ITU Çekirdek

ITU Çekirdek stands as a comprehensive incubation center dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with innovative, technology-based ideas. Established in 2011 through a collaboration between Istanbul Technical University and ITU ARI Teknokent, this premier innovation hub transforms promising concepts into viable commercial ventures. Recognized globally for its excellence in incubation services, ITU Çekirdek provides a structured pathway for startups through its methodical development stages, including pre-incubation, acceleration, the annual BIG BANG competition, and full incubation support.

The center's multidisciplinary approach welcomes innovations across diverse sectors, from chemistry and electronics to information technology and biogenetics. This cross-industry focus has enabled ITU Çekirdek to build an impressive portfolio of successful startups spanning various technological domains. By fostering collaboration between different scientific and business disciplines, the center creates a fertile environment where groundbreaking solutions emerge through the intersection of varied expertise and perspectives.

What distinguishes ITU Çekirdek is its holistic ecosystem that anticipates and addresses all entrepreneurial needs. The center has cultivated an extensive network connecting startups with established corporations, venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry professionals. This interconnected community provides entrepreneurs with crucial access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships. Since its inception, ITU Çekirdek has supported hundreds of startups, helping them secure millions in investment funding while creating significant economic impact through job creation and technological advancement.

The success of ITU Çekirdek stems from its unique collaborative model that harnesses the collective wisdom of major institutions, industry experts, and experienced entrepreneurs. Its jury panels, mentorship programs, and training initiatives bring together diverse perspectives to guide startups through critical development phases. This synergistic approach has established ITU Çekirdek as a cornerstone of Turkey's innovation ecosystem, with international recognition for its contribution to developing next-generation technologies and businesses. The center continues to expand its impact by fostering technological entrepreneurship that addresses both local challenges and global opportunities.