I consider myself a disciple of comic book characters; they’ve been my ticket to liberation from the constraints of reality. It all began with the eccentric tales of Nasreddin Hodja from my childhood, teaching me the value of breaking the status quo. There’s nothing quite like the potent mix of humor, art, and wisdom to challenge the mind.

My formative years were filled with the surreal inventions of Porof. Zihni Sinir in Gırgır, the bestselling humor magazine of the 1980s. Internationally, legends like Robin Hood, the outlaw with a heart of gold, and Martin Mystere, the Detective of the Impossible, fueled my curiosity to explore the universe and its boundless possibilities.

As I matured, TÜBİTAK’s Science and Technology magazine took the reins from comic books, offering the same thrill and making scientists my new heroes. Following in their footsteps, I embarked on a PhD program abroad. However, a moment of clarity led me to step away and seek meaning beyond the confines of libraries.

It was a sobering realization to learn that over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, put together with the fact that the United Nations was founded four decades after FIFA and had 10% fewer members. These paradoxes of our civilization compelled me to question our approach to societal issues.

In my quest for love, peace, freedom, and happiness for all, I’ve adopted an inclusive impact innovation mindset that transcends financial and technological metrics. I firmly believe that without stimulating social progress and creating shared value globally, local prosperity is unsustainable. It’s not just about distributing resources fairly or tolerating less innovative regions; it’s about understanding that a few big ideas or selected innovation leaders cannot solve global challenges alone.

My journey has taken me through both the vibrant streets of San Francisco and the rugged deserts of Afghanistan. In both, one commonality struck me with pride: the presence of Turkish entrepreneurs and brands, reminding me of the potential for global collaboration. Innovations may be conceived in high-class labs by geniuses, but their deployment and impact require broader collaborative alliances.

I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with remarkable individuals across borders, and I extend my deepest gratitude to all those driving science, research, and innovation forward.