ITU Cekirdek General Category
Track for a future or conditional window when idea, prototype, student teams in fintech, medtech, AR match turkey, istanbul, global eligibility and Sariyer, Istanbul program access and founder support is relevant.
Terms
Up to 900,000 TL investment via TUBITAK 1812 BiGG Yatirim path; preincubation acceleration leading toward Big Bang exposure
BiGG 1812 framework typically applies (3% Stage 2, up to 10% Stage 3) when funded; preincubation itself does not take equity
ITU ARI Teknokent ecosystem, preincubation, training, BiGG implementer route, and Big Bang visibility
Founder fit
Students, graduates, and technology founders with projects that fit ITU Cekirdek categories.
Technology-based idea or prototype projects, regardless of founder nationality if criteria are met.
Istanbul centered; official page says entrepreneurs can apply regardless of nationality.
Apply through the BiGG 2026 portal; verify final deadline before submitting.
Verification note
The official application portal (basvuru.itucekirdek.com) showed 'Son Basvuru: 07/04/2026' (April 7, 2026) for the BiGG 2026_1 call. As of June 14, 2026 this deadline has passed. The general category landing page at itucekirdek.com/en/apply-general-category/ remains live but has no active call. A 2026-2 or new cohort announcement should be re-checked before reactivating this record.
Source quality: official application portal (basvuru.itucekirdek.com) confirmed deadline. Status confidence: medium.