Industry and SME Empowerment Program
Celebrating excellence in technology transfer and innovation across D-8 Member States.
About the Award
The Technology Transfer Award (TTA) is an annual recognition program initiated by the D-8 Technology Transfer and Exchange Network (D-8 TTEN). It honors the most impactful technology transfer contracts among D-8 Member States and the wider OIC community.
By rewarding innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration, the award strengthens the bridge between research institutions, industries, and governments. It highlights the importance of turning research outcomes into real-world solutions that benefit communities, economies, and global sustainability.
Objectives
The Technology Transfer Award was established to:
Promote a culture of innovation and research commercialization within D-8 Member States
Recognize outstanding contributions from innovators, researchers, and industry partners
Encourage the transfer of R&D outcomes into viable businesses and products
Foster stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and governments
Eligibility & Participants
The Award is open to:
Universities and research institutions in D-8 Member States
Startups and SMEs engaged in technology transfer
Industry partners and companies that collaborate in research commercialization
Contracts must be signed or financially transacted within the year of nomination and should be conducted in D-8 and/or OIC member countries.
Award Highlights
USD 10,000 cash prize for the winning contract
Recognition certificate signed by the D-8 Organization and D-8 TTEN Secretaries
Free participation in a D-8 TTEN event (including travel and accommodation)
Global visibility and promotion across all D-8 Member States
Past Achievements
Since its inception in 2016, the Technology Transfer Award has recognized outstanding projects across industries such as pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
Highlights include:
A $20 million collaboration between Iran’s AryoGen Pharmed and Malaysia’s Inno Bio Ventures for biosimilar drug development (2015)
The joint technology transfer of anti-cancer drugs between Iran and Turkey (2021)
A nanotechnology device agreement between Iran’s Fanavaran Nano-meghyas and Malaysia’s Progene Link (2022)
These success stories demonstrate the Award’s role in supporting innovation and fostering long-term international partnerships.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the D-8 TTEN Award Committee, consisting of leading experts and scientific representatives.
Contracts are evaluated based on:
Community impact: Contribution to sustainable development goals and D-8 areas of cooperation
Enterprise value: Financial worth, market potential, and cost-effectiveness
Technology level: Patents, R&D strength, and innovation scale
Transfer method: Effectiveness of the chosen technology transfer approach
Impact & Benefits
Winners and nominees of the Technology Transfer Award gain:
Increased global recognition for their achievements
Opportunities to connect with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders
Access to international collaborations and markets
Strengthened visibility in the global innovation ecosystem
How to Apply
Interested organizations and companies can apply by following these steps:
Prepare the required nomination documents (contract details, supporting materials, impact statement)
Submit your documents through the relevant Ministry of Higher Education in your country
The Ministry forwards nominations to the D-8 Secretariat via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
👉 Applications for TTA are open until February 10, 2024 via D-8 TTEN Official Website.
For inquiries, please contact: d8@gtu.edu.tr | +90 262 605 1203
Scientific Committee Members
Dr. Mehmet Gokturk
Position
Dr. Mehmet Sahin Gok
Position
Dr. Reza Asadifard
Position
Are you ready to showcase your innovation to the world?
Apply today and join a community of pioneers driving transformation across D-8 Member States.