TÜBİTAK · 1512 Technology Entrepreneurship Capital Support
Your technology-based business idea
comes to life with individual support.
TÜBİTAK 1512 BİGG supports individual entrepreneurs with business ideas through a two-phase grant and mentoring programme. The process runs from business plan development to field implementation, guided by technical referee evaluation.
Programme Code
1512
Technology Entrepreneurship Capital Support Programme (BİGG)
Programme Phases
Progression to Phase 2 is determined by referee evaluation.
Scope and Eligibility Conditions
TÜBİTAK 1512 is a phased grant and mentoring programme designed to support individual applicants with technology-based business ideas. Individuals without a company, those who have recently incorporated, or those with a product at prototype stage may apply. Company formation is one of the prerequisites for Phase 2 support and takes place during the process.
In Phase 1, the applicant prepares a comprehensive business plan demonstrating the technical and commercial validity of their business idea. This plan is presented before a TÜBİTAK jury, and based on the evaluation result, the right to proceed to Phase 2 is earned. Successful applicants are enrolled in the mentoring programme and matched with experienced business professionals and technology experts in the relevant field.
In Phase 2, product development, market validation and initial sales targets are established. Project budget expenditures are reported over 18 months, with mentor follow-up continuing throughout the process. Akbaş covers the entire journey from business plan preparation and referee presentation to Phase 2 budget structuring and reporting.
Grant Scope
From Phase 1 to Phase 2:
phased financial support.
The support structure of 1512 is divided into two phases. Phase 1 covers business plan development costs, while Phase 2 covers all operational costs of the transition from idea to product.
Phase 1: Business Plan Support
Business plan preparation costs over a 6-month period. Technical feasibility, market research, prototype costs and referee presentation preparation are covered in this phase. Maximum support: ₺150,000.
Phase 2: Field Implementation
Product development and market validation costs over an 18-month period. Allocated to applicants who pass the referee evaluation. Maximum support: ₺600,000.
Personnel Costs
Gross salaries and social security contributions for R&D employees included in the project under Phase 2. The entrepreneur's own labour may also be attributed to the project under eligible conditions.
Equipment, Instruments & Software
Hardware, measurement tools and licensed software purchases required for prototype development and product validation. Capped proportionally to the project budget.
Consultancy & Service Procurement
Technical consultancy, testing and analysis services, legal advisory and certification costs. Akbaş advisory fees may be included in the project budget under this item.
Mentoring Programme
Matching with TÜBİTAK-approved mentors; periodic guidance on business development, market entry strategy and investor readiness. Mentoring support incurs no additional cost.
Working Process
From business idea to field implementation:
phased and disciplined management.
With its two-phase structure, 1512 contains a different evaluation gate at each step. Phase 1 business plan quality directly determines the Phase 2 acceptance rate.
BİGG Eligibility Analysis & Idea Assessment
The technology-based nature of the business idea and its eligibility for 1512 are analysed. A comparison of alternative programmes is conducted and the most appropriate timing for application is determined.
Phase 1 Application: Business Plan Preparation
A comprehensive business plan comprising market analysis, technical feasibility, competitive landscape and commercial model components is prepared. It is submitted in full via the TÜBİTAK application system (e-Bideb).
Referee Presentation & Evaluation
The business plan is presented before the TÜBİTAK jury. Preparation for referee questions, presentation flow and strengthening of technical content are coordinated by Akbaş.
Phase 2 Transition: Field Implementation Start
For the applicant who passes the referee evaluation, Phase 2 budget is structured, the company formation process is planned and mentor matching is completed. An 18-month implementation schedule is prepared.
Reporting, Mentor Follow-up & Project Closure
Periodic period reports are prepared by Akbaş. Mentor meetings are tracked and payment schedule compliance is maintained. At project closure, the final reporting and evaluation process is completed.
Example Scenario
Two-phase support:
calculable and predictable.
Example Applicant Profile
An individual software engineer developing an IoT-based plant health monitoring system for the agriculture sector. The product is still at prototype stage with no company formed. Deciding to apply to the TÜBİTAK 1512 BİGG programme.
Total Support Summary
This scenario is illustrative. Actual project budget and grant amounts are determined by the application conditions and TÜBİTAK's evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most common questions
about Programme 1512.
Can I apply without having a company?
Yes. Applications to TÜBİTAK 1512 are submitted individually; company formation is not mandatory at the application stage. However, the company must be incorporated before Phase 2 support can be utilised. The company formation process is planned in parallel with the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2.
What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
Phase 1 is the process of preparing the business plan that proves the commercial and technical validity of the business idea; grants of up to ₺150,000 are provided over 6 months. Phase 2 is the 18-month implementation phase covering product development and market entry for projects that pass the referee presentation; grants of up to ₺600,000 are provided. Progression to Phase 2 is not automatic; it is determined by referee evaluation.
What is the key difference between 1512 and 1507?
Programme 1507 is a corporate application programme targeting SMEs new to R&D; it supports the company's transition to active R&D activities. Programme 1512 is an entrepreneurship-focused programme that takes individuals who do not yet have a company from the business plan stage to field implementation. If you have an idea but no corporate structure yet, 1512 is the more suitable choice; if you have a company and are about to undertake your first R&D project, 1507 is more appropriate.
How does the mentoring programme work?
Matching is made with the most suitable person from TÜBİTAK-approved mentors for the project area. The mentor provides periodic support on business development, market entry strategy, preparation for investor meetings and network building. The mentoring process does not incur additional cost to the applicant and continues throughout Phase 2.
Is the grant repayable?
No. The grant provided under TÜBİTAK 1512 is non-repayable. Project activities and expenditures are documented to TÜBİTAK through regular reports; no repayment obligation arises for projects conducted in compliance with the rules. Different sanctions may be applied if irregularity or serious deviation is detected during the project process.
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