ITU ARI Teknokent on Media
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme has reached a major milestone, surpassing 15,000 business exchanges between aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced business owners across Europe and beyond.
In Türkiye, the programme is supported by several organisations, including İTÜ ARI Teknokent, which has helped 12 entrepreneurs participate in cross-border business exchanges in just one-year period.
As an official Intermediary Organisation under the SEEDBridge consortium, İTÜ ARI Teknokent supports entrepreneurs in accessing international markets, developing strategic partnerships, and gaining hands-on experience through cross-border exchanges.
Since its launch in 2009, the programme has supported 30,000 entrepreneurs across 43 countries, fostering cross-border collaboration, accelerating business creation, and strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
SMEs represent 99% of all EU businesses and are central to innovation, employment, and economic growth. By enabling entrepreneurs to learn from each other, EYE supports the creation, development, and internationalisation of these businesses.
Tangible results for entrepreneurs and businesses
Through hands-on exchanges, participants gain practical skills, expand networks, and access new markets. Participant feedback points to consistent benefits for both new and host entrepreneurs:
Driving competitiveness and inclusion
By enabling knowledge exchange among businesses with social, digital, and green impact, EYE helps SMEs adapt and grow in a changing economy. The programme also strengthens cross-border cooperation, contributing to a more integrated and resilient European Single Market.
EYE supports more inclusive entrepreneurship, with women representing 52% of new entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead
Building on this milestone, the EYE programme will continue expanding its reach and impact, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and supporting a competitive, innovative, and sustainable European economy.
What participants say
Berkay Yılmaz, EYE New Entrepreneur:
“The EYE programme helped me turn PhishSolve from a strong idea into a market-ready cybersecurity solution through mentorship, real-world experience, and valuable international connections.”
The programme is implemented by a range of intermediary organisations across Europe. Information on eligibility and participation is available on the programme website.
As İTÜ ARI Teknokent, our engagement in the EYE programme strategically complements our wider entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem activities across Türkiye and the region by bridging local startups and SMEs with international markets, cross-border knowledge exchange, and high-impact collaboration opportunities within the European innovation landscape.
Applications for entrepreneurs are open all year round! Visit www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu for more details and information on how to apply.
İTÜ ARI Teknokent EYE Office
