ITU Cekirdek Growth is a boutique program that provides selected startups—successful on the Big Bang stage—with tailored support for 1 year to accelerate their growth and global expansion.
A boutique entrepreneurship program offering 1-year tailored support to startups that have succeeded on the Big Bang stage.
To help startups accelerate their growth and expand into global markets.
End-to-end support throughout your startup’s growth journey—from office space to coaching, networking, and sales.
Access to customized support and resources designed around your startup’s needs throughout the program.
Support during the company formation process to benefit from Technology Development Zone (TGB) advantages.
Access to fully equipped workspaces exclusively available to program startups.
Training programs covering key topics such as product, sales, marketing, and legal processes.
Performance-driven coaching with KPI setting and regular tracking.
Reach local and global networks including mentors, investors, and business leaders.
Specialized mentoring in areas such as sales, growth, and legal processes.
Benefit from a strong ecosystem experience and accumulated know-how.
Access and connect with potential customers through corporate networks and partnerships.
Professional communication and PR support for visibility in national media and digital channels.
Opportunities to take the stage, gain visibility, and develop business connections.
Exclusive networking events, expert meetups, and closed sessions for participants.
Opportunities for direct meetings and product/demo presentations with investors.
Personalized support for strategy, roadmap, and operations based on your needs.
Access to the right talent through career networks and ecosystem connections.
Benefit from experience sharing, collaboration, and strong connections with alumni startups.
Tailored sales mentorship and hands-on content to boost revenue and improve sales capabilities.
Revenue and investment growth of supported startups
Performance outcomes of startups within the Growth program.
Adlema, which develops leak detection devices for industrial products, added more than 150 companies including ASELSAN, TÜBİTAK, and Tofaş to its customer portfolio and started exporting to the Far East and Eastern Europe in 2023.
AlgBio, which produces biofuel, bioplastics, and chemicals from wastewater using microalgae, accelerated its global expansion through the WomenTech EU HORIZON project in 2023 and continues its operations in the U.S. market.
Archmir, which digitizes automotive accident and damage processes end-to-end through AI and image processing, received a $180K investment in 2021 at a $2.4M valuation and continues to develop damage assessment solutions for insurance companies.
Bulutklinik, which develops a digital health platform to improve the management processes of clinics and healthcare institutions, has reached thousands of doctors and millions of patients since its founding in 2017. It raised a total of $590K across two investment rounds in 2020 and 2021.
Byqee, which can convert any bicycle into an electric bike within minutes, won the “Most Loved Mobility Brand” award by public vote at the Autonomy Mobility Fair held in Paris in 2022. The startup continues its sales in Europe and has raised a total of $430K since its founding.
Classest, which brings teachers and students together through its online education platform and provides 360-degree educational support, now operates in 9 countries. The startup raised $84K in 2021 and continues to connect more than 1,600 teachers with thousands of students.
Esular, which enables water and energy management through its IoT-based wireless and battery-powered fully automated irrigation infrastructure, raised ₺4.7 million in 2023 and continues to pioneer sustainable agriculture.
Germany-based Fabrikatör supports e-commerce operators with next-generation forecasting solutions and operational automation, helping them make data-driven inventory and supply decisions. Following its $715K investment in 2023, it continues to serve e-commerce brands in more than 20 countries.
Electric scooter manufacturer and e-mobility infrastructure provider Hergele developed the in-warehouse picking vehicle WaMo in collaboration with Migros for logistics use and obtained a joint patent. The startup raised $200K in 2022 and continues its operations with fleets in Turkey and India.
Hummingdrone, which develops industrial unmanned aerial vehicle systems and enables dozens of producers in Türkiye to achieve healthier, lower-cost, and more ecological agricultural production, received investment in 2024 at a $1.6M valuation.
Kidolog is an online platform providing parents with 24/7 trusted consultancy services in 11 different categories before and after pregnancy. Operating in 20 countries with its expert team, the startup has raised a total of $715K across three investment rounds and increased its valuation 50-fold. In 2023, Kidolog acquired two different startups and continues to grow successfully.
With its IoT-based solution that detects forest fires before they spread, monitors air quality and noise levels, and alerts authorities when toxic or flammable gases are detected, Kozalak prevents delays that may cause ecological and public harm. The startup has raised a total of $140K across two investment rounds.
AI-powered translation platform Lugath was featured in Slator’s “2024 Language AI 50 Under 50” list. Having raised $120K in 2022, the startup continues to serve companies seeking to use translation and localization insights more effectively through its platform.
Lumnion, which develops an AI- and machine learning-based insurance pricing platform, was listed among DIA Community’s “Top 100 Insurtech Companies to Watch” in 2022 and 2023. It is SAP Fioneer’s first “Ampify Insurtech Partner” and also an AWS “Qualified Software Partner.” After raising $842K in 2024, the startup continues its operations in Türkiye and Germany.
Bringing technology and design together through its AI-powered pattern design software, Myth.AI has raised a total of $1.5M in seed funding since its inception and continues to operate successfully in both local and international markets.
