Turkish deep tech scale-ups to land in Zuid-Holland via new partnership
InnovationQuarter and ITU ARI Teknokent formalized a new strategic partnership aimed at accelerating Turkish Deep tech scale-ups into the Dutch and European markets. The collaboration sets the stage for joint programming, access to innovation infrastructure, investor and mentor introductions, and the development of soft-landing pathways – positioning Zuid-Holland as a key gateway for Turkish technology companies with international ambitions.
InnovationQuarter at ITU ARI Teknokent, 8 July 2025
The strategic partnership was officially launched on July 8th with a breakfast roundtable discussion hosted at ITU ARI Teknokent, bringing together five promising Turkish start- and scale-ups. The event was followed by a formal signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to foster international innovation and growth.
Located at Istanbul Technical University, ITU ARI Teknokent is a leading technology and innovation campus that supports startups and scale-ups with R&D, entrepreneurship, and innovation services. Its flagship INNOGATE program helps companies scale internationally through structured acceleration and market access.
Joint programming and market access for scale-ups
Turkish scale-ups will be offered access to Zuid-Holland’s innovation ecosystem, including incubators, labs, and coworking spaces via InnovationQuarter’s partner network.
The partnership also creates valuable opportunities for Dutch startups seeking to expand internationally. By participating in ITU ARI Teknokent’s acceleration program, these companies can benefit from a structured soft-landing in Istanbul. This two-way exchange highlights the balanced and mutually beneficial nature of the collaboration.
Mutual soft-landing and cross-border Innovation
Through the partnership, InnovationQuarter will invite Turkish Deep tech scale-ups selected for ITU ARI Teknokent’s internationally recognized INNOGATE International Acceleration Program to the region. At the same time, by promoting ITU ARI Teknokent’s ITU SEED program to Dutch entrepreneurs, it will offer them a soft-landing opportunity in Istanbul.
This mutual collaboration enables the exchange of fresh technologies, innovative business models, and international networks between Turkey and the Netherlands, enriching both innovation ecosystems. It creates new opportunities for joint projects and partnerships between Dutch and Turkish corporates, investors, and research institutions. By supporting cross-border innovation flows in both directions, the partnership helps attract talent and investment to both regions and fosters long-term, strategic cooperation.
Focus on deep tech and scale-ups
The collaboration targets startups at TRL 7 or higher, typically scale-ups with validated technologies and international ambitions. Sectors of interest include AI, Life Sciences & Health, High Tech Systems & Materials, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Energy & Circular Economy, Maritime & Port-related Industry, Horticulture & Food and other high-impact verticals.
“This partnership with ITU ARI Teknokent allows us to proactively connect Zuid-Holland’s innovation ecosystem with one of Turkey’s most dynamic tech communities. By facilitating the soft-landing of Turkish scale-ups, we’re not only attracting promising technologies to our region, but also creating new opportunities for Dutch corporates, investors, and research institutions to collaborate internationally. At the same time, through the ITU SEED program, we offer Dutch startups the opportunity to establish a presence in Istanbul and expand into Turkey and surrounding markets.”
– Chris van Voorden, Director Internationalization at InnovationQuarter
“At ITU ARI Teknokent, we are proud to join forces with InnovationQuarter to foster a two-way bridge between Turkey and the Netherlands. Through our flagship global programs, we offer Dutch startups a soft-landing in Istanbul — a rising hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and MENA. Supported by the academic strength of Istanbul Technical University and our dynamic innovation ecosystem, they gain access to top talent, infrastructure, tax incentives, and growth opportunities. At the same time, we’re equally pleased that this partnership opens new doors for our own startups to expand into the Dutch and European markets with greater ease.”
– Attila Dikbaş, CEO of ITU ARI Teknokent
Chris van Voorden, Director Internationalization at InnovationQuarter and Prof. Attila Dikbaş, CEO of ITU ARI Teknokent
Real-world examples and impact
The collaboration also opens the door for European incubators, corporates, and investors to engage with Turkish scale-ups entering the Dutch market, creating opportunities for co-development, joint ventures, and early access to emerging technologies. Turkish companies such as Doktar, Beespenser (in process) and Bilge Adam have already established a presence in the Netherlands. These cases illustrate the potential of structured soft-landing programs to accelerate international growth.
The agreement outlines a broad scope of collaboration, including:
- Zuid-Holland soft-landing support: Turkish scale-ups with proven success in their home market will be supported in landing in Zuid-Holland, with guidance on market strategy, legal requirements and introduction to the ecosystem. The support of InnovationQuarter includes:
- Strategic location advice tailored to your industry and business model.
- Support in setting up and/or expanding operations, including office, logistics and R&D facilities.
- Introductions to key networks including business partners, service providers, and public stakeholders.
- Information on incentives, taxes, and labor laws.
- Guidance on permits, visas, and legal requirements.
- Access to innovation infrastructure: InnovationQuarter will facilitate access to innovation labs, research centers, and coworking spaces for eligible companies.
- Investor and mentor matchmaking and joint events: Both parties will introduce companies to relevant mentors and investors in their respective networks.
- Opportunities within ITU ARI Teknokent’s innovation ecosystem: Dutch startups will have the opportunity to establish a presence at ITU ARI Teknokent, benefiting from its dynamic ecosystem filled with global partnerships, collaborative opportunities, high-quality talent, infrastructure support, and tax incentives.
- Program cross-promotion: InnovationQuarter will promote ITU ARI Teknokent’s global programs to Dutch companies, while ITU ARI Teknokent will promote Dutch programs to Turkish entrepreneurs.
InnovationQuarter at ITU ARI Teknokent on 8 July 2025
Next steps
This two-year agreement lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration, and the first activities are already underway. While non-binding, it sets the stage for concrete joint activities and deeper ecosystem integration.
Interested in collaborating or learning more?
Arife Karaosmanoglu – Aker
