December
December
Grand Black Sea Forum
Hosted by Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), the Grand Black Sea Forum will take place in Trabzon on December 10–12, 2025. The event aims to strengthen regional cooperation and contribute to sustainable development goals by bringing together academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and public institutions from across the Black Sea Basin.
The Grand Black Sea Forum is organized as part of the project “Transnational Technology Transfer Network for the Black Sea Basin (T3N-BSB)”, which is financed under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme. The project is led by KTU Technology Transfer Application and Research Center (KTU TTC) in partnership with:
The Forum will serve not only as a platform to disseminate the results achieved within the T3N-BSB Project to a wider audience, but also as a starting point for future research, innovation, and transnational cooperation efforts across the Black Sea region.
The event expects participation from over 400 stakeholders representing at least four different countries, promoting real-time collaboration among target groups.
Target Audience
Date: December 10–12, 2025
Venue: Karadeniz Technical University, Prof. Dr. Osman Turan Congress and Culture Center
The Forum will feature seminars, panels, thematic workshops, B2B meetings, and project contests, focusing particularly on the following thematic areas:
Click here for the event program!
Seminars
Four separate seminars will present promising technologies developed in Türkiye, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, promoting cross-border knowledge exchange and adoption. In addition, an information seminar titled “Why and How Should I Protect My Idea?” will provide participants with insights on how to legally protect their ideas, inventions, and innovative projects.
Thematic Workshops
Four distinct workshops will be organized:
Workshop 1 – International Project Development and Consortium Formation
Participants will focus on developing project ideas, reviewing application forms, and forming consortia within the context of an international (open or upcoming) grant program, particularly in the areas of blue economy, low-carbon economy, and climate change adaptation and sustainability.
Click here to review the workshop content and apply!
Workshop 2 – University-Business Collaboration Development
Researchers and company representatives will come together to share knowledge and experience, addressing real R&D needs and exploring opportunities for collaboration. Participants will better understand sectoral challenges, apply academic knowledge to real-world problems, and work on developing joint project ideas, assessing suitable grant programs, and forming consortia.
Click here to review the workshop content and apply!
Workshop 3 – Business Idea Evaluation and Mentoring
Designed as a special session where entrepreneurs and idea owners can have one-on-one meetings with experts to evaluate their ideas, receive mentoring, and gain professional feedback. Participants will identify areas for improvement and strengths, and receive guidance on commercialization processes.
Click here to review the workshop content and apply!
Workshop 4 – Patent Research
A practical session on how to conduct effective and accurate patent searches in databases, evaluate the patentability and novelty of inventions, and use major patent search platforms such as Google Patents and Espacenet. Participants will assess the patenting potential of their own inventions and develop appropriate strategies.
Click here to review the workshop content and apply!
B2B Meetings
At least 20 one-on-one matchmaking sessions will be organized among researchers, students, entrepreneurs, companies, public institutions, business support organizations, and clusters to explore joint project development, investment opportunities, and knowledge exchange.
Click here to specify your area of expertise and the profile you wish to meet!
International Project Contest
An international project contest featuring at least 40 projects will be held, offering participants the opportunity to showcase their projects and technologies and win various awards based on innovation, feasibility, and impact criteria. Participants will also have the chance to present their work to experts, stakeholders, and investors, enhancing their regional, national, and international visibility.
Click here for more details and to apply for the Contest !
Contact Information
For any questions about the Grand Black Sea Forum, or to discuss potential contributions, please contact KTU TTC experts.
Email: ktutto@ktu.edu.tr
Phone: +90 462 377 1690
