TÜBİTAK · 1511 Priority Areas R&D Programme
Strategic R&D support aligned with
state-defined priorities.
TÜBİTAK 1511 covers call-based R&D project grants for critical technology areas designated as national strategic priorities. For companies active in defence, energy, health technologies and digital transformation, it offers substantially higher grant ceilings compared to Programme 1501.
Programme Code
1511
Priority Areas Research, Technology Development and Innovation Projects Programme
Priority Technology Areas (Examples)
Priority areas are updated by TEYDEB with each call.
Scope and Eligibility Conditions
TÜBİTAK 1511 is a call-based programme that supports R&D projects targeting strategic technology priorities defined by the state. Its key distinction from Programme 1501 is that applications can only be submitted within specific calls announced at defined periods. Each call clearly defines the focus technology area, expected project characteristics and evaluation criteria.
In terms of grant ceiling, 1511 is the programme that opens the door to the highest-budget projects among TÜBİTAK's industrial R&D programmes. It is the primary evaluation option for companies operating in strategic sectors with sufficient technical maturity to carry out high-quality R&D projects. Companies in defence industries, energy infrastructure, medical devices and software are evaluated with the strongest profiles under this programme.
The call-based structure makes the application process more demanding in terms of rigour; designing the project to align with the call text and structuring the timing correctly are of critical importance. Akbaş monitors open call periods and positions the company's project to best fit the relevant call.
Grant Scope
Comprehensive funding for
a strategic project.
Eligible expense categories under 1511 largely overlap with those of 1501. The key distinction is that higher-budget projects focused on the priority area defined by the call are supported.
Personnel Costs
Gross salaries and employer social security contributions for the project team. In strategically prioritised projects, high-calibre researcher employment costs constitute the most significant budget item.
Equipment, Instruments & Software
Advanced technology equipment, measurement systems and licensed software purchases to be used within the project scope. This item typically carries a high value in strategic sector projects.
Materials & Consumables
Raw materials, special materials and consumables used during prototyping and experimental processes. Direct association with project activities is mandatory.
Consultancy & University Collaboration
Technical consultancy, testing and analysis services, and university partnerships. Particular emphasis on academic collaboration in 1511 projects has a positive impact on evaluation outcomes.
Travel & Accommodation
Domestic and international travel expenses for the project team related to project activities. International conferences and collaboration meetings may be included within this scope.
Overhead Costs
The portion of indirect project costs attributable to the project. Capped proportionally to total personnel costs; correct positioning in the budget design is required.
Working Process
From call to project approval:
strategic management.
The call-based structure of 1511 makes timing and alignment with call content critical. Having preparation complete before the call opens decisively increases the probability of acceptance.
Call Monitoring & Sector Eligibility Analysis
Akbaş continuously monitors 1511 calls announced by TÜBİTAK throughout the year. The company's technology area and project concept are matched against the priority areas of open or upcoming calls. This preliminary analysis ensures the right application is made to the right call at the right time; a missed call can mean waiting a full year.
Strategic Project Content & High-Budget Design
Project content is structured with direct reference to the priority area objectives stated in the call text. In 1511, referee evaluation gives special weight to strategic impact; technical content is assessed not only for innovation but also for alignment with national priorities. The budget is structured with the detailed justification required by its high value.
Call Application & Referee Evaluation
The application file is submitted via e-Bideb within the call period. In 1511, referee profiles typically consist of specialists in the strategic area; technical content must be convincing from both academic and industrial perspectives. Additional information requests are addressed immediately; the company handles no official correspondence alone.
Project Implementation & Periodic Reporting
Once the support decision is made, expenditures are realised in line with the budget items. Technical and financial reports are submitted at the end of each period. High budgets in 1511 projects make reporting processes more comprehensive; Akbaş serves as the company's single point of contact throughout this process.
Project Closure & Grant Finalisation
Upon project completion, the final technical and financial report is submitted to TÜBİTAK. Once the audit review is complete, the remaining payment is released. Successfully completing a strategically prioritised project substantially strengthens the company's institutional credibility with TÜBİTAK and its profile for the next application.
Example Scenario
Strategic project,
high grant value.
Grant calculation by budget item for a 36-month priority area R&D project. The high budget capacity of 1511 enables meaningful R&D investment in strategic sectors.
Scenario Parameters
Grant Calculation by Item (75%)
Grant rate and budget ceiling may vary by call. The example calculation is based on a 75% rate for SME status and a ₺8 million budget. Actual values are determined by the call specification and the approved budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about
Programme 1511.
What is the key difference between 1511 and 1501?
Programme 1501 is always open and targets general R&D projects. Programme 1511, by contrast, supports projects targeting strategic technology areas designated by the state, within calls opened at specific periods. Under 1511, alignment with the priority area defined in the call text is mandatory, and the strategic impact dimension carries special weight in evaluation. In return, 1511 opens the door to significantly higher project budgets than 1501.
When are calls announced, and how can they be tracked?
1511 calls are announced by TÜBİTAK TEYDEB during the year; the call period is typically limited to 2–3 months. Application preparation must be complete before the call opens, otherwise there is insufficient time. Akbaş monitors calls relevant to each client's sector in advance and ensures the file is ready when a call is announced.
Does my company's sector overlap with 1511 priority areas?
Priority areas vary by call; defence and aerospace, energy and environment, health technologies, digital transformation and advanced materials are among the main focus areas. If a company's R&D activity overlaps with a call's priority area, 1511 becomes the primary option to evaluate. A meeting with Akbaş is sufficient to conduct a preliminary eligibility analysis.
Is university collaboration mandatory in a 1511 application?
Requirements vary by call; some calls make university collaboration mandatory while others present it as a recommendation. However, in strategically prioritised projects, academic collaboration creates a strong advantage in referee evaluation in terms of technical credibility and research depth. Akbaş reviews the call text and plans this requirement from the outset.
Can a 1511 and a 1501 application be submitted simultaneously?
It is not possible to apply to both 1501 and 1511 simultaneously with the same project content; only one programme application may be active for the same project at a time. However, applying to both programmes simultaneously with different projects may be evaluated within the scope of programme regulations. Such multiple application strategies are planned in conjunction with Akbaş.
call analysis
Does your sector align with a 1511 call?
Your company's technology area and project concept are evaluated against open or upcoming 1511 calls. Estimated grant amount is calculated.
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