Discover the most important government support programs for startups in Turkey in 2026. Learn about KOSGEB grants, TÜBİTAK programs, Technopark incentives, R&D support, tax exemptions, startup funding opportunities, and legal requirements for entrepreneurs and foreign investors.

Turkey has become one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the region. Government institutions, public agencies, technology development zones, research organizations, and investment programs provide extensive support to entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow innovative businesses.

In 2026, startup founders can access a wide range of incentives including grants, investment support, tax exemptions, R&D funding, employment incentives, technology commercialization programs, and international expansion opportunities. These programs are designed to strengthen innovation, attract investment, increase exports, support technology development, and enhance Turkey’s global competitiveness.

For technology startups, software companies, AI ventures, FinTech businesses, university spin-offs, and foreign entrepreneurs, understanding available government support programs is essential for maximizing growth opportunities and reducing operational costs.

Why Government Support Matters for Startups

Most startups face significant challenges during their early stages.

Common obstacles include:

• Limited access to capital
• Research and development costs
• Talent acquisition expenses
• Technology infrastructure requirements
• Regulatory compliance costs
• International expansion barriers

Government support programs help address these challenges by providing financial assistance, tax benefits, mentorship, commercialization support, and investment opportunities. Turkey has developed a comprehensive ecosystem combining grants, incentives, investment funds, and innovation programs to support startup growth.

KOSGEB Startup Support Programs

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization (KOSGEB) remains one of the most important public institutions supporting entrepreneurs in Turkey.

KOSGEB provides assistance through programs such as:

• Entrepreneurship Support Programs
• Business Development Programs
• Technology-Based Startup Support
• SME Growth Support
• Export-Oriented Incentives

In 2026, KOSGEB continues offering substantial support packages for eligible startups, including financing for machinery, equipment, software, and operational development expenses. Recent calls under the Entrepreneurship Support Program provide significant opportunities for early-stage businesses.

Startups operating in manufacturing, technology, software, and innovation-driven sectors may benefit considerably from KOSGEB programs.

TÜBİTAK Startup and R&D Programs

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) operates some of the country’s most important innovation funding programs.

TÜBİTAK primarily focuses on:

• Research and development
• Deep technology innovation
• Scientific commercialization
• Technology startups
• Industrial innovation

Among the most popular programs are:

• TÜBİTAK 1507 SME R&D Startup Support Program
• TÜBİTAK 1501 Industrial R&D Support Program
• TÜBİTAK BiGG Investment Program
• Frontier R&D Laboratory Programs

The 1507 program specifically supports startup R&D activities, while the 1501 program assists more mature industrial innovation projects. Applications for the 2026 calls have been opened and continue to support technology-driven companies.

TÜBİTAK BiGG Investment Program

One of Turkey’s most important startup initiatives is the TÜBİTAK BiGG (Individual Young Enterprise) Program.

The program aims to:

• Support innovative entrepreneurs
• Encourage technology commercialization
• Promote startup formation
• Facilitate investment readiness

The 2026 BiGG Investment Program continues to provide investment-based support mechanisms designed to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses capable of competing internationally.

BiGG has become one of the most attractive funding sources for technology entrepreneurs.

Technopark Incentives

Technology Development Zones, commonly known as Technoparks, offer some of the most valuable incentives available to startups.

Technopark benefits may include:

• Corporate tax advantages
• Income tax exemptions for R&D personnel
• VAT exemptions
• Access to university collaboration
• Innovation ecosystem support
• Networking opportunities

Turkey’s Technopark ecosystem now includes more than 80 technology development zones hosting thousands of technology companies. These zones remain particularly attractive for software, AI, FinTech, and R&D-focused startups.

For many technology startups, Technopark participation significantly reduces operating costs while improving access to talent and investment opportunities.

R&D Center Incentives

Companies engaged in substantial research and development activities may qualify for R&D Center incentives under Law No. 5746.

Benefits may include:

• R&D expenditure deductions
• Personnel tax incentives
• Social security support
• VAT exemptions
• Customs duty exemptions

R&D Centers can operate independently from Technoparks and may be established anywhere in Turkey if eligibility requirements are satisfied. The program continues to support innovation-driven businesses in 2026.

These incentives are particularly valuable for startups developing proprietary technologies.

Tax Incentives for Technology Startups

Tax incentives remain one of the strongest government support mechanisms available to startups.

Depending on the structure and location of the business, incentives may include:

• Corporate tax reductions
• Income tax exemptions
• VAT exemptions
• Stamp tax exemptions
• Customs duty exemptions

Technology Development Zones and R&D Centers provide some of the most advantageous tax regimes available to innovative companies.

Careful legal and tax structuring can significantly increase the value of these benefits.

Support for University Spin-Off Companies

Universities increasingly play an active role in startup creation.

Technology Transfer Offices and university entrepreneurship programs assist with:

• Patent commercialization
• Startup formation
• Licensing arrangements
• Investor introductions
• Technology transfer

Government programs frequently prioritize university-originated innovations and research commercialization projects.

These initiatives strengthen the connection between academic research and commercial markets.

Investment and Venture Capital Support

Turkey has expanded public-private investment mechanisms supporting startup financing.

