The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Turkey You Should Enter

 The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Turkey You Should Enter 

Turkey is emerging as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, offering numerous opportunities for startups to thrive. With its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, coupled with a supportive ecosystem, Turkey is an attractive destination for aspiring entrepreneurs. Participating in startup competitions can provide valuable exposure, funding, and mentorship to help grow your business. Here are the top 20 startup competitions in Turkey that you should consider entering .

1. Big Bang Startup Challenge

What it is: Organized by ITU ARI Teknokent, this is one of Turkey’s largest startup competitions.

Why enter: Significant cash prizes, mentorship, and networking opportunities with top investors and industry leaders.

Website: Big Bang Startup Challenge

2. EIT Digital Challenge

What it is: A competition targeting deep tech scaleups, organized by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

Why enter: Access to international markets, mentorship, and substantial prize money.

Website: EIT Digital Challenge

3. Entrepreneurship Foundation Fellows Program

What it is: A program by the Entrepreneurship Foundation that includes a startup competition for innovative ideas.

Why enter: Gain mentorship, exposure, and funding to help turn your ideas into reality.

Website: Entrepreneurship Foundation

4. Hackquarters Startup Program

What it is: An accelerator program that includes a competition for early-stage startups.

Why enter: Access to mentorship, networking events, and potential investment.

Website: Hackquarters

5. Innogate International Acceleration Program

What it is: A program designed to accelerate the international growth of Turkish startups.

Why enter: Gain access to global markets, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

Website: Innogate

6. Startup Turkey Challenge

What it is: One of the most well-known startup events in Turkey, attracting startups from around the world.

Why enter: Networking with global investors, media exposure, and prize money.

Website: Startup Turkey

7. ITU Seed

What it is: An incubation program by Istanbul Technical University, which includes a startup competition.

Why enter: Access to funding, mentorship, and resources to develop your business.

8. Vodafone’s Fikirçarkı

What it is: A competition organized by Vodafone Turkey, focusing on innovative tech solutions.

Why enter: Prize money, mentorship, and the potential for collaboration with Vodafone.

9. BiTaksi Entrepreneurship Competition

What it is: A competition organized by BiTaksi, targeting innovative solutions in the transportation sector.

Why enter: Gain funding, mentorship, and opportunities to scale your solution within Turkey.

10. Turkey Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week

What it is: An event that includes multiple startup competitions across various sectors.

Why enter: High visibility, networking opportunities, and access to investors and mentors.

Website: Innovation Week

11. Arikovani Crowdfunding Competition

What it is: A competition focusing on crowdfunding campaigns for innovative products and services.

Why enter: Access to funding, mentorship, and exposure to a wide audience.

12. BIC Angels Startup Competition

What it is: A competition organized by BIC Angels, targeting early-stage startups.

Why enter: Gain access to a network of angel investors, mentorship, and potential funding.

Website: BIC Angels

13. Galata Business Angels (GBA) Startup Challenge

What it is: A competition organized by GBA, one of Turkey’s leading angel investor networks.

Why enter: Networking with experienced investors, mentorship, and potential investment.

Website: Galata Business Angels

14. Social Innovation Program by KUSIF

What it is: A program by Koç University Social Impact Forum that includes a competition for social enterprises.

Why enter: Gain mentorship, funding, and support to develop impactful social solutions.

15. IdeaLab Startup Competition

What it is: A competition organized by IdeaLab, focusing on innovative tech startups.

Why enter: Prize money, mentorship, and exposure to potential investors.

Website: IdeaLab

16. Eczacıbaşı Innovation Contest

What it is: A competition by Eczacıbaşı Group, targeting innovative solutions in healthcare and consumer products.

Why enter: Funding, mentorship, and potential collaboration with Eczacıbaşı.

Website: Eczacıbaşı

17. TÜBİTAK BIGG Program

What it is: A program by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, offering funding and support to innovative startups.

Why enter: Access to significant funding, mentorship, and resources.

Website: TÜBİTAK BIGG

18. Marmara University Entrepreneurship Competition

What it is: A competition organized by Marmara University, focusing on innovative student startups.

Why enter: Gain funding, mentorship, and exposure to potential investors.

Website: Marmara University

19. Sanofi Innovation Challenge

What it is: A competition by Sanofi, targeting innovative healthcare solutions.

Why enter: Prize money, mentorship, and potential collaboration with Sanofi.

Website: Sanofi

20. KWORKS Acceleration Program

What it is: An acceleration program by Koç University, including a competition for early-stage startups.

Why enter: Access to funding, mentorship, and resources to grow your business.

Conclusion

Turkey's dynamic startup ecosystem offers a plethora of opportunities for entrepreneurs to gain visibility, funding, and valuable connections. By participating in these top 20 startup competitions in 2024, you can showcase your innovation, connect with industry leaders, and accelerate your business growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, these competitions provide the perfect platform to take your startup to the next level. So gear up and make the most of these opportunities to propel your entrepreneurial journey in Turkey!