Press Release

Ankara, Türkiye (February 12, 2025) – The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, has launched a new chapter in Türkiye’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape with the official opening of the EIT Community Hub Türkiye. Established in collaboration with TÜBİTAK, Fark Labs, and Sabancı University, this initiative aims to foster collaboration, support new ideas, and strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global innovation ecosystem.

Representatives from EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Food, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT Health, and EIT Manufacturing engaged with major stakeholders in Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem. This kick-off event, organized in collaboration with TÜBİTAK, Fark Labs, and Sabancı University, opens new doors for entrepreneurship and technological advancements.

Opening Speeches: Strengthening Türkiye’s Innovation Ecosystem

During the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, Mr. Zekeriya Çoştu, emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening a data-driven entrepreneurship ecosystem and supporting Turkish SMEs and startups. H.E Mr. Thomas Ossowski, Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye, highlighted the importance of Türkiye’s growing role in the European innovation and research network. Mr. Bülent Özcan, Director General of Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared insights on expanding financial cooperation between Türkiye and the EIT. Mr. Razvan Nicolescu, Member of the EIT Governing Board, delivered an inspiring vision on the future of innovation and the critical role of international collaboration in addressing global challenges. Mr. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, Rector of METU, emphasized the need for universities to play a more active role in commercializing advanced technology research.

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Panel Discussions: Innovation and Growth

As part of the event, two key panel discussions were held on Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem and the role of EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).

Panel 1: Türkiye’s Innovation Ecosystem and EIT

Moderator: Mr. Ömer Hantal, EIT Community Türkiye Office

• Ms. Ahu Serter, Founder of Fark Labs, emphasized that collaborations should start by identifying opportunities and highlighted Türkiye’s potential for expanding into international markets.
• Mr. A. Serdar İbrahimcioğlu, President of KOSGEB, stated that 99.88% of SMEs in Türkiye benefit from KOSGEB support and underlined the importance of a data-driven innovation ecosystem.
• Mr. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, Rector of METU, reiterated that universities should play a more active role in the commercialization of deep-tech research.

Panel 2: Collaboration and Growth with EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) in Türkiye

Moderator: Ms. Duygu Kayaalp An, EIT Urban Mobility RIS Hub Türkiye

• Mr. Piotr Pawelec, Regional Innovation Manager at EIT InnoEnergy, emphasized Türkiye’s role in energy innovation and green transformation, as well as the importance of increasing accelerator programs.
• Mr. Josep Marí Cervera, Regional Innovation Officer at EIT Urban Mobility, highlighted the significant progress made in smart cities and sustainable mobility in Türkiye.
• Ms. Ayşe Sabuncu, EIT Food Türkiye Representative, stated that more investment is needed in agricultural technologies and food innovation in Türkiye.
• Ms. Monika Toth, Regional Innovation Director at EIT Health, emphasized Türkiye’s growing influence in health technologies and the importance of integrating with European networks.
• Ms. Dr. Vivian Sophou, Senior Business Development and Innovation Manager at EIT Manufacturing, highlighted the need to strengthen Türkiye’s expertise in manufacturing technologies and enhance collaborations in Europe.

Success Stories and Key Takeaways

The event highlighted several success stories that demonstrated the impact of EIT-supported programs on startups in Türkiye. One of these was Optiyol, which, with the support of EIT Urban Mobility, has developed innovative solutions for urban logistics, leading to a 15% reduction in operational costs. This breakthrough has significantly improved efficiency in logistics processes, contributing to the development of more sustainable and effective urban transportation systems. Another remarkable success story was Rumitech, a startup backed by EIT InnoEnergy, which has made significant strides in the field of clean energy technologies. The company has secured an investment of over €630,000, enabling it to accelerate its contributions to Türkiye’s green energy transition. Rumitech’s innovative solutions are playing a key role in driving the country’s shift toward a more sustainable energy landscape. Additionally, Parabol, supported by EIT, has leveraged artificial intelligence to enhance urban mobility. The company’s AI-driven systems utilize advanced data analytics and optimization technologies to make urban transportation more efficient and user-friendly. Thanks to EIT’s support, Parabol has achieved significant progress in transforming mobility solutions in Türkiye.

These success stories showcase how Türkiye’s innovation potential, when integrated with Europe’s largest innovation network, can translate into a global impact. By highlighting these achievements, the event underscored the importance of continued collaboration and investment in Türkiye’s startup ecosystem, paving the way for even more entrepreneurs to benefit from this dynamic innovation environment in the future.

Strategic Vision for Growth and Collaboration

The establishment of EIT Community Hub Türkiye marks a significant step in fostering new investments, bringing innovative ideas to life, and strengthening international collaborations. By facilitating access to the European market for entrepreneurs, researchers, and business leaders, this hub will enhance Türkiye’s global presence. It will integrate high-potential Turkish entrepreneurs into the European innovation network, helping them transform their solutions into tangible business models and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Through targeted funding mechanisms, accelerator programs, and strong industry partnerships, EIT aims to uncover untapped potential in advanced technology, mobility, agri-tech, health, and clean energy in Türkiye. This initiative will create new market access opportunities for Turkish entrepreneurs and SMEs while providing them with the necessary financial and strategic support to thrive in a competitive global environment.

Türkiye is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in the European innovation ecosystem. With the launch of EIT Community Hub Türkiye, a more integrated collaboration network between entrepreneurs, academics, and industry leaders in Europe is being established. This hub will facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions, ease access to global markets, and strengthen Türkiye’s competitiveness on the international stage.

Supported by TÜBİTAK, Fark Labs, and Sabancı University, along with key industry stakeholders, EIT Community Hub Türkiye aims to reinforce the sustainable innovation ecosystem and accelerate the growth of technology-driven enterprises. With backing from one of Europe’s largest innovation networks, EIT, Turkish entrepreneurs will gain access to global investment opportunities, solidifying their international position. The future of innovation and entrepreneurship is shaped by strong collaborations and strategic partnerships. With its dynamic ecosystem, high-tech potential, and entrepreneurial spirit, Türkiye is ready to lead this transformation.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the EIT’s offerings and discovering how it can support you on your innovation or entrepreneurial journey, please reach out to the EIT Community Hub Türkiye: turkiye@eitcommunity.eu , follow the Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eit-community-hub-turkiye or visit our web site: https://eit-ris.eu/turkiye/ 

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EIT – MAKING INNOVATION HAPPEN!

About the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): 

The EIT strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

The Institute supports dynamic pan-European partnerships, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), among leading companies, research labs and universities.  These KICs are dedicated to driving systemic change in Europe and beyond, focusing on key areas such as climate change, energy, health, food, manufacturing, raw materials, digitalisation, urban mobility, and culture and creativity. Together with their leading partners, the EIT Community offers a wide range of innovation and entrepreneurship activities across Europe: entrepreneurial education courses, business creation and acceleration services and innovation driven research projects.

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Find out more!

Keep an eye out for news, events, and opportunities on the EIT website and on our LinkedIn page!

What is the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS)? 

The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) was launched in 2014 to enhance innovation performance in countries with ‘emerging’ or ‘modest’ innovation scores according to the European Innovation Scoreboard. The RIS is managed by the EIT and implemented through the KICs. 

Learn more: https://eit-ris.eu