Koç University strongly believes in the importance of private philanthropic support in maintaining the quality of teaching and expanding research and development. The University collaborates both domestically and internationally with public and private institutions (universities, corporations, public institutions, research and development centers, the European Commission, etc.) in advancing the frontiers of teaching and research, and demonstrate strong commitment to fostering university-industry cooperation.

Sponsored professorships provide recognition for the distinguished achievements of faculty and comprise of funds named in honor of a donor that provide direct supplemental support for individual faculty members. They are established to attract, recognize and reward members of University faculty who are internationally acknowledged scholars of exceptional distinction, whose scholarly activity and accomplishments will enrich selected areas of research and teaching. The recipients hold elite faculty positions that represent prestige, leadership, and profound responsibility.

Three professorships already established at the University with contributions from corporate donors continue to serve as an attractive recognition label.

• Yapı Kredi Professorship in Finance / Associate Professor Oğuzhan Özbaş
• Koç Holding Professorship in Management and Strategy / Professor Zeynep Aycan
• Migros Professorship in Marketing / Professor Zeynep Gürhan-Canlı