Turkey is the shining light of South Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Since 2017, the Turkish startup ecosystem has risen to a new level, credited to the government's implementation of a host of rules that support the ecosystem, the continual improvement of the startup environment, and success stories that follow one after the other. Through start-up initiatives, accelerator programs, and a diverse range of international events; Turkey operates as a bridge linking local players with global entrepreneurial networks.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all incubator and accelerator programs in Turkey that can assist you in launching and growing your startup. The incubators and accelerators in this list have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages.
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN TURKEY
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Turkey
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Turkey:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Game, Animation
ATOM, short for Animation Technologies and Game Development Center, is a pre-incubation center for teams working in or interested in game development and animation technologies. Founded in 2008, the center's goal is to grow the industry and establish a healthy ecosystem for sector players by giving different supports for a year, including workspace, technical and physical infrastructure, university-industry cooperation, mentor support, education support, business development support, and other events.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Deep Tech
Cube Incubation is Turkey's first and only deep technology-focused accelerator and incubator. Since its founding in 2014, they have nurtured 291 initiatives and assisted in the development of 102 products. They provide programs for various startup stages and verticals, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and overcome various challenges. They also offer world-class infrastructure such as modern workspaces, laboratory and clean rooms, cyber security laboratory, server room, and others.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Life Science, Hardware
Nuvege is a life Science and hardware-focused incubation center that provides end-to-end assistance for early-stage entrepreneurs. With their life science lab, machine shop, co-working space, and one-on-one coaching and mentoring, they help high-tech entrepreneurs get started. They provide a tailored program for each team; helping you expedite your prototyping and find quick answers to possible challenges as you embark on your startup adventure.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
KWORKS aims to be a center of entrepreneurial activity on the Koç University işli campus in Turkey; aiding entrepreneurs in developing long-term, scalable technological enterprises. With KWORKS, you can tap into their resources to plan for the next stages of establishing your company. They help entrepreneurs turn an idea into a business, from the initial concept through the launch, and collaborate with entrepreneurs in the areas most crucial to the development of their new businesses such as product development, customer development, company growth, operational infrastructure, and so on.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Founded by Yıldız Technical University in 2003, YTU Star Technopark is Turkey's Fastest Growing Technopark that continues to be the leader in its sector by by maintaining their position in the Technology Development Zones 2021 Performance Index issued by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. They offer key initiatives in artificial intelligence and software, and provide full assistance to startups with over 330 R&D projects and 120 incubator projects.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Etohum aims to support entrepreneurs with expertise and ideas regarding the new economy who wish to start their own online enterprise. They act as a marketplace for ideas, bringing together firms, investors, and specialists to establish a supportive entrepreneurial atmosphere and an ideal setting for business growth. Selected entrepreneurs will be mentored and guided as they prepare their business plans, and they will be given the opportunity to present their proposals to investors and corporations. Entrepreneurs will also be provided with office space, consultancy, and a variety of other services.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
To support the commercialization of business ideas, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce formed BTM, a social framework that provides free services to innovative entrepreneurs. They offer various startup programs that facilitate the commercialization of ideas and their growth after commercialization. This includes pre-incubation, incubation, and post-incubation program that involves training and seminars, one-on-one consultancy, mentor assistance, investor matching, demo day events, and others.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Founded in 2011, ITU Çekirdek has become an ideal space for tech startups at various stages to grow and succeed in the market. Since their inception, they have supported over 4000 businesses, with 1200 firms successfully incorporated and a total of 2 billion TL in total investments received by 200 of their graduate startups. As a member, you may benefit from tailor-made mentorship, investor and corporate partner meetings, entrepreneurship training and workshops, and other members-only incentives.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Launched in 2017 by the Acıbadem University, the Acıbadem University Incubation Center aspires to be a center that generates and imparts information and knowledge by using their worldwide expertise to support entrepreneurs developing creative solutions. The center assists in growing innovative business ideas in the field of health, transforming them into products, and putting them into operation.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Turkey
Full list of launch-stage startup incubators and accelerators in Turkey:
SUCool
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
