
4 Turkish unicorns on how to support digital transformation and the start-up ecosystem
The 2020s mark an important period for Turkey with its entrepreneurial ecosystem advancing fast.
Sertaç is an accomplished technology strategist, digital transformation expert, and a recognized leader in fostering academia-industry collaboration. She holds a PhD in Digital Transformation, which underpins her deep expertise in guiding systemic change across sectors.
She served as a Steering Committee Member of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Türkiye, and as the country coordinator for the Closing the Skills Gap Accelerator. In her role as Adviser to the Minister of Technology, she led the development of several forward-looking national strategies and roadmaps.
Sertaç is deeply committed to bridging the skills gap in the technology sector through inclusive and future-focused education. She has contributed to numerous initiatives that empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to acquire coding skills and pursue technology careers.
She has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing national tools and frameworks, including a Digital Transformation Assessment Model and a regulatory sandbox to foster innovation in Türkiye. Her leadership, combined with her academic work, has helped create an ecosystem that encourages experimentation and technological advancement.
As a passionate advocate for the responsible use of artificial intelligence—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—Sertaç was selected as an Artificial Intelligence Fellow at the Atlantic Council, recognizing her visionary leadership and dedication to empowering others through emerging technologies.
She currently teaches "AI and Transformation Management" to a diverse cohort of university students at Istinye University, where she continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Sertaç’s journey is a powerful example for professionals striving to drive meaningful change and promote inclusivity in the technology ecosystem.