TÜBİTAK · 1507 SME R&D Start-Up Programme
An SME's first R&D project
starts on the right foot.
TÜBİTAK 1507 is a start-up support programme designed specifically for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) that have not yet institutionalised an R&D culture. With its shorter project duration, faster evaluation process and budget structure tailored to SME scale, it is the right starting point for firms wishing to launch their first R&D project.
Programme Code
1507
SME R&D Start-Up Support Programme
Programme Parameters
Scope and Eligibility Requirements
TÜBİTAK 1507 is a start-up programme designed for SMEs that are just beginning their R&D journey or planning to launch their first project. Its key difference from 1501 lies not in scope but in structure: a shorter project duration, simpler budget requirements and a faster evaluation process make it easier for firms with limited R&D experience to manage the process.
To be eligible, the company must meet the SME definition: firms with fewer than 250 employees and an annual net turnover or balance sheet total below the prescribed thresholds may apply to this programme. Large enterprises are directed to Programme 1501 or 1511.
Expectations regarding project content are similar to those of 1501: systematic R&D activity aimed at developing a new product, method or process. Referee evaluation is conducted on the basis of technical content, commercial potential and team competence. Akbaş builds a file structure that highlights the SME's R&D experience and organisational capacity.
Grant Scope
A support package structured
to SME scale.
The expense categories eligible under Programme 1507 cover the core costs of R&D activities. Structuring the budget with SME realism both maximises the grant and eliminates audit risk.
Personnel Costs
Gross salaries and employer SGK contributions for researchers, technicians and support staff assigned to the project. The largest share of the budget is generated by this item. Documentation via timesheets is mandatory.
Materials and Supplies
Raw materials, semi-finished products and consumables used in prototype production and testing activities. Direct linkage to project activities is mandatory; purchases intended for stock are excluded from scope.
Machinery & Equipment / Tools, Software
Measurement instruments, prototype equipment and licensed software purchases to be used within the project scope. Fixed assets may only be assessed up to the depreciation share attributable to the project.
Consultancy and Outsourced Services
Technical consultancy, testing, analysis and university collaborations procured externally within the project scope. Their share of the total budget is capped under programme regulations.
Domestic and International Travel
Domestic and international travel, accommodation and per diem expenses for the project team. Travel for conferences, symposia and collaboration meetings may be included in this category when properly documented.
Overhead
The portion of project management costs and indirect expenses such as rent, energy and communications attributable to the project. Capped at a defined ratio of total personnel costs.
Working Process
Step-by-step management
for a first R&D project.
The most critical point in the 1507 process is getting the start right. The SME's limited R&D experience makes how the file is structured even more decisive. Akbaş is by the company's side at every stage of the process.
SME Eligibility Check & Programme Selection
Whether the company meets the SME definition is verified against headcount and financial size criteria. The project idea is assessed and it is clarified whether 1507, 1501 or another programme is more appropriate. This stage prevents applications to the wrong programme and the time lost as a result.
Project Design & Budget Structuring
The project form is written in accordance with referee criteria. The essential requirement is that R&D content, the innovation dimension, technical risk analysis and the project team profile are presented coherently and persuasively. The budget is structured with SME realism; items that cannot be justified are not included in the application.
Online Application & Referee Process
The file is submitted to TÜBİTAK via the e-Bideb system. Programme 1507's evaluation process envisages a shorter and more accessible structure that takes into account the profile of SMEs with limited R&D experience. Responses to referee questions are prepared under Akbaş coordination; the company handles no correspondence on its own.
Project Execution & Periodic Reporting
Once the support decision is taken, expenditures are made and documented in line with budget items. In Programme 1507, reporting periods are planned according to the project's short duration. Interim reports are prepared by Akbaş; both technical and financial content is presented in a consistent manner.
Project Closure & Grant Confirmation
When the project is completed, the final report is submitted to TÜBİTAK. Once the closure review concludes successfully, the remaining payment is released. An SME that completes its first R&D project will make all subsequent applications with a much stronger track record; Akbaş takes this into account and prepares the company for the future.
Example Scenario
Grant calculation
at SME scale.
A line-by-line grant breakdown for an 18-month SME R&D project. Programme 1507's fixed 75% grant rate provides meaningful cash contribution even on smaller budgets.
Scenario Parameters
Line-by-Line Grant Calculation (75%)
The grant amount varies by project budget and accepted expense items. The example calculation is prepared for SME status with a 75% grant rate and a total budget of ₺2 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
Programme 1507.
What is the key difference between 1507 and 1501?
Programme 1507 is a start-up programme open exclusively to SMEs; Programme 1501 is a general R&D support programme open to industrial organisations of any size. Under 1507, the project duration is shorter (maximum 18 months), the budget expectations are limited to SME scale, and the evaluation process is somewhat faster. For firms with limited R&D experience, 1507 is a more manageable entry point; once experience is gained, transitioning to 1501 can be considered.
How do I know whether my company qualifies as an SME?
TÜBİTAK applies the European Union SME definition. Accordingly, companies with fewer than 250 employees whose annual net turnover and balance sheet total fall below the prescribed thresholds are classified as SMEs. Both criteria are assessed jointly. Akbaş confirms the company's SME status with supporting documentation before the application; this check is especially important for firms close to the threshold values.
Can a company that has never run an R&D project apply?
Yes; this is precisely the purpose for which 1507 exists. The programme is designed to help firms that have not yet institutionalised an R&D culture take their first step. Since there is no prior R&D experience, the file highlights the project team's technical competence and the commercial rationale of the project. This structure is the most effective approach for compensating for the lack of experience.
Is the grant rate under 1507 different from 1501?
No. SME-status companies benefit from a 75% grant rate under both programmes. However, since the 1507 rate applies only to SMEs, it does not vary by company size. While the rate for large enterprises under 1501 drops to 60%, this is irrelevant for 1507 since the programme is open exclusively to SMEs.
Can a company that completes 1507 proceed directly to 1501?
Yes. A company that successfully completes a 1507 project can apply to 1501 with a much stronger profile, backed by the R&D experience and organisational capacity it has built. The completed project serves as concrete evidence of institutional competence during referee evaluation. Akbaş begins planning the company's next R&D strategy in parallel with the closure of the first project.
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