GSA INNOVATION

SUMMIT

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

📍 CEMAL RESIT REY CONCERT HALL

Where Innovation MeT Global Excellence

In Istanbul, participants converged for a key highlight of the Global Grand Finale days: the GSA Innovation Summit.

This prestigious gathering, staged in the vibrant historical and cultural heart of the city, united stakeholders of our global competition, presenting a carefully curated lineup of the world’s most groundbreaking startups.

Attendees enjoyed exclusive insights into innovations that are redefining industry standards, catalyzing social change, and paving the way toward a more sustainable future.

ATTENDANCE DATA

650+

ATTENDEES

100+

NATIONALITIES

250+

ORGANIZATIONS

30+

SECTORS

THE VENUE

Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall, a distinguished venue in Istanbul, provided an inspiring backdrop for the GSA Innovation Summit. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and elegant design, this iconic concert hall offered the perfect setting to foster innovation.

Its grand acoustics and vibrant atmosphere brought together stakeholders from around the globe, making it an unforgettable location to celebrate the future of entrepreneurship.

THE PROGRAM

REGISTRATIONS

ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION

Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed at the registration desk, ensuring a smooth start to their day. This provided a moment for introductions and a chance to align expectations for the exciting day ahead.

WELCOMING WORDS

OPENING REMARKS & KEYNOTES

The day kicked off with inspiring welcoming words and keynotes, setting a powerful tone for what was to come. Attendees were energized by the vision and purpose shared, paving the way for impactful conversations.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

INSIGHTFUL PANEL DISCUSSIONS

The summit featured a series of thought-provoking panels where experts discussed trends, challenges, and opportunities across various industries This was an incredible opportunity for attendees to gain insights on the pressing issues shaping the ecosystem.

VIP NETWORKING

VIP NETWORKING LOUNGE

Our exclusive networking lounge allowed VIP attendees to connect in a more intimate setting. Here, valuable conversations took place, offering opportunities for collaboration and building relationships that would last far beyond the event.

SPECIAL SEGMENT

WOMEN FOUNDERS’ STAGE

A special segment highlighted pioneering female founders in the emerging Turkish market, celebrating their achievements and contributions. This inspiring moment left attendees motivated, showcasing the impact of these inspiring women in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

NOTABLE KEYNOTEs BY PARTNERS

Our summit opened with keynote speeches from Garanti BBVA and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, whose steadfast support has empowered the growth of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Their visionary insights underscored the significance of collaboration and innovation, setting an inspiring tone for the day ahead and reaffirming a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of startups in Istanbul and beyond.

Erol Ozguner, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality

Sibel Kaya, Garanti BBVA

KEY PARTICIPANTS

OUR PANELISTS AND SPEAKERS

MINE DEDEKOCA

FOUNDER, START-IST
ERSAD ZOR

HEAD OF DATA, STARTUPCENTRUM
SHEIKH MANSOOR BIN KHALIFA AL-THANI

CHAIRMAN, MBK HOLDING
ATTILA SANDOR

PRESIDENT, MEOUT GROUP
CO-FOUNDER, XO GROUP
HAMID ALIBEIKI

INNOVATION PROGRAM DIRECTOR, ONE GLOBAL HUB
JO GRIFFITHS

FOUNDER, GLOBAL INNOVATION INITIATIVE GROUP (GIIG)
KAAN EREN

PRINCIPAL, 500 EMERGING EUROPE
OMAR ABEDIN

FOUNDER, PTH VENTURE STUDIO
ASLI KURUL TÜRKMEN

MANAGING DIRECTOR, ENDEAVOR TÜRKIYE
KORAY BAHAR

CO-FOUNDER, FIGOPARA
NEVZAT AYDIN

CO-FOUNDER, YEMEKSEPETI
ÇAĞLA GÜL ŞENKARDEŞ

ASS. PROFESSOR, ISTANBUL BILGI UNIVERSITY (HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION
SEZEN SUNGUR SARAL

FOUNDING PARTNER, REEDER
SEVIN BALLIKTAS

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, USERSDOT
TANJA DZIDO

PERSONAL BRANDING STRATEGIST
MEAGHAN BURNS

CO-FOUNDER, DUNYASI VENTURES
ALI ERHAT NALBANT

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, ARF
ISMAIL HAKKI POLAT

LECTURER, KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY
KIARASH VAHEDI

FOUNDER AND CEO, PAYBYBIT
SELIN OZ

MANAGER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP BANKING
BATU ŞAT, PhD

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, MALL IQ, INC (LOCATIQ)
MEHMET GÜLEZ

PRINCIPAL, SERVICES BUSINESS LEAD, TÜRKIYE AND AZERBAYCAN
MEHMET ONARCAN

FOUNDER, MENTORS NETWORK TÜRKIYE
SADRIYE GÖRECE

CO-FOUNDER, BLINDLOOK
FERIDUN AKTAS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GARANTI BBVA TEKNOLOJI
SIDDHANT DANGI

CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, NEXSTEM
CAN KAGITCIBASI

SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR / INVESTOR / MENTOR
MUSTAFA UCAR

HEAD OF CYBER SECURITY SERVICES, NETSYS
OZAN SONMEZ

BRUTALLY HONEST FOUNDER AND ANGEL INVESTORS
CAGLAR ICER

PARTNER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, INSIDER
BERKAY MIMAROGLU

LEADING PARTNER TECH BUSINESS, MICROSOFT SOUTHEAST EUROPE
OGUZHAN BASEGMEZ

CO-FOUNDER, MINDBEHIND (INSIDER)
BORA GEMICIOGLU

MANAGING PARTNER, GEMICIOGLU LAW OFFICE
BELEN BASKAN

TALENT STRATEGY DIRECTOR AND TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA, GAMING AND AVIATION SECTOR LEADER, WTW
DR. EROL OZGUNER

CIO, THE ISTANBUL METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY
HADEER SHALABY

FOUNDER, FREEZIANA.COM
NILAY AYDOGAN

FOUNDER, STUDIO PLUS
PELIN GONUL SAHIN

FOUNDER, FOUNDER BEING
New List Item

FOUNDER, MELON & LUMOLEAD
ALLAN HERMANSEN

COO, SWAP LANGUAGE
SIBEL KAYA

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SME BANKING, GARANTI BBVA

VIP NETWORKING SESSIONS WITH ONIKI

Our VIP networking sessions, hosted by Oniki, offered an exclusive environment for meaningful connections among industry leaders, investors, and founders.

With Oniki’s expert facilitation, attendees had the opportunity to engage in impactful conversations, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations, enriching the summit experience with invaluable networking moments that extended far beyond the day’s agenda.