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ITU SEED SLIDER 2

Bridge to Global Growth

ITU SEED Acceleration Program boosts startups to go global with countless opportunities in one of the best metropolises in the world; Istanbul.

What is ITU SEED International Startup Accelerator?

At ITU SEED, we have hosted thousands of startups over the last 13 years and accompanied them in their global success stories. Join us at ITU SEED International Startup Accelerator! Develop your startup in the world’s best university incubator, take advantage of countless opportunities and commercialize your products quickly.

Technology-based qualified human power

Tax benefits

Access to global and local investment

The total value of our startups exceeds 3 billion dollars.

Geographical proximity to both the European and Middle Eastern markets

Cost-efficient environment

Our Ecosystem

What does the program offer to Entrepreneurs? Investors? Stakeholders? Mentors?

Entrepreneurs

Tax exempted office space in Istanbul, ITU ARI Technopark
Financial Center of Turkey
Networking with Corporate Companies & Investors
Live presentation to global and local investors
Mentorship
Workshops
Business Development
Talent Pool
Prototyping Labs
Near €50 million in awards, cash and investment
Access to global market

Investors

Access to startups in the region
Demo days specific to investor focus
Co-investment
Investment reports
Participate in the Global Demo Day

Stakeholders

Intrapreneurship
Open innovation
B2B matchmaking with corporate companies and startups
Demo days specific to industry/corporation-needs focus

Mentors

Online Mentorship Platform
Connection to Hundreds of Startups
Mentor Club Network
Open Innovation

ITU SEED with Numbers

13400+

Supported
Entrepreneurs

97

Different Countries

5500+

Startups

$320 M+

Investment

13000+

Employment

Program Journey for Entrepreneurs and Startups

What did they say?

I found most of the content valuable, and it's been great learning about the startup ecosystem in Türkiye. Some relevant introductions have been provided, and one of them is looking promising.

Being part of the ITU SEED program has been a valuable experience for BigDot. The mentorship is strong, and the sessions are practical and engaging. We especially benefited from the pitching and pitch deck session, which helped us better communicate our value. We’re grateful for the support and highly recommend the program to entrepreneurs looking to grow.

As a Georgian cleantech/agritech startup, being part of the ITU SEED program has been a transformative experience. Not only did it expand our vision, but it also helped us see Turkey, our neighboring country, as a strategic gateway for future market expansion beyond Georgia. The mentorship, exposure, and regional insight we’ve gained are now directly shaping our go-to-market strategy and long-term scalability. ITU SEED doesn’t just support startups, it equips them to think globally while acting locally. We truly hope this journey will lead to meaningful partnerships, especially with the ITU SEED, to strengthen cross-border innovation and regional collaboration.

Participating in the ITUSeed program exceeded all my expectations. The scientific insights and hands‑on experiences were impressively diverse and immensely valuable. This program will remain a benchmark in my career, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other startups planning to apply next year.

Being part of the ITU SEED program has been a valuable experience for us. The access to mentorship, structured support, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem has helped us sharpen our focus and make meaningful progress on our product and growth strategy. It's a great environment for early-stage startups looking to build with clarity and confidence. We're grateful for the support and look forward to continuing the journey.

Being part of the ITU SEED program has been a valuable experience for our startup. The mentorship, structured environment, and access to a strong network have helped us sharpen our business model and focus on our growth strategy. We truly appreciate the support and are excited about the journey ahead!

We were excited to join the initial workshops of the ITU Seed Incubation Program. The 5-week training sessions were packed with valuable insights, hands-on mentorship, and practical frameworks that helped sharpen our business strategy. A great experience for any early-stage startup!

Incredibly structured and detailed program, creates a great environment to entrepreneurs to kick of their ideas in Turkey.

Participating in the ITU SEED program has been an incredibly valuable experience for our team. The program provided us with hands-on mentorship, practical tools, and access to a strong network that helped us refine our business model and accelerate our growth. It gave us both the confidence and the resources to take our innovation to the next level. We are truly grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend ITU SEED to any startup looking to scale and create meaningful impact.

The ITU SEED program has been very thoughtfully designed and the coordinators very flexible. Great talks and sessions from experienced and helpful speakers.

I am very happy with the ITU SEED program so far. The sessions have been very valuable, especially in helping me better understand the Turkish market. I would appreciate 1:1 mentorship in the future for more personalized guidance tailored to my startup’s needs. I also see strong opportunities for expansion and collaboration with other participants. The program motivates me to strengthen our commercial strategy, balancing our donation-based model with sustainable sales. Through ITU SEED, I believe Humanos 3D can take its impact to the next level.

