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As of July 3, 2025, a new regulation has entered into force in Turkey establishing the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge. This designation confirms that a startup operates with a technology and innovation-based, scalable business model. The badge is expected to become an important signal of credibility and growth potential for tech-oriented companies.
Application Criteria for the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge
Unlike traditional support programs, the application criteria for the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge go beyond financial or sector-based requirements. They focus on the startup’s scalability, organizational independence, technology orientation, and innovative character.
Key criteria include:
- Being established as a capital company or sole proprietorship in Turkey
- Qualifying as an SME (small or medium-sized enterprise)
- Meeting the independence requirements set under the SME Regulation
- Having been founded no more than 15 years ago
- Operating with a technology and innovation-based scalable business model
Eligibility Restrictions for the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge
- Companies operating in the production, sale, or service of products that do not comply with legislation
- Those conducting activities contrary to law, public order, or general morality
- Companies operating in the tobacco, alcohol, casino, or betting sectors
- Entities involved in political or ethnic activities
- Real Estate Investment Companies (REICs) and ventures solely engaged in real estate investment
Application and Evaluation Process
Applications must be submitted through the Portal at https://teknogirisim.sanayi.gov.tr, where the required documents are also listed. The evaluation is carried out by the Directorate General of National Technology.
If any deficiencies are identified, applicants are given 90 days to complete them. Applications not completed within this period are terminated.
If a startup demonstrates an innovative and scalable business model by meeting at least one of the following within the last three years:
- Acceptance into a Ministry-designated Technology Development Zone
- Acceptance into a TEKMER (Technology Development Center)
- Receiving support from TÜBİTAK’s BiGG (1512) or BiGG Investment (1812) programs
then its application is reviewed by staff, and the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge is granted by the Directorate General.
If a startup does not meet these conditions, the Directorate General may still assess whether the criterion of having an innovative and scalable business model is fulfilled. This evaluation can be conducted in two ways:
- by a committee established by the Directorate General, whose decision is binding, or
- by obtaining an opinion from an external evaluating institution, with the final decision made by the Directorate General.
Evaluation Criteria
During the assessment, the following factors are considered:
- The startup’s R&D capacity and the originality and innovativeness of its outputs
- Its contribution to technological development at national and global levels, as well as its economic and social impact
- Its growth performance and scalability potential
Startups with successful applications are certified with the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge. Those rejected cannot reapply within six months from the decision date.
Appeals
Startups whose applications are rejected may file a written objection to the Directorate General within 15 business days following the notification of the decision. Appeals are reviewed and finalized by the Appeals Evaluation Committee.
Validity of the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge
The Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge is valid for three years. Startups wishing to maintain it must submit a renewal application.
Badge holders are required to continue meeting the eligibility criteria throughout the validity period. Any changes affecting compliance must be reported within 90 days at the latest.
Change in Shareholding Structure
If, during the validity period of the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge, there is a change of more than 10% in the startup’s shareholding structure, the Directorate General must be notified within 90 days of the change.
