Great Opportunity for Entrepreneurs
The initiative named BiGG.ASSIST, established through the collaboration of Izmir University of Economics (IUE), Technopark Izmir, and Inci Holding, has been selected by TUBITAK as an ‘implementing agency’ for the 2026-2028 period. Entrepreneurs with technology- and innovation-oriented projects will be able to apply to the IUE Technology Transfer Office to benefit from the grant support provided by TUBITAK under the Individual Young Enterprise (BIGG) program. Izmir University of Economics will provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs in business model development, mentoring, training, and investment readiness. The deadline for business ideas, which can be developed across various sectors such as smart transportation, sustainable agriculture, energy, and clean Technologies, will be announced in the coming days.
“A STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL”
Stating that the University views entrepreneurship as a strategic development tool that generates value for the city, the region, and the country, IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu said, “Entrepreneurship does not only mean generating new business ideas; it also means building the cities, economies, and lifestyles of tomorrow. As Izmir University of Economics, we believe that young people and innovative ideas are powerful actors that will transform the future. The authorization of BiGG.ASSIST as an implementing agency by TUBITAK is a testament to our University's determination to play an active role in this transformation.”
“STRENGTHENING THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE”
Prof. Dr. Biresselioğlu continued as follows: “Programs like this, where young entrepreneurs can bring their technology- and innovation-focused ideas to life, make significant contributions to Izmir's goals for a knowledge-based economy while strengthening the transformative, community-facing role of universities. For Izmir University of Economics, it is highly valuable to stand by entrepreneurs who produce, think, and dare, and to guide them in turning their ideas into sustainable and scalable ventures.”
“WE BECAME ONE OF 35 PROGRAMS”
Onur Kanyılmaz, Director of the IUE Technology Transfer Office, stated that the BiGG.ASSIST initiative is one of 35 programs selected to be supported under TUBITAK BIGG. Noting that the grant amount to be provided to entrepreneurs by TUBITAK for the new term will be announced shortly, Kanyılmaz said: “As Izmir University of Economics, we offer a comprehensive support infrastructure for entrepreneurs alongside our valuable stakeholders, Technopark Izmir and Inci Holding. The grant provided under the BIGG program serves as vital seed capital for entrepreneurs. We will provide all necessary support from the very beginning of the process. Our goal is to transform strong ideas into competitive, value-added ventures with market viability. BiGG.ASSIST will bring significant dynamism to the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Izmir and Turkey.”