It’s been a great opportunity for our company . It’s made it easier for us to expand operations in Turkey with the insights received so far and the technical support and we hope to even grow further from this.

Participating in the ITU SEED accelerator over the past month and a half has been a truly enriching experience. The workshops have given us valuable insights into the Turkish market—which we found to share many similarities with Brazil—and helped us better understand how to position our inclusive technology solutions locally. The support, structure, and expertise provided by the program have been instrumental in opening new opportunities and connections for our team. We’re grateful for the experience and excited about the potential to grow within this ecosystem.

I really like the format of the programme and the people are super friendly, very welcoming and super nice. I also like the perks of the programme which can accelerate our startup (as being bootstrapped is hard).

ITU SEED was a game‑changer for us. The program gave us tax‑free office space, expert mentorship, investor access, and a gateway to Turkey, Europe, and MENA markets. Thanks to their support, we refined our strategy, connected with key partners, and accelerated our growth. Highly recommended for startups aiming for global scale. — Ahmad Himtal, CMO, LivestockWays "

As an ex-director of Founder Institute Moscow (fi.com) and a participant of YC Startup School: I would add an element of familiarization between startups. I would divide them into groups of 4-5 projects and offer to tell about their project (elevator pitch) and at the end of each session I would offer to choose the best and give each project a recommendation through the feedback form. We went through this program and didn't even recognize each other.

I’m truly grateful for our experience with ITU. The session was so valuable that I rewatched it several times, it gave us clarity on shaping a key feature of PRORSUM to better address youth unemployment. Special thanks to Mert and Aytug for their continuous support and thoughtful guidance. ITU didn’t just educate us; it inspired us to build with greater impact and confidence. I’m proud to be part of this community.

The ITU Seed Accelerator has provided valuable insights into the Turkish market and culture. The program features highly knowledgeable speakers who are approachable and responsive, enabling a supportive learning environment. Much of the content is thoughtfully designed for companies in their earliest stages of growth. To further enhance the experience, it would be beneficial to facilitate introductions to organizations and partners interested in collaborating with international companies. Additionally, some of the training sessions were scheduled at times that posed challenges for participants based on the U.S. West Coast, making live attendance difficult.

The ITU SEED program has been highly beneficial, offering us valuable guidance on the Turkish market and effective strategies for navigating it. This has significantly boosted our confidence in succeeding in the region.

Joining ITU SEED’s Cohort 2025 was a turning point for Strivvy. The program paired us with experienced mentors who helped refine our business model and sharpen our go-to-market approach. We gained access to a supportive global network that opened doors to valuable partnerships and opportunities. Most importantly, the structure and focus of ITU SEED accelerated our progress, giving us the clarity and momentum to grow our vision for the future of game coaching.

With ITU SEED’s guidance, we gained 11 clients in just one month. The team’s support, practical techniques, and market knowledge truly guided us through the challenges of market research. The mentors and organizers are invaluable for Türkiye’s startup ecosystem and for any venture aiming to scale. Applying to ITU SEED was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Thank you for recognizing Waiter Call’s potential, this program truly makes a difference.

Participating in the ITU SEED program has been a highly valuable experience for Your Accessible Flight. The program provided a supportive and inspiring environment that helped us refine our business model and explore collaboration opportunities in Türkiye. Connecting with experienced mentors gave us clearer direction in scaling our deep tech startup, while the international perspective prepared us for future global growth. We’re grateful to be part of this ecosystem and confidently recommend ITU SEED to startups aiming to scale with impact.

The Big Bang Startup Challenge event and ITU SEED program had a very positive impact on our startup. We improved our strategy, pitch deck, and sales approach, and demoed Bitloops to new potential users, successfully onboarding a few. The experience at the Big Bang Startup Challenge was fantastic, with great mentor support. Bitloops won two awards (₺600K Cash Award and Growth Program with 1-1 KPI Mentors) and is currently in a due diligence process to raise funds for the new round.

Participating in the Big Bang Startup Challenge was an incredible experience for Fanera. Pitching on stage gave us valuable feedback, while connecting with investors, mentors, and partners opened doors for new collaborations. The exposure helped refine our strategy and strengthen our position in the Web3 fan engagement space. We also explored partnerships in KSA, Turkey, and discussed launching Fanera’s Web3 token with SuiHub

We networked with 100+ investors and professionals, gaining recognition and support from the ITU Growth program, along with ARI Teknokent residency. The event was memorable and impactful, thanks to ITU Çekirdek. The Big Bang Startup Challenge was incredible—onboarding was smooth, support was excellent, and the atmosphere was electrifying. Since the event, we gained 10 new prospects and are actively leveraging the opportunities to strengthen negotiations for a $200,000 investment.