SUCool strives to encourage technology and R&D-innovation-based ideas at an early stage and assists in the discovery of real-world solutions to real-world challenges. To make entrepreneurs more prepared and accelerate faster in achieving worldwide success, they offer training, business development coaching, fundraising assistance, and strategic consulting.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Incubation Istanbul assists entrepreneurs with innovative ideas through training, coaching, academic consulting, and office and laboratory assistance. As part of the community, you may attend their events with ecosystem entrepreneurs, investors, and business experts from many sectors. You can also participate in their acceleration programs to get your company to launch, or access their resources such as management toolkits, workshops, and lectures that will provide you with the information you need to propel your enterprise ahead.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Founded by Özyeğin University in 2011, the Fit Startup Factory offers multiple startup programs designed to help Turkish entrepreneurs build high-potential, long-term tech businesses. Their programs provide training, networking, mentorship, and unique advantages to entrepreneurs, targeted for startups at various stages including pre-incubation for early-stage entrepreneurs seeking product-market fit, acceleration for startups with an MVP and a prototype that want to grow rapidly, and growth-stage startup accelerator programs involving clients and users.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
TİM-TEB Girişim Evi Ofisleri is a business development center that offers various incubation and acceleration programs as well as initiatives that creates and strengthen innovative firms and entrepreneurial startups. Their programs assist startups in the creation of company ideas, building business models and plans, and assuring the development of their projects.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: AgriTech
WorkupAgri is an agriculture-focused program that supports the growth of technology startups with a sustainable and scalable business model for the agricultural sector ecosystem. Within the six-month hybrid program, various agricultural vertical issues will be addressed and participants will work alongside mentors and experts to develop their business plans and technologies to increase efficiency, protect nature, or contribute to climate action.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Big Data / Analytics Services, Internet of Things Solutions, Smart Logistics Solutions, Mobile Technologies, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence Technologies
BulDoZer is a corporate innovation and entrepreneurship initiative by Zer, one of Turkey's largest purchasing firms. The program's purpose is to help startups accelerate their growth by providing them with access to Zer's large customer and partner network, as well as access to their industry expertise.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Insurance
The HackZone Open Insurance Program is a one-month marathon for insurtech entrepreneurs interested in testing innovative products with Allianz. Taking a design-thinking approach, the initiative allows companies to build and deliver new solutions alongside the Allianz Turkey team.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Mobility, IoT, Energy, Materials, Logistics
As a renowned worldwide open innovation platform, Plug and Play Istanbul is constructing an inclusive environment to promote collaboration and experience sharing across enterprises, entrepreneurs, and institutions. Intended to shape the Fourth Industrial Revolution, they offer acceleration programs that involve pilots and proof of concepts, as well as possible partnership opportunities with numerous Turkish businesses, manufacturers, and technology providers.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Hackquarters is an innovation platform that brings entrepreneurs and corporates together to build tomorrow's enterprises! They offer multiple initiatives that facilitate cooperation and collaboration between startups and corporations and assist entrepreneurs in expanding their operations.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Endeavor offers tailor-made support programs by Endeavor Mentor Networks for Endeavor Entrepreneurs, active entrepreneurs who are inventive, foster sectoral growth, provide new job possibilities, and serve as role models for both their industry and society. As an Endeavor Entrepreneur, you may benefit from exclusive mentoring and business development support, consultation with subject matter experts, a variety of local and international networking opportunities, special executive education programs from prestigious schools, and access to finance and support from the initial stages to negotiation.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Social Entrepreneurship, HealthTech, HRTech, Crowdfunding, AdTech, Bigdata, FinTech, InsurTech, Machine Learning, SaaS, Image Processing Technologies, Blockchain, PayTech, Islamic FinTech, Chatbot, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Business Models, IoT, EduTech, Analytical Modeling
Albaraka Garaj is the startup acceleration center of Albaraka, a Turkish banking group. At Albaraja Garaj, your technology-based company ideas/projects are encouraged and provided with Albaraka's resources to help you build and implement your business quickly. Selected startups may benefit from training programs and seminars, access to a consultant network, and networking with Albaraka's senior executives. Additionally, the Albaraka API platform will allow access to all of Albaraka's banking infrastructure, and proof-of-concept work will be carried out with their bank. Companies that successfully complete the accelerated program will get a grant of up to 50,000 TL and priority investment from Albaraka CVC.