Get to know the Inspire teamBeyza Binnie

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, where you grew up and your career journey to date?

I was born and raised in Izmir, Turkey. I have a rich Greek, Bulgarian, and Bosnian background. As a daughter of architect parents, I made a rebellious move and became an industrial designer, having an amazing education. I worked as a designer for over a decade and lead various design projects; from the fast furniture industry, to fish farm design, wind turbine blades and medical equipment design. I was a Vice President of the Industrial Designers Society of Turkey (ETMK) for over 6 years, and worked with Izmir City Council as a board member for over 5 years. I started my MSc degree at Middle East Technical University (METU) as an industrial designer in 2013, however, life had other plans for me. In 2014 I accepted an award for my role in ETMK. There was a mix-up with the prize and I didn't get the award in the end, however, I met the head of TTO there and my journey as a Technology Transfer Officer started.

Over the years I trained in Intellectual property rights through the European Patent and World Intellectual Property Offices. I combined my designer perspective and my Intellectual property experience to work as a designer in the spin-out company I co-founded, and led a centre supporting academics to work with designers and make prototypes for their inventions and business ideas. Here I supported SMEs with design thinking workshops to boost their creativity.

 

What is your greatest accomplishment in life?

In 2018 I obtained a fully-funded scholarship and moved to Glasgow for my Master's degree in MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology. I must say, it is one of my biggest achievements! I am keen on facilitating inventions from research to the commercial world. I am passionate about the way we technology transfer officers support academics, filling the skills gap and guiding their invention to meet with the real world. I am proud to facilitate this journey through Strathclyde Inspire.

In late 2019 an opportunity presented itself within Catherine Breslin’s IP and Commercialisation team and I jumped at the chance to become part of the team. Since then, I have received my Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) Certification which is another huge accomplishment in my career.

What is your role at the University of Strathclyde and what are your main responsibilities?

In short, at Strathclyde University, I support the Engineering Faculty, Strathclyde Business School, and Law Separtment, and lead the IP & Commercialisation activities of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and Social Enterprise spin-outs of the University.

I support the teams I work with by identifying Intellectual Property and commercialising University-owned IP via licensing or spin-out. I support them through the stage gate process and with external funding applications and investment opportunities. I organise IP training, value proposition workshops, and ‘ask me anything about IP and Commercialisation’ webinars. I also help Social Enterprise spin-outs to form their new ventures, by teaming up with external stakeholders like FirstPort and Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS).

What’s something you’re planning on doing in the next year that you’ve never done?

I am a person who likes a challenge and am always ready to leave my comfort zone. For the upcoming academic year, I am planning to work even more closely with NMIS and I hope to manage a team in the future. For now I will be in a leadership role since I am going to be a new mother!