Established in 2011 with the visionary approach of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and ITU ARI Teknokent, ITU Çekirdek Incubation Center has been supporting technological ventures across various industries since its inception. Its primary goal is to help startups develop scalable and fast-growing business models.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ITU Çekirdek has been ranked as the number one university-affiliated incubation center globally by UBI Global. The center provides all the essential support an entrepreneur might need on their journey, including training, consultancy, mentorship, networking, corporate partnerships, press and PR support, and funding, to inspire technology entrepreneurs at different stages and contribute to their market success.
By fostering partnerships with corporate firms, investment networks, and professionals who can benefit startups, ITU Çekirdek offers entrepreneurs a broad platform. This platform enables collaboration or customer relationships between organizations and startups while also granting investors access to a diverse pool of innovative projects.
Recognized as one of the most prominent entrepreneurship centers in the region, ITU Çekirdek collaborates with over 120 esteemed corporate partners, including the Energy Market Regulatory Authority and the Electricity Distribution Services Association (EPDK/ELDER), the Automotive Exporters Association (OIB), Elginkan Foundation, Agesa, Eczacıbaşı, Enerjisa, Pegasus, and Yandex, as well as more than 80 investment networks and investors. With their support, ITU Çekirdek continues to provide more opportunities and resources to a growing number of entrepreneurs every year.
To date, ITU Çekirdek has received over 75,000 applications from more than 35 countries and all 81 provinces of Turkey. It has supported over 4,900 startups and more than 11,400 entrepreneurs, witnessing countless success stories along the way. Among the startups it has supported, 1,800 have incorporated, achieving a combined valuation exceeding $3 billion, securing over $270 million in investments, and generating revenues surpassing $220 million.