Develop skills for your future
We provide hands-on learning opportunities, mentorship support, and a vibrant innovation community for all students, researchers, and alumni of Izmir University of Economics.
R.I.S.E.
What is R.I.S.E.?
R.I.S.E. is the comprehensive Research, Innovation, Skills, and Entrepreneurship umbrella framework established by the Izmir University of Economics. Designed as an integrated ecosystem, R.I.S.E. bridges academic excellence with real-world impact by empowering students, researchers, and innovators to transform creative ideas into scalable, market-ready ventures.
Research
Fostering academic inquiry, scientific discovery, and applied R&D endeavors across disciplines.
Innovation
Translating novel concepts and intellectual property into high-impact products and services.
Skills
Building core professional competencies, leadership traits, and micro-credentialed capabilities.
Entrepreneurship
Nurturing early-stage startups, pre-incubation pipelines, and sustainable business models.
Get Started
I want to develop my entrepreneurial skills
Explore programsI have an idea and need guidance
Book mentorship sessionI want to meet new people and network
Join the communityI want to participate in an event
Go to calendarI am looking for a space to work on my project
Visit R.I.S.E. HUBI am looking for an office for my startup
Book a tourPROGRAMS
R.I.S.E. Essential
R.I.S.E. Essential Digital Badge
Participants who successfully complete this program earn a verified “Entrepreneurship Foundations & Idea Validation” digital badge to showcase on LinkedIn and CVs.
Session 1: Finding Great Ideas
Learn how entrepreneurs discover opportunities and what makes an idea worth pursuing.
- Opportunity identification
- Idea generation
- Types of startups
Session 2: Validating an Idea
Discover whether potential customers truly want the product or service you are developing.
- Business models
- Customer validation
- Market testing
Session 3: Growing an Idea
Learn how startups attract customers and build sustainable business models.
- Marketing basics
- Growth strategies
- Founder experiences
R.I.S.E. Explore
R.I.S.E. Innovator Digital Badge
Upon completion, an internationally recognized “Applied Innovation and Field Discovery” digital badge is issued to verify interdisciplinary problem-solving achievements.
Gain Practical Experience! After R.I.S.E. Explore, You Will:
- Notice opportunities that others overlook
- Pitch your ideas with confidence
- Work more effectively in interdisciplinary teams
- Discover if entrepreneurship is the right path for you
Session 1: Finding a Problem Worth Solving
Learn how to identify real problems and opportunities around you. The best ideas start with understanding people’s authentic needs.
Session 2: Validating the Problem
Explore if the problem is worth solving. Learn how to talk to people, ask the right questions, and test your core assumptions.
Session 3: Idea Generation (Ideation)
Turn your insights into solutions. Use creative techniques with your team to generate, refine, and select the best concepts.
Session 4: Solution Validation
Test if your solution makes sense before investing time. Gather feedback, learn quickly, and iterate based on real user input.
Curious Without an Idea
Interested in entrepreneurship but don’t have a specific idea yet.
Problem Solvers
People who love creating innovative solutions for real-life problems.
Network Builders
Students looking to connect with peers from different disciplines.
Practical Learners
Those seeking hands-on field experience beyond traditional lectures.
R.I.S.E. Skills
R.I.S.E. Micro-Credentials & Skill Badges
Earn individual Digital Badges and Micro-Credential Certificates for each completed module (Teamwork, Pitching, Creative Problem Solving, etc.).
Students
Develop practical competencies and earn recognized ECTS credits.
Academics & Instructors
Integrate applied skill modules directly into your curriculum.
PhD Researchers
Strengthen professional and commercialization capabilities.
Teamwork
- Collaborate much more effectively
- Manage team dynamics and challenges
- Strengthen interpersonal communication
Negotiation
- Prepare professionally for negotiations
- Articulate your interests clearly
- Find win-win solutions for all parties
Networking
- Initiate conversations naturally
- Build lasting professional relationships
- Expand your network with confidence
Project Management
- Plan projects systematically
- Manage time and set priorities
- Keep processes moving forward decisively
Presentation & Pitching
- Craft a compelling presentation structure
- Hook the audience’s attention instantly
- Deliver impactful pitches with confidence
Creative Problem Solving
- Think creatively and systematically
- Generate innovative solutions
- Select the best solution with clarity
Reflection & Self-Assessment
- Evaluate your experiences effectively
- Identify strengths and growth areas
- Turn feedback into actionable growth
R.I.S.E. Academy
R.I.S.E. Advanced Researcher & Grant Writing Badge
Researchers who successfully complete the capacity building workshops earn an official verified digital badge validating their expertise in research grant writing and R&D project management.
