BIGG 2025 Call for Proposals Introduced to Istanbul Ticaret University Students
![]()
Students at Istanbul Ticaret University were informed about the TÜBİTAK 1812 Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support Program (BIGG), which is run by Teknopark Istanbul. Applications for the program will continue until February 11.
An information meeting was held for Istanbul Ticaret University students regarding the first call period for 2025 under the Entrepreneurship Support Program (BIGG) of Teknopark Istanbul, of which Istanbul Commerce University is also a partner. During an online information meeting attended by the Istanbul Ticaret University Technology Transfer Office team, Gizem Kılcı, Head of the Technopark Istanbul Entrepreneurship Support Program (BIGG), introduced the TÜBİTAK 1812 Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support Program to students.
1812 INVESTMENT-BASED ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAM
Kılcı stated that TÜBİTAK’s 1812 Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support Program has a different structure from 1512. He emphasized that while grants would be provided to entrepreneurs in stages under the 1512 program, investments would be transferred directly to entrepreneurs’ accounts under the 1812 program. In this regard, he stated that the maximum budget for the 1812 program was set at TRY 900,000 and that entrepreneurs’ projects must be technology-focused.
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION-FOCUSED PROJECTS WILL BE SUPPORTED
Kılcı said that applications will be accepted through the Cube Incubation website and that undergraduate, graduate, master’s, doctoral students, and graduates can apply for the program. He stated that applicants must not have any company partnerships during the application process, and that individuals who have previously benefited from BIGG support cannot reapply. The program will support innovative projects in transportation, smart production systems, health and life, communication and digital transformation, energy and clean technologies, and sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
WORKSHOP AND MENTORSHIP PROCESS
Kılcı stated that Teknopark Istanbul, unlike other implementers, organized workshops on preparing project files, provided mentorship support to applicant entrepreneurs, and ensured that the process was carried out meticulously to ensure the success of project applications. He stated that project writing techniques would be explained in workshops and that entrepreneurs could strengthen their applications by receiving feedback from experts during the preparation process.
EVALUATION PROCESS AND SUPPORTS
Kılcı stated that TÜBİTAK evaluates projects based on both the application file and the entrepreneurs’ 5-minute presentations, adding that projects with high commercial potential are prioritized. He stated that successful projects are expected to be announced on June 27 and that entrepreneurs who qualify for support must establish a corporation.
LAST APPLICATION DATE: FEBRUARY 11
Kılcı stated that entrepreneurs who complete the preparation process at Teknopark Istanbul will have their company establishment costs covered, will not pay rent during the 18-month project period, and will be able to use shared laboratories and added that entrepreneurs will also be supported in their investment processes, contributing to the development of their market entry strategies. Kılcı stated that the final applications will be accepted on February 11 and that the training, mentoring, and workshop schedule will be finalized promptly after the applications are completed.
