Dr. Derya Çağlar is a distinguished executive, strategist, and academic who has been serving as the CEO of Ostim Teknopark Technology Development Zone since 2015. With a robust background spanning public policy, innovation financing, and regional development, she has played a pivotal role in positioning the institution at the very center of Ankara’s science and technology ecosystem. Throughout her tenure, she has successfully spearheaded high-impact projects, including the establishment of Ankara's only accredited angel investment platform, OSTIM INP, and the launch of PROTA Technology Manufacturing Center—one of the region’s first fully-equipped prototyping centers. With her experience in strategic development, innovation financing, and ecosystem building, she continues to support technology-based entrepreneurship and product development processes that strengthen regional competitiveness.
Dr. Çağlar has extensive experience in public policy, strategic partnerships, and regional development. Prior to her role at Ostim Teknopark, she served as Head of the Strategy and Business Development Unit and Coordinator of the Investment Support Office at the Ankara Development Agency, where she contributed to regional development planning and investment promotion processes.
On a national and international scale, Dr. Çağlar is a deeply respected voice in science and technology policy. She regularly serves as an evaluator and jury member for major national innovation programs under KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK. Globally, her contributions extend to her role as an Executive Board Member of the South East European Science and Technology Parks Alliance, as well as her active engagement with UNESCO-supported initiatives aimed at aligning scientific advancement with sustainable development goals.
Dr. Çağlar’s multidisciplinary expertise is built upon a stellar academic foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Middle East Technical University (METU), a Master’s degree from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Decision Theory from Purdue University. She began her professional career in the United States as a faculty member at California State University, Fresno, where she conducted National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research focused on urban water management. Combining academic rigor with visionary execution, Dr. Çağlar continues to drive the transformation of science parks as primary catalysts for sustainable, tech-driven economic growth.