International investment for ‘Scootable’

Emrecan Durmaz, a student of Izmir University of Economics (IUE), who developed the software infrastructure that enables electric scooters and bicycles to work with the initiative he founded, called ‘Scootable’, received an investment from EIT Urban Mobility, one of the largest companies in the European Union (EU). EIT, who choses companies that will add innovation to their work with the aim of reducing carbon footprint within the scope of the Green Consensus, decided to become a partner of Scootable as a result of the examination made among many companies in Europe. Stating that they are proud to be partners with a very big technology company like EIT, Durmaz said, “They became a partner with a 2 percent share. Of course, it's not about the share, it's important that they see us as worth investing in by following our work. We want to represent our country in the best way by expanding our network abroad.”

Emrecan Durmaz (29) from Izmir enrolled in IUE Sustainable Energy Master's Program in 2022. Durmaz, who completed his undergraduate education at Izmir Institute of Technology (IYTE) Department of Computer Engineering, focused on preparing the software infrastructure of electric scooters and bicycles, which have been increasingly used recently.

2 COMPANIES IN SWITZERLAND AS WELL

Growing his business quickly in Izmir, Durmaz started to work with 2 companies in Switzerland as well as Turkey. Standing out with his achievements in the field of micromobility, Durmaz succeeded in becoming one of the few companies entitled to receive investment from EIT Urban Mobility, one of the largest companies in the EU.

MORE COMMON IN EUROPE

Stating that they achieved lasting progress in a short time, and that they were happy to know that their work is appreciated in Europe also, Durmaz said, “Recently, we have started to see electric scooters and bicycles on the streets a lot. We can easily obtain them through various mobile applications. While producing these vehicles or creating a system for companies, there are software infrastructure that need to be done. This is exactly what we, as a company, do. The rate of use of electric scooters and bicycles is much higher in Europe than in our country. The use of such scooters and bicycles is encouraged across Europe, as reducing the carbon footprint is also a key priority under the Green Consensus. EIT Urban Mobility invests in companies that will develop themselves in terms of producing environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies. It carries out a thorough examination by evaluating many companies in this regard. Receiving investment from EIT is everyone's expectation. We are very happy to have this opportunity.”

IT WILL PROVIDE MANY ADVANTAGES

Durmaz stated the following: “EIT now owns 2% of our company. I cannot share material data as they are very sensitive in monetary matters. However, there are more benefits to partnering with EIT than financial support. It is a great prestige to build such a partnership. It is also an indication of how accurate, comprehensive and realistic our work is. We will now be able to attend all trainings organized by EIT. EIT will give us great support in terms of business environment, namely networking. In this way, we will be able to meet new world-famous brands and explain our work to them. Our goal is to expand our foreign market, and thus to represent our country deservedly. EIT provides investment support to only 3 percent of the companies that apply to them. We made it in the 3 percent segment among many valuable companies from many countries.”

FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABILITY

Stating that he has been interested in technology from an early age and reflected this on his career choice, Durmaz said, “I am progressing in an area that I love and enjoy working in. If you're doing what you love, it's easier to be successful. While I was studying computer engineering, I already had in mind to focus on micromobility. However, while doing this, I wanted to undergo a qualified education on sustainability. Because micromobility and electric scooters or bicycles also mean sustainability. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, Head of Division of Sustainable Energy at Izmir University of Economics has many studies and international publications in this field. At this point, I had no hesitation in choosing Izmir University of Economics. They've been very supportive of me. I am very glad to choose this university. We will continue on our way by further developing in the field of micromobility.”