ODTÜ TEKNOKENT

Overview

ODTÜ TEKNOKENT, established in 2000 within the Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), is Turkey's first and most innovative technopark. It serves as a bridge between academic research and market-driven innovation, focusing on accelerating dual-use and deep-tech startups that develop technologies with both civil and defense applications, including AI, cybersecurity, aerospace, energy resilience, and biotechnology. The technopark hosts over 420 R&D companies and the TSSK Defense Cluster, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and startups to advance technological innovation in Turkey. The technopark operates several investment funds to support early-stage technology startups. The Development ODTÜ TEKNOKENT Venture Capital Investment Fund (Invest101), established in partnership with the Development Fund of Turkey, co-invests with other venture capital funds to help startups progress to the growth stage. Another initiative, CARBON06, a venture capital investment fund established in 2024 in cooperation with OYAK YATIRIM, focuses on investing in technology initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, Growth Circuit SF Center, located in San Francisco, provides acceleration services to Turkish startups aiming to expand into the U.S. market. ODTÜ TEKNOKENT's integration with a leading research university provides unrivaled access to academic resources and R&D infrastructure, including over 50 research labs and centers. It hosts leading defense clusters and acts as a gateway to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as ASELSAN and ROKETSAN. The technopark's track record in spinning off university-based companies and exporting indigenous technologies makes it a regional benchmark for dual-use innovation.

Investment Focus

• Technology-focused startups with dual-use applications in civil and defense sectors
• Companies aiming to reduce carbon emissions
• Startups seeking expansion into international markets, particularly the U.S.

Portfolio Companies