PRESS RELEASE

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, has launched its newest joint hub in Türkiye. By connecting regional actors, innovators, and partners to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, the new EIT Community RIS Hub will strengthen cooperation among leading business, education and research organisations, and serve as a one-stop shop for local talent and entrepreneurs to benefit from the EIT Community’s opportunities in the field of education, business creation and innovation. 

The EIT Community continues to support innovation in Türkiye by opening its first joint EIT Community RIS Hub in the country. The aim of the hub is to strengthen cooperation among leading business, education and research organisations while increasing the region’s competitiveness and contributing to sustainable economic growth. The new hub is part of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) programme designed to tackle Europe’s persistent innovation divide.

The EIT Community RIS Hub Türkiye is a collaboration among Fark Labs, TÜBİTAK, and Sabancı University. This powerful consortium unites the strengths of three leading institutions: Fark Labs, an innovation, incubation, and investment center, offers expertise in supporting forward-thinking startups and technologies; TÜBİTAK, the country’s foremost research and development authority, brings critical experience in funding and managing groundbreaking projects; and Sabancı University, a leader in research and education, contributes with its deep knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship. This collaboration underscores the strength of shared vision and mental synergy, creating a vibrant and interconnected ecosystem to propel Türkiye’s innovation landscape forward.

Leading the hub is Ömer Hantal, who brings extensive experience in fostering innovation through national and international collaborations. As EIT Community Officer, Ömer will drive the promotion of EIT initiatives across Türkiye, connecting local innovators with the resources, networks, and expertise they need to thrive. Under his leadership, the hub will not only strengthen Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem but also position it as a key player in Europe’s broader innovation landscape.

The hub will have offices in both Istanbul and Ankara, two of Türkiye’s most dynamic cities. Istanbul, the country’s economic and cultural powerhouse, provides access to a thriving innovation ecosystem of startups, investors, and industry leaders. Ankara, as the nation’s capital, connects the hub to key public institutions, research organizations, and universities, making it a central point for policy engagement and academic collaboration. This dual presence will enhance the hub’s ability to connect local innovation efforts with the European innovation network.

The newly opened hub in Türkiye will represent all the EIT’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and focus on attracting and engaging an increasing number of local participants in EIT Community activities. The hub will provide innovators with a centralised source of information on different services and opportunities provided by the EIT Community in Türkiye, all the EU Member States and all Horizon Europe associated countries. Additionally, it will spearhead the EIT Community’s engagement with local authorities, including providing policy support and expertise as required. 

Several EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are already active in Türkiye, addressing key sectors such as urban mobility, renewable energy, and food sustainability. EIT Urban Mobility promotes sustainable solutions for cities, while EIT InnoEnergy drives advancements in renewable energy and energy efficiency. EIT Food focuses on creating innovative and sustainable food systems. Building on these established networks, the EIT Community RIS Hub Türkiye will enhance collaboration and support local innovators in scaling their ideas.

Ömer Hantal, EIT Community Officer for Türkiye, highlighted the hub’s role in transforming the local innovation landscape. “The EIT Community RIS Hub Türkiye represents a strong partnership between Fark Labs, TÜBİTAK, and Sabancı University, showcasing the power of collaboration to drive innovation. With offices in both Istanbul and Ankara, the hub will connect local innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs with the resources and opportunities available through the EIT Community. Our goal is to empower Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem and position it as a regional and global leader,” said Hantal.

The establishment of the EIT Community RIS Hub in Türkiye marks an important step in strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem. A launch event for the new centre will be held on 12 February 2025 at METU in Ankara. The event will highlight opportunities for local stakeholders to engage with the EIT Community and showcase its support for Türkiye’s innovators. 

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 RIS HUB Türkiye: turkiye@eitcommunity.eu or follow the Linkedin page: EIT Community RIS Hub Türkiye and 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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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