I’m Merve Yildirim. I graduated from Yeditepe University Genetics and Bioengineering. I am currently in the last year of my PhD. I am also co-founder of Cellestetis Biotechnology. I have been working on the development of smart molecules for cancer, obesity and wound healing treatments for many years. All these researches made me realise that we should offer personalized solutions instead of solutions for everyone. For this reason, we started to work in the field of personalized medicine at our company Cellestetix.
After working in the laboratory for many years, I thought that all the research done should have a meaning. Technologies that only stays in laboratory would not help anyone. Somehow, these technologies need to reach people and help them. We have been thinking a lot about establishing our stat-up but it was scary. It was like our dream but we didn’t know anything about business. Therefore, it was difficult to start. One day, me and my partner were sitting after a long lab day, one of our supervisors came to us and told “you should definitely establish your own company, future is star-ups” and that was the sign. We looked at each other and we were shocked. We have been talking and working on it for a long time but I think we were waiting for someone to say this to us. After few days of this conversation we developed our first genetic test and officially established Cellestetix Biotechnology.
My biggest motivation is to be a model for young scientist. I want them to see us and be encouraged. When I became an entrepreneur, I did not know economics, management or business. But when you get involved into this world, you learn things that are not even mentioned in books. Life outside is never like what was taught in school. That’s why you need to go out and explore. Entrepreneurship is like stepping into a cold pool. At first you are afraid because you know what will happen to you. However, when you slowly put your foot in and get used to it, you realize that it is very enjoyable. Especially . Especially I don’t want women to be afraid. As a female entrepreneur, I am ready to support all women who need help in this field. A woman can do anything as long as she wants.
We are trying to do what has not been done both in our country and in the world. We never mimic what is done before. We always want to move ourselves and company forward. Technology is unstoppable. Therefore, you should read, look, search and know new technology trends. We are always looking what is happening all around the world and ask ourselves so what can we do to solve these problems.
We were finalist in the Female Entrepreneur of the year competition. We are currently finalist in category of the Star-up of the year. Results will be announced soon. We also participate international congresses and seminars. It is our biggest dream for Cellestetix to be recognized by the whole world.
The pandemic has had positive effects in our industry. The pandemic showed the whole world how important biotechnology is. In this Covid-19 period, even the health system collapsed in some countries. All states have realized that investment in biotechnology is needed. It seems that investments in biotechnology will surpass the defense industry in the coming years. It has been understood that countries cannot develop without science and technology. Also, let’s not forget that BionTech is a start-up too. Although it was an enterprise, it produced the technology that the whole world needed. In other words, we have learned that startups can now produce technologies that the whole world can use. For this reason, biotechnology startups will be able to find serious investment opportunities in the next 5 years.
Cellestetix develops personalized genetic test kits. We analyse these test results with artificial intelligence algorithms and offer personalized solutions. We have tests in many areas from Genetic Check Up to Nutrition Genetics. Our aim is to help people lead a life in accordance with their own genetic information. We develop products by analysing the needs of people according to genetic test results. For example, we noticed that so many people have cellulite predisposition in the population. With the studies we have done in this field, we have developed a smart cosmetic product with plant derived nanoparticles. In 1-2 weeks, our first smart cosmetic product, BioBurn, our slimming and cellulite product, will be on the market. Later on, we plan to develop similar products for stretch marks, hair and skin wounds. Our plan is to launch all of our products whose R&D studies have been completed within a year.
Definetly! Everyone has a talent. Some can sell , some develop very good trade and some develop very successful projects. Entrepreneurship is the combination of all these features. So, as you said, if all talents are colors, when these colors come together, a colorful picture emerges. We can call this unique and beautifully painted painting entrepreneurship. Or we can think of entrepreneurship as ceramics. Whatever shape you give it becomes that and if you do not take the necessary care, it will break.