The ITU SEED program has been a great experience for Astrek. It provided valuable insights on scaling globally, especially in the Turkish market, and connected us with experienced mentors. The program is well-organized and highly recommended for companies focusing on Turkey, Europe, and MENA regions. It offered a fresh perspective on pitching, selling, and marketing, helping us understand how to approach clients and investors. We're proud to be part of this global community.

The ITU Seed program is exceptional in terms of its learnings, mentors, and sessions. The insights and guidance we received were crucial to AWRD's success. Each session was filled with valuable information, and the mentors provided the expertise and support we needed to navigate the startup landscape. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities and knowledge ITU Seed has provided.

The ITU SEED program has been transformative for Bluana Foods. The guidance, resources, and network we've gained have been crucial in advancing our plant-based food mission. The ITU SEED team's support provided valuable insights and connections, accelerating our growth and innovation. We're grateful for the opportunities and look forward to continued success and collaboration. Thank you, ITU SEED, for being a cornerstone in our journey.

I'm especially happy with how well-organized and communicated the acceleration program is. Whenever I had a question or needed support, I received an answer in under an hour. The program offers high-quality mentorship and speakers with proven experience who truly understand startups. I would recommend it to all startups targeting this region or looking to grow their network and mentorship.

The program highlighted the opportunities for establishing a business in Turkey and its potential as a gateway to European markets. It is well-coordinated, tailored to the specific needs of startups, and delivers relevant sessions accordingly.

The ITU SEED Program has been crucial in accelerating our growth, offering valuable insights and practical tools for the entrepreneurial journey. The high-quality mentorship from industry experts has helped refine our business model and expand our market reach, especially in North Africa and beyond. Workshops like "Ultimate Guide to Developing a Sales and Business Development Strategy for Global Growth" and "Growth Mindset for Global Growth" provided inspiring and actionable strategies.

The ITU SEED program covers important aspects of entering foreign markets, and the practical classes were especially valuable. We believe our software will succeed in the Turkish market. We wish good luck to ITU SEED and the entire team.

The program has been great, especially in helping us understand how to set up a business in Turkey and how the ecosystem can support our growth. Being from India and looking for global expansion, the program gave us a head start. The sessions have been very informative, and the overall program design and resources are excellent.

If you're looking for a community where everyone is genuinely committed to the success of your startup, this is the program for you.

I was amazed by the quality of the mentoring, particularly their deep knowledge of the health sector, which I haven't found in any other general accelerator so far.

The program provided up-to-date insights on how to launch an early-stage startup in a new market and achieve product-market fit.

As the founder of Paycoo, the program has provided us with crucial insights into the Turkish market, significantly shaping our business strategy. The resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities have been invaluable. We've gained a better understanding of local market dynamics, enabling us to make informed decisions and tailor our services accordingly.

The ITU SEED acceleration program has been an incredible resource for understanding and entering the Turkish market. It provides a comprehensive overview of Turkey's unique business landscape, offering insights into local regulations, consumer behavior, and market opportunities. The online format is convenient, and access to local mentors and industry experts has been especially beneficial. I highly recommend ITU SEED to any entrepreneur looking to expand their knowledge and presence in Turkey.

ITU SEED has been instrumental in our startup journey, providing valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources that have fueled our growth. We are grateful for the program's support and look forward to continued success.

I’m delighted to share my positive experience with the ITU SEED program. Its innovative approach to technology and science has provided valuable insights and resources, enhancing my understanding of cutting-edge solutions. The collaboration with industry experts and access to valuable networks have been particularly beneficial, contributing to both my professional growth and project advancement. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program and look forward to its continued success.

The program has been well-organized and informative, covering key topics for startups considering Turkey. It has expanded our global strategy, with Turkey sharing similarities to Malaysia, where our parent company is based, and Mexico, where we’re fundraising for expansion. We now see clear pathways for deeper involvement in the region. Thanks to the ITU SEED team for a valuable experience.

The program provided invaluable mentorship, resources, and networking that accelerated our growth and refined our platform. Thanks to ITU SEED, we've improved our product and strategy, positioning UniToni to transform the university experience with a seamless integration of social and academic life.

The ITU SEED Program has been a key driver of our startup's growth. As a seed-level tech company, we needed not just funding but also guidance and resources, which the program provided. For any seed-stage tech startup, the ITU SEED Program is the ideal launchpad. We’re grateful for the opportunities and support, and highly recommend it to emerging tech entrepreneurs.

