Overview
About
The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) serves as a bridge between university research, industry needs, and practical innovation. The office supports the transformation of scientific ideas, research outcomes, and technical solutions into real products, services, start-ups, patents, and industry partnerships.
The TTO works with faculty members, researchers, students, start-up teams, companies, public institutions, and international partners to identify commercially valuable research results and guide them through the stages of protection, validation, partnership development, and commercialization.
By promoting innovation, intellectual property management, entrepreneurship, and university-industry cooperation, the Technology Transfer Office contributes to strengthening AzTU's role in the national innovation ecosystem. The office also supports the practical application of academic knowledge and encourages researchers and students to develop solutions that create social and economic value.
Through its activities, the TTO supports AzTU's mission to become a leading technical university in research, innovation, and applied technology, while contributing to Azerbaijan's technological development, competitiveness, and knowledge-based economy.
What we aim for
Objectives
- 01Support the practical application and commercialization of research results developed by AzTU faculty, researchers, and students
- 02Build sustainable partnerships with companies, industrial organizations, public institutions, investors, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders
- 03Assist researchers in patenting, copyright, licensing, and related intellectual property processes
- 04Encourage students and researchers to create start-ups, develop business ideas, and participate in innovation programs
- 05Support joint research, prototype development, pilot projects, licensing opportunities, and applied innovation initiatives
- 06Enhance the university's contribution to technological development, economic growth, and national innovation priorities
What we do
Core Functions
- 01Intellectual Property ManagementIdentify, evaluate, protect, and manage patents, copyrights, utility models, know-how, and other intellectual property assets created at the university.
- 02Commercialization SupportAssess the market potential of research outcomes, support licensing processes, and help connect university technologies with industry demand.
- 03Industry Partnership DevelopmentEstablish and coordinate cooperation with companies, investors, accelerators, incubators, government agencies, and international innovation networks.
- 04Start-up and Entrepreneurship SupportProvide guidance to student and researcher teams on idea validation, business model development, mentoring, incubation opportunities, and investor readiness.
- 05Project and Grant SupportSupport innovation-oriented projects, technology validation activities, applied research proposals, and collaborative grant applications.
- 06Training and Awareness ActivitiesOrganize seminars, workshops, bootcamps, and consultation sessions on intellectual property, commercialization, entrepreneurship, and innovation management.
- 07Monitoring and ReportingCollect and analyze information on invention disclosures, patents, licenses, start-ups, industry contracts, and technology transfer outcomes.
Ecosystem
Partnership & Ecosystem
A broad collaboration network with government bodies, industry companies, and academic institutions
Government Institutions
Ministry of Science and Education, Intellectual Property Agency, and Ministry of Defense Industry
Industry Partners
SOCAR and Azərişıq for industrial application of research; Veysaloglu Group for AI integration in manufacturing
Innovation & SME Support
INNOLAND, SABAH.LAB and KOB Model Enterprise for entrepreneurship training and innovation-oriented support activities
Academic Partnerships
Baku Engineering University, National Aviation Academy, and Azerbaijan Technology University
Global reach
International Collaborations
- 01Leading Turkish UniversitiesIzmir Institute of Technology, Karadeniz Technical University, Yıldız Technical University, METU, and Gazi University — cooperation on digital transformation, open innovation, dual degree programs, joint labs, and collaborative research projects.
- 02European and Asian PartnersBrandenburg University of Technology and universities in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan — innovation and technology transfer cooperation under DAAD and Erasmus+.
- 03Defense and Technology IndustryMinistry of Defense Industry, ASELSAN, TÜBİTAK, and Turkey's technology ecosystem — joint scientific projects and technology transfer relations.
On campus
Innovation Center: Resident Companies and Partners
Companies and cooperation areas active within AzTU's campus
| Partner | Cooperation Area |
|---|---|
| Havelsan | Dedicated R&D centers operating within the university. |
| SAHA Istanbul | Azerbaijan hub of Turkey's largest defense industry cluster. |
| KOBİA | State support agency operating within the Technopark. |
| Technology & Educational Partners | Innovative organizations including Ordulu Texnologiya, Cezeri Lab, Peerstack, and Intech. |
Leadership
Head of Office
Mehmet Murat Ataman
Head of the Technology Transfer Office
Professional background
Biography
He completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering at METU (Middle East Technical University). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Engineering at AzTU.
He has worked as an engineer and manager in R&D and manufacturing at companies specializing in ceramics and refractory materials production in Turkey, Italy, and Spain.
Academic journey
Education
- PhD (2026–...)
AzTU — Materials Engineering
- Master's
METU — Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (in English)
- Bachelor's
METU — Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (in English)
Administrative team
Staff
Get in touch