What Do TÜBİTAK Entrepreneurship Support Programs Include?

 

 TÜBİTAK provides various support mechanisms to entrepreneurs, industrial companies, and individuals with innovative ideas in order to strengthen research, development, and innovation activities in Türkiye.

 The main goal of these supports is to promote the development of technology-based projects, encourage innovative business ideas, and accelerate the commercialization process of startups.

 The programs do not only provide financial assistance.

 They also include mentoring, training, and technical infrastructure support for entrepreneurs.

 Through this structure, initiatives are supported from the idea stage all the way to company formation.

 In addition, these supports are an important part of Türkiye’s “National Technology Initiative” vision.

 Selecting the right program and managing the application process correctly is critical for the sustainability of projects.

 

Main TÜBİTAK Support Programs

 

 1812 BİGG INVESTMENT (Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support)

 1501, 1507, and 1707 R&D support programs

 Tax incentives and exemption schemes for supported startups

 

What Is BİGG 1812 Investment Program?

 

 The BİGG 1812 Program is a public support mechanism designed to help innovative and technology-oriented business ideas become reality.

 Within the program, entrepreneurs who have validated their ideas but lack sufficient funding receive investment, training, and mentoring support.

 This helps bring qualified startups into the ecosystem and contributes to job creation.

 

What Is Technology Readiness Level (TRL)?

 

 Before applying to the program, entrepreneurs must determine the Technology Readiness Level of their project.

 This assessment is carried out through a questionnaire provided by TÜBİTAK.

 A minimum level of 3 is required for application, while the ideal range is between levels 3 and 6.

 

Application Process and Selection of Implementing Organizations

 

 Entrepreneurs begin the application process by selecting one of the TÜBİTAK-authorized implementing organizations.

 Applications are not submitted directly to TÜBİTAK but through these organizations.

 Afterwards, registration is completed via the PRODIS system and the relevant acceleration program is applied for.

 Projects are evaluated based on innovation level, team structure, and R&D potential.

 Results are communicated to applicants via email.

 

Acceleration and Training Phase

 

 Startups with positive evaluations are included in the acceleration program.

 During this stage, training is provided on business model development, market analysis, and financial planning.

 In addition, mentoring support helps further develop the business idea and prepare it for investment.

 

Second Stage and TÜBİTAK Application

 

 After completing the training phase, startups are evaluated by a jury panel.

 Successfully selected projects are forwarded to TÜBİTAK and enter the official application stage.

 Technical support continues during this phase as well.

 

Panel Evaluation Process

 

 TÜBİTAK expert panels review projects in detail.

 Entrepreneurs present their projects in a short presentation.

 Presentations usually consist of 5 minutes of explanation and 5 minutes of Q&A.

 Results are announced officially, and the process is completed.

 

Who Can Apply to the Program?

 

 Applicants must meet certain criteria to participate in the program.

 They must have a technology and innovation-oriented business idea.

 Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

 They must be university students or graduates.

 They must not have previously benefited from similar public support programs.

 They must not be shareholders in any company at the time of application.

 Each applicant can apply with only one project.

 

Graduation and Partnership Status

 

 There is no graduation requirement for participation in the program.

 Current university students can also apply.

 However, individuals who are shareholders in a company at the time of application are not eligible.

 Those who have left their partnership before applying may apply if they meet other conditions.

 

2026 Funding Amount and Investment Model

 

 The BİGG INVESTMENT model is based on equity investment rather than grants.

 For 2026, the maximum support amount is 1,350,000 TL.

 In return for this investment, TÜBİTAK acquires a small equity share in the startup.

 This is generally around 3%.

 In some priority sectors, higher investment amounts may be provided.

 One of the main advantages of the program is that entrepreneurs are not subject to debt obligations.

 

Eligible Expenses

 

 Equipment and software used within the project are supported.

 Personnel costs may be covered.

 Consultancy services are included in the support scope.

 Prototype development expenses are also eligible.

 

Non-Eligible Expenses

 

 Taxes and VAT are not covered.

 Rent and utility expenses are excluded.

 Marketing and advertising costs are not supported.

 Office equipment and employee fringe benefits are not included.

 

Program Stages

 

 In the first stage, a business plan is prepared and developed.

 In the second stage, company formation takes place.

 In the final stage, R&D activities are strengthened and commercialization is targeted.

 

TEYDEB R&D Support Programs

 

 1501 program targets large-scale R&D projects.

 1507 program supports startups new to R&D activities.

 1707 program focuses on customer-driven R&D projects.

 1812 program supports entrepreneurship and company formation.

 

Differences Between 1501 and 1507 Programs

 

 1501 is designed for more experienced companies.

 1507 is intended for companies new to R&D.

 1507 offers a higher support rate and a more incentive-oriented structure.

 

Tax Benefits and Incentives

 

 Startups supported by TÜBİTAK can benefit from various tax advantages.

 Grant funds are exempt from taxation.

 Income tax withholding incentives may apply for personnel.

 Social security premium support may be provided.

 Additional tax exemptions are available in technoparks.

 VAT and customs duty exemptions may apply to machinery and software purchases.