmap for excellence, TEAM-NANO contributes to Türkiye’s deeper integration into the European Research Area (ERA) and supports the country’s shift toward a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. Aligned with EU priorities, the project serves as a complementary and inclusive initiative for advancing Türkiye’s scientific and economic development. In the long term, TEAM-NANO aims to create a sustainable ecosystem connecting advanced research, education, and technology transfer, positioning SUNUM as a regional hub for nano-innovation and international collaboration.

TEAM-NANO Objectives:

Objective 1. Strengthening SUNUM’s Capabilities

 Goal: Enhance SUNUM’s research, infrastructure, and service quality to better commercialise scientific outputs.

Focus Areas:

  • Upgrade labs, digital systems, and testing infrastructure
  • Implement ISO 9001 certification & quality management
  • Advance micro/nanofabrication and flexible electronics services
  • Promote gender equality and open-science practices

Objective 2. Empowering Researchers & Experts

Goal: Boost the technical and soft skills of SUNUM’s scientific community.

Focus Areas:

  • Training 60+ researchers in nanofabrication, MEMS/NEMS, flexible electronics
  • Fostering open-science culture and innovation mindset
  • Supporting new patent applications and eco-innovative prototypes
  • Building entrepreneurship, communication, and proposal-writing capacities

Objective 3. Strengthening Türkiye’s R&I Ecosystem

Goal: Position SUNUM as a national driver of change by supporting Turkish industry and institutions.

Focus Areas:

  • Bridge academia-industry collaboration (automotive, health, energy, materials)
  • Support 30+ start-ups and SMEs through the SUNUM Spin-Up Programme
  • Actively contribute to national and EU working groups (e.g. Nanotechnology for Industry)
  • Promote science communication and public engagement

Objective 4. Building Strategic International Collaborations

Goal: Establish sustainable partnerships and synergies with European and global actors.

Focus Areas:

  • Long-term cooperation with EU CoEs, EITs, and R&I networks
  • Co-development of advanced technologies aligned with SDGs
  • Joint projects, publications, and staff exchanges
  • Shared research infrastructures and open innovation

Objective 5. Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability

Goal: Create lasting impact through new business models and continuous innovation

Focus Areas:

  • Develop self-sustaining revenue models & customer-centric services
  • Promote commercialisation of research results and technology transfer
  • Launch 15+ new services and 10+ new technologies
  • Build a robust foundation for national & EU-level excellence