ITU ARI Teknokent on Media
06.03.2026
ITU Çekirdek, the incubation center of ITU ARI Teknokent that provides 360-degree support to entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey, continues to serve as an Implementing Organization in the TÜBİTAK 1812 Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support Program (BİGG Investment) call for the 2026–2028 period. Within the scope of the program, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to establish their companies and receive investment support of 900,000 TL.
In the new period, ITU Çekirdek brings together expertise in industry, technology, investment and globalization under a single umbrella through a consortium formed with Togg, Plug and Play Tech Center, and Düzce Teknopark. By supporting entrepreneurs from the early stages, the program aims to accelerate their sustainable growth.
As a leading player in Türkiye’s technology-based entrepreneurship ecosystem, ITU Çekirdek continues its role as an Implementing Organization within the TÜBİTAK 1812 Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support Program (BİGG Investment) for the 2026–2028 call period. Since 2015, the ITU Çekirdek BİGG Program has guided early-stage startups in their journey to access 900,000 TL investment support, enabling 266 startups to receive more than 83.6 million TL in total TÜBİTAK BİGG funding. With this performance, ITU Çekirdek has reinforced its position as the most successful Implementing Organization of the program.
Building on this strong experience, the new phase of the BİGG Program aims to transform high-potential technology startups into value-creating companies capable of competing globally. The program is open to undergraduate, master’s and PhD students, recent graduates, academics, and professionals with private sector experience who wish to develop innovative solutions. Women, migrants, and entrepreneurs with disabilities are also specifically encouraged to apply.
One of the most important factors distinguishing this period from previous years is the investment strength provided by the Venture Capital Investment Fund (VCIF) launched last year by ITU ARI Teknokent. In addition to the support offered within the ITU Çekirdek BİGG Program, suitable startups will also be provided with co-investment opportunities, further strengthening their access to financing.
A Strong Ecosystem Empowering Startups to Go Global
Through the BİGG Consortium it leads, ITU ARI Teknokent brings together expertise in industry, technology, investment, and globalization under a single roof. The consortium includes ITU Çekirdek, Togg—the leading technology brand in Türkiye’s electric vehicle market—Plug and Play Tech Center, one of the world’s leading innovation platforms, and Düzce Teknopark, which plays an important role in regional development.
Within the collaboration with Togg, entrepreneurs gain access to smart, connected, and user-centric mobility technologies, along with coaching and mentoring sessions from Togg teams. Additionally, through the Togg Trumore Startup Program, carried out under the motto “More than a Car,” startups gain opportunities for global expansion and visibility. This collaboration enables startups to grow rapidly in areas such as mobility, artificial intelligence, and digital experience.
Plug and Play Tech Center offers entrepreneurs access to its global office network across 60 locations worldwide, along with opportunities to connect with more than 550 corporate partners and industry leaders. Startups can benefit from global business development and investment opportunities across 25 different sectors. In addition, through the AI Excellence Center, special support and scaling opportunities are provided for AI startups.
Düzce Teknopark provides entrepreneurs access to a broad network of over 200 mentors and more than 20 investors, as well as national and international training programs. With its laboratory and prototyping infrastructure, it supports prototype and product development processes. Through events, bilateral collaborations, internationalization programs, ICEBERG Demo Day, and the COSME–EEN European Enterprise Network, Düzce Teknopark contributes to startups’ growth and expansion into global markets.
Thanks to this comprehensive consortium and strong ecosystem, entrepreneurs receive strategic support in industry, technology, investment, and globalization, preparing Türkiye’s technology startups for success on a global scale.
Thousands of Startups Supported and Millions of Dollars in Impact in 14 Years
To date, over 90,000 applications have been received by ITU Çekirdek, and more than 5,500 startups have been supported. Among them, over 2,100 have incorporated, and these startups have collectively received more than $320 million in investment.
ITU Çekirdek offers entrepreneurs opportunities such as one-on-one meetings with more than 500 expert mentors, advantageous access to over 60 products and services including AWS, Google Cloud, iyzico and HubSpot, and networking opportunities with more than 90 investors. In addition, through the ITU ARI Teknokent VCIF, startups benefit from co-investment and post-seed investment opportunities, industrial design consultancy, and access to prototyping and laboratory infrastructure.
Entrepreneurs are also provided with one year of free Technopark office usage, tax exemptions, and access to national and international incentives, all designed to support their sustainable growth.
