Who can apply to the ITU SEED program?
Non-Turkish speaking founders with a startup established in any country, at any stage in any area can apply to the program.
What does the ITU SEED program offer to entrepreneurs?
- Open/Closed Office Space
- Assistance to Become a Technopark Company (a.k.a. Tax Advantages)
- Lean Startup Training
- Mentorships
- Seminar and Workshop
- PR Support
- Digital Infrastructure (e.g. Cloud, CRM)
- Physical Infrastructure (e.g. Labs)
- Networking with Our Graduate Startups
- B2B Matchmaking
- Investor Demo Days
- Introduction to Turkish Startup Ecosystem at the Big Bang Stage
What else does ITU SEED provide? Office space, internet, legal, hosting, etc.?
Although the program is online, our door is open to entrepreneurs/startups who want to use the office space. We provide working and meeting spaces, as well as a nice lounge, with a wonderful view of Istanbul, all with super fast and reliable wireless Internet access. We just want you to focus on creating a great product, you just give the rest to us.
Is ITU SEED an online program?
ITU SEED is an online program. The training and mentoring process will be carried out online. However, Big Bang Startup Challenge finalists are expected to physically attend the event that will be held in December 2024 in Istanbul. You can take a look to the Big Bang videos of the past years from this link.
I am a foreign entrepreneur and I already established my startup in Turkey, can I apply to ITU SEED?
We conduct İTÜ ÇEKİRDEK Pre-Incubation Program for Turkish-speaking entrepreneurs. Thus, the startups in which none of the (co-)founders can speak Turkish will be accepted to the ITU SEED Program.
What is the duration of ITU SEED program?
Until the end of the year.
How often does a startup get connected with corporate companies?
From the moment you are accepted to the program, you will be contacted by our stakeholder relations unit with corporate partners requested by you or recommended by us.
Do you provide guidance on accommodation, transportation etc.?
We are personally interested in all our entrepreneurs who come to Istanbul; we provide guidance on accommodation, transportation, visa etc.
Does the ITU SEED Program take equity from startups, and what do we offer?
ITU SEED Program requires startups to commit to a 1% stock option, with their rights protected through a detailed agreement. This stock option is activated after the startup has completed the intensive Türkiye market entry and global growth training, participated in the post-training jury, successfully passed it, and decided to continue with the program. During this post-training jury, startups will have the opportunity to present to our core mentors and stakeholders.
Once the stock option is activated, entrepreneurs receive tailored support, including one-on-one support (B2B matchmaking, mentorship), access to further juries, and the opportunity to compete on the Big Bang Stage. Additionally, they gain opportunities to meet investors, engage with potential customers, continue in the Big Bang Stage process (where $90M in awards and investments were announced in 2024), and participate in exclusive investor/customer demo days based on stakeholder interest and demand.