Who can apply to the ITU SEED program?
- International entrepreneurs who are at the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage
- Entrepreneurs from any country with a startup established outside of Turkey for more than 1 year
What does ITU SEED program offer to entrepreneurs?
- Tax exempted office space in ITU ARI Technopark, Istanbul
- Award, cash and investments over 125 € million
- Networking with Corporate Companies & Investors
- Mentorship
- Workshops
- Business Development
- Access to Talent Pool
- Prototyping Labs
- Access to Global Market
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 2023 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 program for entrepreneurs who are based in Turkey or startups that are established in Turkey. However, entrepreneurs who do not know Turkish will be accepted to ITU SEED Program.
What is the duration of ITU SEED program?
The training program is four week-long. But you will be entitled to have a mentorship for 1 year until the Big Bang event.
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. A minimum of four meetings will be arranged for each startup.
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.
How will ITU Seed work during the COVID-19 situation?
We are conducting all programs remotely for the time being, because amid the COVID-19 crises, the safety of founders and ITU SEED staff is our top priority. Interviews, office hours, evening talks, demo days, and meetups throughout the program will be taking place via video conference.
Recent programs have been fully remote and they have been excellent experiences for our founders and their companies.