Examples include:

• Technology-focused venture funds
• Investment matching programs
• Government-supported venture capital initiatives
• Angel investment incentives

Programs such as Tech-InvesTR have mobilized substantial investment resources for technology startups, helping companies access growth capital beyond grant funding.

Access to investment capital remains a major priority within Turkey’s innovation strategy.

Startup Support for Artificial Intelligence Companies

Artificial intelligence has become a strategic priority for innovation policy.

AI startups may benefit from:

• TÜBİTAK R&D grants
• Technopark incentives
• University partnerships
• Venture capital support
• Commercialization programs

Companies developing machine learning, generative AI, computer vision, cybersecurity, healthcare AI, and industrial automation technologies frequently qualify for multiple support mechanisms.

The AI sector is expected to receive increasing attention in future government programs.

Export and Internationalization Support

Startups seeking international growth can access support programs focused on:

• Export development
• International market entry
• Global partnerships
• Trade promotion
• Investment attraction

Government initiatives aim to help Turkish startups compete internationally and attract foreign investment.

International expansion support has become increasingly important as more Turkish startups target global markets.

Can Foreign Founders Access Government Incentives?

Yes.

Foreign entrepreneurs can generally benefit from many startup support programs once they establish a legal entity in Turkey and satisfy applicable eligibility requirements.

Foreign-owned companies may access:

• Technopark incentives
• TÜBİTAK programs
• KOSGEB support
• R&D incentives
• Investment incentives

Turkey’s incentive system generally does not discriminate based on nationality, making it attractive for international founders and investors.

Legal Compliance Requirements

Receiving government support typically requires compliance with various legal obligations.

These may include:

• Proper company formation
• Financial reporting
• Regulatory compliance
• Employment requirements
• Intellectual property documentation
• Project reporting obligations

Failure to satisfy compliance requirements may result in loss of benefits or repayment obligations.

Startups should therefore seek legal guidance before applying for major support programs.

Common Mistakes Made by Startups

Many startups fail to maximize available support because they:

• Apply too late
• Select inappropriate programs
• Neglect eligibility requirements
• Maintain inadequate documentation
• Ignore intellectual property issues
• Misunderstand reporting obligations

Early planning significantly improves the likelihood of successfully obtaining funding and incentives.

Professional legal and strategic guidance can help founders avoid these common mistakes.

Future of Startup Incentives in Turkey

Several trends are expected to shape future support programs:

• Increased AI-focused funding
• Expansion of technology commercialization initiatives
• Greater university-industry collaboration
• Growth of venture capital partnerships
• Enhanced internationalization support
• Increased support for deep technology startups

Turkey’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly, and government programs are expected to remain a major source of growth capital and innovation support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the most popular startup support program in Turkey?

KOSGEB and TÜBİTAK programs are generally considered the most widely used government support mechanisms for startups.

2. Can startups receive non-repayable grants?

Yes. Certain programs provide grants and funding support that do not operate as traditional loans. Eligibility depends on program requirements.

3. What is the TÜBİTAK BiGG Program?

BiGG is an investment-based entrepreneurship support program designed to help innovative startups commercialize technology and attract investment.

4. Are Technoparks only for software companies?

No. Technoparks support a broad range of technology-focused sectors including AI, biotechnology, cybersecurity, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

5. Can foreign entrepreneurs benefit from startup incentives?

Yes. Foreign founders can generally access incentives after establishing eligible businesses in Turkey.

6. What is an R&D Center?

An R&D Center is a specially qualified operation benefiting from significant tax and innovation incentives under Turkish law.

7. Are startup grants taxable?

Tax treatment depends on the nature of the support and the applicable regulations. Professional tax advice should be obtained.

8. Can startups combine multiple support programs?

In many cases, yes. Different incentives may be combined if eligibility requirements are satisfied.

9. Do government support programs require reporting obligations?

Yes. Most programs impose monitoring, reporting, and compliance requirements.

10. Why is legal planning important before applying for incentives?

Proper legal structuring helps maximize benefits, preserve eligibility, reduce compliance risks, and improve investment readiness.

LEGAL SUPPORT FOR STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Government incentives can significantly accelerate startup growth, but maximizing these opportunities requires proper legal planning, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and strategic structuring. Whether you are launching a technology startup, applying for TÜBİTAK funding, entering a Technopark, seeking KOSGEB support, or attracting investors, professional legal guidance can help protect your interests and improve your chances of success.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND CONTACT INFORMATION

If you are planning to establish a startup, apply for government incentives, commercialize technology, attract investment, structure a venture-backed company, or expand internationally from Turkey, our legal team can assist throughout the process.

Phone: +90 312 434 22 22

Mobile: +90 532 769 22 22

Email: info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr

Address: Mevlana Boulevard No:221, Yildirim Tower No:148, 06520 Balgat, Cankaya, Ankara, Turkey

LEGAL SUPPORT FOR STARTUPS, INVESTORS, AND TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

Fırat Fesih Kaya Law provides legal services to startup founders, technology companies, venture capital funds, angel investors, university spin-offs, foreign entrepreneurs, software developers, AI companies, and innovative businesses operating in Turkey.

Our services include startup formation, investment transactions, shareholder agreements, intellectual property protection, technology transfer agreements, government incentive compliance, venture capital financing, and regulatory advisory.