Participating in the ITU SEED program has been transformative for our organization. The program’s support and resources have helped us refine our technology, scale solutions, and drive impactful change. Guidance from industry experts and access to a global network have accelerated our growth. ITU SEED’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned us as leaders in our field. We are grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend ITU SEED to any organization seeking to make a significant impact.

Thanks to ITU SEED and its squad, we are now re-designing our training model in the country, tailoring our program on the market needs and improving our Talent placement rate. For this reason we would like to express our gratitude to the ITU SEED organizers, trainers and coach, for giving us the opportunity to participate in this strategic program, providing accurate market insights and local connections.

What sets the ITU SEED program apart is its comprehensive approach to support. They offer a wide range of resources including tailored workshops, networking events, access to industry experts, and even funding opportunities. This holistic support system has equipped us with the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary to thrive in the competitive startup landscape.

ITU SEED program is the must come place for every international startup who wants to work on Turkish market. The amount of country relevant business insights is impressive.

That was a very compelling experience! ITU Seed provides a deep dive into Turkish market and local digital trends. That is also supported by numerous lectures and seminars. Participants and mentors are open-minded and ready to challenge each other, which ensures healthy competition. We're very curious to know where our partnerhsip will lead us further.

The ITU SEED program is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their businesses in the fields of technology, innovation, and social impact. The program provides mentorship, training, networking, and access to resources that can help them achieve their goals.

Thanks to ITU SEED, we have greatly improved current and learned new metrics, which made our future view more clearer and more achievable. We highly recommend ITU SEED to any startup that wants to grow and scale in Turkey and in Global markets.

The programme has been a great refresher on business, sales, marketing, PR and also an exciting way to learn about the Turkish market and its potential. I enjoyed the sessions and felt that there were many things we forget and also need to keep up to date with in these challenging times. Thanks for a great few months of learning and thought provoking topics.

The ITU SEED program helped us to engage with turkish partners to build our products. Great team and program.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity provided by the ITU SEED program. This program has not only equipped me with valuable skills in technology and entrepreneurship but has also opened doors to a network of like-minded individuals and mentors. The guidance and support I received throughout the program have been instrumental in the growth of my startup. Thanks to the ITU SEED program, I am now on a path towards building a successful tech business.

Early stage startups that operate globally but intend to penetrate the Turkish market will benefit greatly from this program. There is a lot of information on the culture and business behavior of the locals, as well as information on legal matters and other important issues. Taking part in this program is an excellent opportunity for startup companies looking to cooperate or to get ‘foot on the ground’ in Turkey.

The lessons learned at the ITU SEED program are a must-have for every entrepreneur. The instructors are well versed in their various subjects to the core. I see a great difference in my business when I apply the knowledge I gain. Thank you very much.

Joining ITU SEED allowed us to better understand the Turkish market, its opportunities and business insights. The entire experience blended face to face customer meetings with great learning sessions and guidance.

ITU SEED has proven invaluable in providing us with a renewed perspective on our projects, enabling us to explore and test new business models and distribution channels. Additionally, their network of esteemed mentors has facilitated valuable guidance and support, and are helping us secure our seed round with confidence.

ITU seed lecturers provided us with valuable insights into the Turkish market. Especially the mentorship program was very beneficial for our strategic orientation. The whole ITU team did a great job and worked passionately to make us succeed.

Learned a lot and benefited from your course! Thank you! Thank you so much for facilitating such a positive learning environment! I feel your support and I know that Our cooperation will continue.

Received mentorship, access to funding, and valuable industry connections for rapid growth.

I would like to express my gratitude toward the program - during the ITU Seed acceleration we were mentored by quite good trainers, VOOVOO passed and got a useful experience.

Participation in ITU SEED helped SoMin.ai in adapting to the Turkish startup ecosystem dynamics. We especially learnt the little yet important and strategic behaviors to consider while approaching investors and customers - thanks to the program management team, especially to Mert Konuk and Belinay Yandi. As a result we were the only startup from the international landscape that is among the top 20 in the Big Bang Startup Challenge!

We had experience with acceleration program, but it was not as properly structured as the ITU Seed program. So if you are now at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey, you definitely need this program. Thanks to the mentors and the ITU Seed Team!

The ITU SEED program opened my eyes to the Fintech landscape in Turkey. I also enjoyed and learnt a lot from the mentor sessions, particularly the ones with Eoin McGuinness, who helped review our GTM strategies.

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