Hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), a meeting was held to strengthen university–industry collaboration in the production of surgical instruments and medical devices.

Chaired by Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı and held with the contribution of the Medical Industry Innovation Cluster Association (MEDİKÜM), the meeting focused on evaluating university–industry cooperation.

In addition to Governor Tavlı, the meeting was attended by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Chief Physician of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Ünsal Özgen, Chief Physician of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Kaan Gündüz, Rector’s Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Begüm Korunur Engiz, representatives of public institutions, Samsun Technopark administrators, and representatives of companies operating in the medical device and surgical instrument sector.

Efforts to strengthen inter-institutional coordination were discussed

During the meeting, the current state of the medical sector in Türkiye, OMU’s education and R&D activities in the medical field, the work carried out by medical companies within the OMU Technology Transfer Office and Samsun Technopark, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening inter-institutional coordination were discussed. In addition, joint areas of cooperation and a roadmap for the upcoming period were determined.

Samsun ranks first in Türkiye and third worldwide in this field

It was noted that Samsun, one of the major centers of surgical instrument production for nearly 40 years, has gained significant momentum in the sector following the establishment of the medical cluster in 2011. It was emphasized that nearly 40 companies operate in the city, providing employment for approximately 3,500 people, and that Samsun ranks first in Türkiye and third worldwide in this field. It was also reported that surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, operating room equipment, and various medical devices produced in Samsun are exported to approximately 120 countries.