TEKNOPARK İZMİR STARTUP OFFICE
The Technopark Izmir Startup Office (GO) offers entrepreneurs modern and high-quality infrastructure and superstructure facilities, as well as access to all the support mechanisms they may need to realise their business ideas and grow sustainably. In addition to physical facilities such as equipped workspaces, high-speed internet access, and meeting and event halls, entrepreneurs have access to value-added training programmes that provide guidance on company formation, business development, marketing, and investor relations, as well as mentoring support from experts in their fields and opportunities to build national and international networks.
Within the Startup Office (GO), structured acceleration programmes guide each startup through all stages of the entrepreneurship journey, from idea development and prototyping to commercialisation and expansion into international markets.
Startup Office Office Applications
Teknopark İzmir Startup Office provides technology-based startups up to three years old with office space as well as value-added services such as training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Depending on the current conditions of the technopark, startups can benefit from discounted rental support in co-working spaces or private offices. The aim of these supports is to help startups grow into sustainable and successful businesses capable of standing on their own.
The incubation period lasts for a maximum of 36 months starting from the company’s establishment date, and only startups younger than three years are eligible to apply. Following the application, entrepreneurs both undergo an expert evaluation process and deliver a presentation to the Teknopark İzmir Incubation Evaluation Committee. Startups that receive approval from the committee are admitted to the incubation office.
Within the Startup Office, early-stage startups are supported to achieve their first sales, grow their revenues, connect with corporate partners, and—if relevant—meet potential investors. To this end, the program offers tailored training, mentoring, and networking services.
SERVICES
Office Facilities
Co-working space or private office facilities for up to 6 months for entrepreneurs who have not yet incorporated their businesses, and up to 36 months for entrepreneurs who have incorporated their businesses.
Technopark Tax and Other Benefits
Various support and exemptions available to incorporated businesses under Law No. 4691.
Training and Events
Training and events tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in specific areas.
Mentoring
Opportunity to receive mentoring from leading experienced figures and academics in the ecosystem.
Acceleration Programmes
Structured acceleration programmes for all processes from the idea stage to the international market.
Technology Transfer Office Consultancy
Guidance on university-industry collaboration, intellectual and industrial property rights, and public support.
PROGRAMS
Accelerate İzmir
Accelerate İzmir is a specially designed program under the İzmir NIC Project for national and international growth-ready companies in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Clean Technologies. The program was successfully implemented for three terms within the scope of the İzmir NIC Project. Following the project’s completion, and under the framework of a signed protocol, the Accelerate İzmir Program has been continued by Teknopark İzmir in partnership with the İzmir Development Agency for the next five years.
As one of the few international acceleration programs in Türkiye, Accelerate İzmir is structured around three main pillars: training and mentorship, internationalization, investment and pitching.
The program admits startups and SMEs that:
- Have a specialized team,
- Have developed innovative solutions to sector-specific challenges,
- Already have customers or are ready to acquire them,
- Possess a completed product or service (TRL4+),
- Are growth-ready on a national and international scale,
- Have already received or are ready to receive investment.
Within the program, participants are provided with support in areas such as training, coaching, mentoring, investment access, internationalization, marketing, legal consultancy, and intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.
For more information: https://www.accelerateizmir.com/tr
BİGG Assist
As one of the 34 official implementing organizations in Türkiye, Teknopark İzmir carries out the BİGG.ASSIST Program under the scope of TÜBİTAK 1812 BiGG Entrepreneurship Support Program. This program supports entrepreneurs in transforming their technology and innovation-oriented business ideas into high value-added ventures with strong potential for qualified employment. It provides support throughout the entire process, from idea stage to market entry.
As an official implementing organization of the TÜBİTAK 1812 Program, Teknopark İzmir offers entrepreneur candidates a wide range of trainings and one-to-one mentoring sessions in areas such as basic entrepreneurship, business modeling, customer validation, business plan development, market research, and financial planning.
Who Can Apply?
As of the pre-application date*, individuals meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply to the Program:
- Students currently enrolled in any associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program at a university,
- Graduates of any associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program,
- Provided that they also meet the conditions below:
- Must not have previously received support under the Ministry of Industry and Technology’s Techno-Entrepreneurship Capital Support Program or the 2nd Phase of the TÜBİTAK 1812 Program,
- Must not be listed as a partner in any registered company as of the pre-application date.
*The preliminary application date refers to the date on which the business idea is submitted to TÜBİTAK by the Implementing Organisation via the eteydeb.tubitak.gov.tr address.
Applications to the programme are accepted into an accelerator programme that includes intensive training and mentoring services following a preliminary evaluation. Within the scope of this accelerator, the business ideas of the applicant entrepreneurs are transformed into qualified business plans. At the end of the programme, the aim is for the business plans of the entrepreneur candidates to be submitted to TÜBİTAK and for them to establish companies with support.
The partners of the BİGG.ASSİST programme, which is run by Teknopark İzmir, include İzmir Economy University and Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. Additionally, the programme's partners include Manisa Celal Bayar University, Celal Bayar University Teknokent A.Ş., İnci Holding, Cevher Digital Solutions, Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş., Siemens Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., and Balıkesir Teknokent.
Applications for the programme are accepted in line with TÜBİTAK's call schedule. Application dates can be tracked via announcements.
For Application: https://hub.izmirnic.com/
Pre-Incubation
The programme provides various training and mentoring support to help aspiring entrepreneurs who have not yet incorporated their companies or entrepreneurs who have just started the prototyping phase to develop their technology and innovation-based business ideas and make the necessary preparations for incorporation. Entrepreneurial candidates who qualify for the programme can access a co-working space, kitchen, internet, and other infrastructure facilities 24/7, as well as receive qualified services. The programme duration is 6 months.
Entrepreneur candidates accepted into the program are offered training and mentorship on topics such as Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Project Management, Customer Segmentation and Value Proposition Design, Basic FSMH, Financial Literacy, Alternative Financing Methods for Entrepreneurs, Marketing Communications and Presentation Techniques.
The programme is held once a year. Application dates can be found in the announcements.
For Application: https://hub.izmirnic.com/
Techno-Entrepreneurship Academy
Teknogirişim Academy is an open program designed for anyone interested in entrepreneurship but with no prior experience or knowledge. It is a program that promotes entrepreneurship, strengthens the entrepreneurial culture, and encourages individuals to take the first step toward becoming entrepreneurs.
This 2-day training program aims to provide participants with a fundamental perspective on entrepreneurship and innovation. It focuses on raising awareness, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, strengthening and internalizing the culture of entrepreneurship, and improving the quality of entrepreneurial skills and business ideas.
Within the Academy, training sessions are offered on Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, Basics of R&D and Innovation, Revenue-Oriented Business Models, Funding Sources for Entrepreneurs, Business Plan Development, Intellectual Property Rights, Presentation Techniques, and Company Formation Processes in Technoparks.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to anyone interested in entrepreneurship but with no prior experience or knowledge. Those interested in the programme can apply by filling out the application form with their personal information and business ideas. There is no selection/screening process for programme participation.
The programme is held twice a year. Application deadlines can be tracked through announcements.
For Application: https://hub.izmirnic.com/
