İTÜ Çekirdek

İTÜ Çekirdek is an incubation center established in 2011 by Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) and İTÜ ARI Teknokent, dedicated to supporting technology ventures across various sectors. The center offers comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, including training, consultancy, mentorship, networking, corporate partnerships, media and PR support, and funding, all under one roof. Over the years, İTÜ Çekirdek has supported more than 5,000 startups and 12,000 entrepreneurs, contributing to the incorporation of 1,900 companies with a combined valuation exceeding $3 billion and generating over $300 million in revenue.

The center provides several programs tailored to different stages of startup development, such as Acceleration, ITU SEED, Growth, BiGG İTÜ Çekirdek, Innogate, and the Big Bang Startup Challenge. These programs offer a range of services, including office space, mentorship, training, workshops, and access to a network of investors and potential customers. In 2023, İTÜ Çekirdek startups secured a total of 1.24 billion TL in funding, highlighting the center's significant role in fostering the growth of technology startups in Turkey.

İTÜ Çekirdek's impact extends beyond national borders through its ITU Seed International Acceleration Program, which has attracted over 1,000 startups from more than 95 countries. This program aims to support international startups and integrate them into the Turkish entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing them with access to funding opportunities and a platform to showcase their innovations. The center's commitment to nurturing a diverse range of startups underscores its dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.