Edition: Next-Gen Leaders – Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026 | Volume 1

Innovation in 2026 is being driven by founders who blend technology, creativity, and global perspective—and Ozkan Oz stands firmly at the forefront of this next generation of entrepreneurial leadership.

Featured in Next-Gen Leaders: Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026 – Volume 1, Ozkan Oz is the Founder & CEO of SOFTECH TEXAS, a future-focused technology company redefining how NFC and smart digital solutions are integrated into modern business ecosystems. An award-winning entrepreneur, NFC expert, and patent holder, Ozkan represents the bold mindset shaping tomorrow’s digital economy.

Originally from Türkiye and now based in the United States, Ozkan brings a rare fusion of creative vision and technical mastery. With over two decades of experience as a Creative Director across TV stations and creative agencies, he has mastered the art of storytelling—transforming complex ideas into compelling, high-impact digital experiences.

Since 2009, Ozkan has been actively building and scaling ventures in the U.S., founding and co-founding multiple startups across industries. His entrepreneurial journey spans ideation, brand creation, product development, and global execution. As the holder of three patents and the recipient of prestigious honors including The Netty Awards, NYX Awards, Muse Creative Awards, and MarCom Awards, his work consistently bridges innovation with real-world impact.

Driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for problem-solving, Ozkan Oz exemplifies what it means to be a next-gen leader—one who doesn’t just adapt to the future, but actively builds it.

Inception Story

Ozkan Oz’s professional journey began in the creative world, where he built a strong foundation as a Creative Director, shaping ideas through design, storytelling, and innovation. Over the years, this role sharpened his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of how creativity can influence behavior, brands, and user experience.

Driven by a growing passion to integrate technology into everyday life, Ozkan gradually transitioned from creative leadership into entrepreneurship. This evolution led to the co-founding of SOFTECH TEXAS, a venture born from his desire to create meaningful, practical solutions that merge advanced technology with real-world usability.

Under his leadership, SOFTECH TEXAS has become a hub for NFC-based innovation, developing a diverse portfolio of smart products designed to simplify connection, interaction, and personalization. The company’s offerings include:

• QOIKY – NFC and GPS-enabled Smart Business Cards for seamless, modern networking
• CONIAX – Smart Magnets, Photos, and Canvases that enable interactive photo and content sharing with a single tap
• KORBLE – The world’s first NFC-enabled Smart Greeting Cards, allowing users to share personalized video messages
• BORBLE – Augmented Reality Coloring Cards that bring creativity to life through immersive AR experiences
• TAPY CAR, TAPPAX, PETIOX, and RINGOWE – Smart NFC-enabled tags designed for auto dealerships, luggage tracking, pet safety, and personalized gifting

Most recently, the company introduced Smart Gift Bags and Boxes embedded with NFC chips, enabling users to share personalized video messages while promoting sustainability through reusable, eco-conscious packaging.

Each step of Ozkan’s journey reflects a consistent vision: to bridge creativity and technology in ways that feel intuitive, human, and impactful. Through SOFTECH TEXAS, he continues to redefine how smart technology can enhance everyday experiences—transforming simple interactions into meaningful connections.

Future Vision and Source of Inspiration

Looking ahead, Ozkan Oz’s vision is firmly focused on positioning SOFTECH TEXAS as a global leader in NFC technology. At the heart of this ambition is a landmark milestone: the establishment of America’s first NFC chip manufacturing factory in Texas by the end of 2026. This initiative is designed to transform local production capabilities, accelerate innovation, and strengthen technological independence within the United States.

Beyond manufacturing, the company plans to continuously expand its product ecosystem, deepen global partnerships, and introduce next-generation NFC solutions that balance sustainability, usability, and meaningful user engagement. Each future step reflects a commitment to creating technology that is not only advanced, but also practical, responsible, and accessible.

Ozkan’s greatest inspiration has been his own journey. Navigating the transition from creative leadership to technology-driven entrepreneurship taught him resilience, adaptability, and the enduring power of creative thinking. Alongside this personal growth, his family has remained a constant source of strength, grounding his ambitions with purpose and perspective.

Equally inspiring are the customers who trust SOFTECH TEXAS and actively embrace its innovations. Their engagement fuels Ozkan’s determination to keep pushing boundaries, reimagining how NFC technology can enrich everyday experiences and shape a smarter, more connected future.

Notable Recognitions and Overcoming Challenges

Ozkan Oz’s entrepreneurial journey with SOFTECH TEXAS has been marked by significant global recognition and industry credibility. His work in NFC innovation has earned multiple prestigious honors, including NYX Awards, MarCom Awards, Netty Awards, and Muse Creative Awards, underscoring the company’s excellence in creativity, technology, and user-focused design.

SOFTECH TEXAS has also been featured in Yahoo Finance for its groundbreaking advancements in NFC-based smart products, further validating its growing influence in the global technology landscape. In the creative and gifting space, the company is a proud member of the Greeting Card Association, recognized for redefining the industry through innovations such as KORBLE Smart Greeting Cards, which merge emotional expression with digital interaction.

Strengthening its global footprint, SOFTECH TEXAS is an official member of the NFC Forum, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), and Licensing International, aligning the company with leading organizations shaping the future of consumer technology, standards, and innovation worldwide.

Alongside these achievements, the journey has not been without challenges. One of the most demanding obstacles has been protecting innovation in a highly competitive market, where intellectual property is paramount. Filing and securing patents across 52 countries for NFC-based products required persistence, strategic foresight, and rigorous compliance—but it was a crucial step in safeguarding the company’s technological edge.

Another ongoing challenge has been scaling operations while maintaining product quality and sustainability. As demand grows, ensuring consistency, environmental responsibility, and user trust has required continuous refinement of processes and solutions. Rather than slowing progress, these challenges have driven Ozkan and his team to innovate smarter, build stronger systems, and remain committed to excellence at every stage of growth.

Together, these recognitions and challenges reflect a journey defined by resilience, vision, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful, future-ready technology.