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Startupbootcamp Istanbul is a world-class acceleration program aimed at IT startups. Over the course of three months, selected startups will participate in an intensive program designed to help entrepreneurs scale their game-changing technological companies. Startups will receive funding and incubation space, as well as intensive coaching focused on the shape, build, and sell stages of product and company development. The program culminates in a Demo Day where startups can pitch their firms to over 250 investors and partners.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Workup accelerates companies by providing support to startups where it is required, facilitating collaborations, and allowing them to expand quickly through the Workup Entrepreneurship Program. During a period of six months, they provide chosen entrepreneurs the chance to operate at Kolektif House Levent, including office space, mentorship, training/events, support packages (perks), and business contacts. They also provide support in training such as testing business models, market research and customer development, team building and management, sales and investment presentation preparation, and other additional content appropriate for the needs of your startups in the growth process.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Established in 2006, Inovent is Sabanci University's technology commercialization and seed fund. They enable the commercialization of early-stage technology by focusing primarily on academia-based entrepreneurship and offering programs for startups at various stages.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
ITU MAGNET provides services and a supportive environment for advanced-level entrepreneurs and startups who have already transformed their ideas into products. They bring the ecosystem's actors together and contribute to the creation of new technology and startups. Located in the Technological Development Zone, they offer more than a physical working area but also the know-how accumulated from ITU's deep-rooted background, affiliation with talent and resources, laboratory facilities, and numerous innovative services.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Multiple Sectors
Created by idea capital, Innovate 21st is an acceleration and investing program that aims to provide a broad knowledge base as well as venture capital support to entrepreneurs. Innovate21st invests in firms that provide alternatives to traditional systems with measurable positive environmental and social impact. Startups selected for the funding will participate in the acceleration program to assist them to build their businesses, improve their market shares, and reach a larger network. Within 24 weeks, startups will focus on driving business growth and accelerating market penetration.
Growth Stage Startup Accelerators in Turkey
Full list of growth-stage startup accelerators in Turkey:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: 5G Technologies, Gamification Technologies, Artificial intelligence, Retail Technologies, Digital Products and Services, Energy Solutions, Supply Chain Technologies, Social Media and Information Services, Smart Grid Solutions, IOT / Smart Cities, Regulation Technologies, Gaming and E-Sports, Health Technologies, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Educational Technologies, ICT Products, Blockchain, Finance and Insurance Technologies, SaaS, B2B Business Solutions, Big Data Solutions
TT Ventures, a subsidiary of Türk Telekom Group, a state-owned Turkish telecommunications company, was founded in 2018 to assist the operations of startups and mid-level companies with strong development potential. Aside from direct investments, they offer the support you need to grow your startup in the TT Ventures Entrepreneurship Universe. For instance, you may apply to Türk Telekom's startup acceleration program PILOT to pilot your technological innovation with the firm.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Social, Cultural, and Environmental Impact
Connecting people and organizations that are driving change, imece is a social innovation platform that provides impact startups with resources and initiatives to help them create impact. Imece impact is imece's impact accelerator program for growth-stage start-ups that promote the 2030 SDGs. With the aid of their personalized solutions, they will assist in the acceleration of the social and environmental impact that start-ups make and help them become investment ready. They also host the imeceLAB program, an open social innovation laboratory where young people can collaborate to discover solutions to social, cultural, and environmental concerns.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Since 2015, TM TEB Entrepreneurship Houses has guided the ecosystem with its unique programs in the acceleration and growth stages to ensure the sustainability and quick expansion of established technology firms in Turkey. They assist entrepreneurs in accessing the ecosystems of other nations through global cooperation, including Global Up programs that give practical help for businesses to prepare their fundamental strategic plans for export, among other startup services.
Who is it for: Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Innogate is an acceleration program that links Turkish technology businesses with potential consumers, investors, and business partners in global markets to aid their internationalization. They offer training, consulting, and coaching to aid in the startup's expansion, covering topics such as GTM Narrative Development, GTM Assets / Channel Creation, Test & Learn - Initial Iterations, and Test & Learn - Optimizations. The program also entails a UK Market Discovery, where selected firms will be flown to the United Kingdom to meet with potential investors, clients, and partners.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Turkey
As a result of the Turkish's government active and vocal support of the Turkish startup ecosystem, they have provided a number of initiatives and laws that facilitate the development and growth of businesses in the country. With the abundance of rising startups, venture capital firms, and startup support programs, The Turkish startup ecosystem has entered a new phase; placing it high among the upper echelons of rising markets.
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