What is the BİGG Investment Program?

The BİGG Investment Program, officially known as TÜBİTAK 1812 – Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support Program, is designed to support entrepreneurs in transforming their technology and innovation-focused business ideas into viable ventures. The program backs activities from idea stage to market entry. Entrepreneurs approved by TÜBİTAK receive investment support of up to 900,000 TRY in exchange for a 3% equity share through the TÜBİTAK BİGG Fund.

What is BİGG | İTÜ Çekirdek?

İTÜ Çekirdek has been serving as a 1st Phase Implementing Organization of the BİGG Program under the TÜBİTAK 1601 program since 2015, without interruption. Our activities are conducted in collaboration with our program partners Kapsül Incubation Center and Lonca Entrepreneurship Center.

With the 2nd Call of 2024, we have successfully enabled 258 startups to secure over 76.4 million TRY in TÜBİTAK BİGG support to date.

How Does the BİGG | İTÜ Çekirdek Process Work?

The TÜBİTAK BİGG process consists of two phases. The first phase—project evaluation and business plan preparation—is managed by İTÜ Çekirdek. The second phase is carried out by TÜBİTAK.

After passing the preliminary evaluation, applicants are admitted to Phase 1, where they begin an education and business plan preparation process. With the guidance of expert mentors and trainers, entrepreneurs develop their business plans. Successful participants are then referred to TÜBİTAK for Phase 2, which involves additional training, business plan evaluation, and a panel presentation.

Entrepreneurs who pass Phase 2 establish their companies within İTÜ ARI Teknokent and receive an investment of up to 900,000 TRY in exchange for a 3% equity share from the TÜBİTAK BİGG Fund. They also gain access to various trainings that support R&D and commercialization activities.

Throughout this journey, startups gain both the opportunity to advance in the BİGG Phase 2 process and a competitive edge in being accepted into the İTÜ Çekirdek Acceleration Program.

Who Can Apply to the BİGG | İTÜ Çekirdek Program?

• Individuals who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from an associate, undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral program at a university.
• Applicants who have not previously received support under the Ministry of Industry and Technology’s Techno-Entrepreneurship Capital Support or from the 2nd Phase of TÜBİTAK’s 1512 or 1812 Programs.
• Individuals who are not currently listed as partners (including sole proprietorships) in any registered business.
• Entrepreneurs with innovative, technology-based business ideas focused on R&D.
• Teams consisting of at least 2 members.

Why Choose BİGG | İTÜ Çekirdek?

Since 2015, İTÜ Çekirdek has been supporting entrepreneurs with technology-driven and innovative business ideas under the TÜBİTAK BİGG Program.

• We are one of the very first and most experienced Implementing Organizations of the BİGG Program.
• With 258 startups supported to date and more than 76.4 million TRY in grants and investments awarded, we have helped more entrepreneurs than any other program.

Isn’t now the perfect time to join the new BİGG term with the most successful support team?

What Are the Advantages of Joining BİGG | İTÜ Çekirdek?

Entrepreneurs accepted into the BİGG | İTÜ Çekirdek Program benefit from:

• Comprehensive training on project writing, entrepreneurship, R&D, commercialization, and financial planning.
• Further education on company formation, accounting, legal regulations, and compliance, upon being selected for support.
• Free office space at İTÜ ARI Teknokent incubation centers during the project period, if deemed eligible by TÜBİTAK.
• Tax and duty exemptions including VAT, income tax, and customs tax as a Teknokent company.
• Ongoing support during and after the project period—our entrepreneurs are never left alone.
• Access to a network of over 500 mentors to help develop their projects.
• Opportunities to tap into the extensive network of İTÜ and İTÜ ARI Teknokent.
• Support from over 75 partner organizations, helping them expand their business connections.
• A head start on the path to the Big Bang Startup Challenge, where 2.8 billion TRY in prizes, grants, and investments were distributed in 2024.
• More than 45 perks that offer exclusive discounts, subscriptions, and free services in areas like cloud systems, payment solutions, accounting tools, and lifestyle support.
• Networking events throughout the year to connect with other startups in the ecosystem.
• Seminar series featuring unicorn founders, investors, and global executives, offering knowledge, inspiration, and direct interaction.

Apply now to benefit from the exclusive advantages of İTÜ Çekirdek in the TÜBİTAK BİGG process!