- TÜBİTAK MAG Grant Writing & Proposal Development Info Day
- TÜBİTAK-ARDEB Health Sciences Proposal Writing Workshop (Medical Point)
- TÜBİTAK SOBAG Legal Sciences Project Writing & Information Session
- TÜBİTAK 1711 AI Ecosystem & TEYDEB Industry Support Info Session
- Horizon Europe General Info Day & EU Project Writing Workshop
- ERC & MSCA Individual Research Grants Information Session
- Erasmus+ Info Days & KA220 Cooperation Partnerships Workshop
- TÜBİTAK Bilateral International Cooperation Programs (Albania / Brazil) Session
- Research Skills & Career Development Workshop with Prof. Dr. Luciano Saso
- FEBS Workshop: Educational Research for Faculty Members (Prof. Luciane Mello & TLC)
- FEBS-Supported Effective CV Preparation Workshop for Young Researchers with Dr. Keith Elliott (Manchester)
- Career Skills Workshop with Prof. Dr. Cecilia Arraiano (Lisbon) (Erasmus+)
- The RNA Revolution in Medical Sciences Seminar with Prof. Dr. Cecilia Arraiano (Erasmus+)
- Invention Disclosure, Patentability & Commercialization Training Session
Faculty & Senior Academics
Researchers seeking to maximize national/international grant success and manage IP/commercialization pipelines.
Early Career Researchers & Post-Docs
Scholars establishing their academic roadmap, preparing TÜBİTAK 3501/2218, MSCA, and ERC proposals.
PhD & Graduate Candidates
Post-graduate candidates looking to turn thesis topics into funded R&D projects and acquire global career skills.
R.I.S.E. CCIS
R.I.S.E. Creative Incubator Digital Badge
Projects completing pre-incubation and incubation phases earn an international digital badge verified in “Creative Industries Entrepreneurship & Business Model Design”.
Phase 1: CCIS Pre-Incubation
Design thinking, analyzing the commercialization potential of artistic/cultural concepts, target audience identification, and creative concept validation.
- Design Thinking
- Cultural Value Mapping
- Prototyping & Concept Testing
Phase 2: CCIS Incubation
IP and copyright management, specialized business models for creative industries, grant/funding mechanisms, brand studio support, and investor pitch preparation.
- Intellectual Property (IP) & Rights
- Creative Industry Finance
- Go-to-Market & Branding
Designers & Artists
Creators seeking to transform creative work into sustainable business models.
Digital Media & Game Developers
Entrepreneurs building startups in gaming, content creation, and new media.
Cultural Practitioners & Architects
Project leaders focused on spatial, cultural, or social impact ventures.
Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurs
Innovative teams intersecting technology with creative industries.
Meet Our R.I.S.E. Ambassadors
Our R.I.S.E. ambassadors are leaders who foster an innovation culture across their respective disciplines, guiding and inspiring students and researchers throughout the ecosystem.
Yeliz Koç Erikan
Yağmur Büyükkurt Kahraman
Oya Gül Evcil
R.I.S.E. HUB
R.I.S.E. Hub, tüm R.I.S.E. programlarının kalbinde yer alan, fikirlerin fiziksel ve dijital projelere dönüştüğü ortak üretim merkezimizdir. İzmir Ekonomi Üniversitesi kampüsü içerisinde konumlanan bu mekanda ön kuluçka, kuluçka, mentörlük ve prototipleme faaliyetleri tek bir çatı altında yürütülmektedir.
Coworking Space
Flexible workspaces equipped with high-speed infrastructure where entrepreneurs and researchers work in an inspiring environment.
Pre-Incubation & Incubation Area
Dedicated workspaces assigned to early-stage teams from idea validation through incorporation.
1-on-1 Mentorship Rooms
Private meeting rooms for strategy and business model consultations with expert mentors, academics, and industry leaders.
Event & Pitching Stage
A dynamic venue hosting hackathons, investor pitches, digital badge awarding ceremonies, and community workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is R.I.S.E. for?
IUE R.I.S.E. supports all students, researchers, and alumni of Izmir University of Economics who want to step into entrepreneurship and innovation.
I only have an early-stage idea; can I still get in touch?
Yes. You don’t need a formal business plan, incorporated company, or fully developed concept. You can reach out even with an initial idea or a simple question.
How soon can I expect a response to my application?
We strive to respond to all appointment and advisory requests as quickly as possible.
Are mentorship and advisory services paid?
No. All mentorship, guidance, and incubation services provided under IUE R.I.S.E. are completely free of charge.
How can I book a mentorship appointment?
Simply click the “Book mentorship session” button and fill out the contact form. Our team will get back to you shortly.
What happens during the first mentorship session?
During the initial meeting, we evaluate your idea, answer your questions, and determine the most suitable support mechanisms together.
Can I attend sessions together with my team?
Yes. You can attend advisory and incubation sessions individually or together with your entire co-founding team.
I’m not sure if my idea is viable; should I still apply?
Absolutely. That is precisely the purpose of the mentorship process—we help you refine your concept and define your next strategic steps.
Can I get information on general topics?
Of course. You can contact us via email regarding any questions about our programs, upcoming events, or R.I.S.E. HUB.
Where is R.I.S.E. HUB located?
R.I.S.E. HUB is located within the Project Development and Technology Transfer Office (IUE-TTO) on the IUE Campus.
Ready to Begin Your Entrepreneurial Journey?
Whether you have an established team or just a spark of curiosity; R.I.S.E. is your gateway to the world of innovation at Izmir University of Economics.