Nanomik, which develops solutions to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, proved its success in both Europe and the U.S. by winning the DeepTech award at the European Union Climate LaunchPad competition and another award at the Biomimicry competition in the U.S. in 2019. The startup has raised a total of $1.3M since its founding.
Sensemore combines the data it collects from industrial machines with advanced AI algorithms to improve machine performance. It has sold to more than 70 corporate customers, including Ford, Siemens, Bosch, and Arçelik. Following its $300K seed investment at a $3M valuation in 2022, the startup continues operating in more than 15 countries together with over 25 global partners.
SIMULARGE develops specialized software for mechanical and aerospace engineering and works with leading Turkish corporations such as Unilever, Arçelik, and BriSA. The startup also joined the prestigious Alchemist Accelerator in the U.S. and has raised a total of $450K since its founding.
Stork Camper develops functional, aesthetic, and freedom-oriented solutions for nature and adventure enthusiasts. After completing product tests, it launched sales in 2021 and continues its operations by exporting to more than 10 countries.
TeklifimGelsin is a personalized financial marketplace platform where users can view their credit reports, compare tailor-made loan and insurance offers from financial institutions, and apply quickly based on their needs. In 2023, the startup completed its pre-Series A funding round with an investment raised at a $14M valuation and continues its growth successfully.
Teleporter brings gamers from around the world together in a single digital social universe using virtual reality technology and has been named among Europe’s top 100 most promising startups for two consecutive years. Its investors include the Draper family, known for backing global ventures such as Tesla, Skype, and Hotmail. CEO Dilara Keçeci was also featured in Fortune Türkiye’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list. In 2023, the startup completed its bridge round at a $20M valuation and continues to grow rapidly.
Social enterprise TOYI, which offers play experiences that support children’s imagination and creativity, has reached more than 225,000 children in over 16 countries. The startup raised $300K in 2020 and won the iF DESIGN AWARD in 2021.
Werover offers a health monitoring system for predictive and preventive maintenance recommendations and early-stage damage detection in wind energy, helping reduce operating costs. The startup works on the digitalization of renewable energy with AI-powered solutions and raised $400K in 2023 at a $5M valuation.
From Your Eyes focuses on enabling visually impaired individuals to access fast and high-quality visual descriptions through GPT and AI integration. With its mobile app, the startup has reached more than 27 countries. After receiving a ₺450K grant award in 2023 from İGA, AXA, and Petrol Ofisi, it won first place in Microsoft’s global Image Cup competition in 2024 and became eligible for $100K in funding.
Develhope, an Italy-based startup participating in ITU SEED, ITU Cekirdek’s program for international entrepreneurs entering the Turkish market, offers personalized career services and software developer training with a “pay only after getting a job” model. The startup raised €6M in 2023 and reached €1.5M in revenue the same year. After entering the Turkish market through ITU SEED, it continues its activities in Türkiye’s digital education sector, supported by an award from Foreinsvest at the 2023 Big Bang stage.
Using image processing and AI algorithms, Wyseye quickly and accurately detects vehicle damage and condition. The startup received pre-seed investment from ITU ARI Teknokent in 2023 and continues its work successfully to become one of the leading ventures in the insurance and mobility sectors.
Newky, which transforms smartphones into digital keys in the automotive and mobility sector, won first place in the 12th Future of Automotive Design Competition organized by OIB in 2023. Ranked among the top 5 startups receiving the most investment on the 2023 Big Bang stage, Newky also received pre-seed investment from ITU ARI Teknokent.
Pivony develops an analytics data platform that can integrate with both internal and external data sources of companies. Having received investment from Startup Wise Guys in 2021, the startup continues to work with more than 700 companies, including Vodafone, Akbank, and Samsung.
Abdullah Gül Üniversitesi
TINS Advisory Services
Vorwerk Group
Agile8
Matriks Finansal Teknolojiler A.Ş.
Aksa Akrilik
Viatris
Addwise.Me
PIAPEX
Param
Garanti Bankası
İTÜ Çekirdek
Sopu Academy
Liv Dijital Bankası
EnerjiSA
Kurucu, Yurdakul Hukuk Bürosu
Kurucu, X Mind Studio
Finans Uzmanı, Toptal
Cloud Security Alliance - Turkey Chapter/ENA VC
Kurucu, MG Legal | Hukuk Bürosu
Pazarlama ve Müşteri Deneyimi Direktörü, Stablex
Unilever
Sagra Grup
Peyman
Teknosa
Otokoç Otomotiv
Casper Bilgisayar
Aktif Bank
Flo Group
Flormar
Muratbey Gıda
Tchibo Türkiye
BluTV
L'Oreal Türkiye
Sahibinden.com
Sisal Şans
Vestel Pazarlama
Bupa Türkiye
Beymen Group
Jumbo Türkiye
Hopi
HUMM Organic
MediaMarkt Türkiye
MADO
Edenred Türkiye
