What is TÜBİTAK BiGG? A guide for early founders

BiGG (Individual Young Enterprise) is TÜBİTAK's programme under the 1512 Techno-Entrepreneurship Capital Support Programme for founders who want to turn technology and innovation-driven ideas into companies. It is one of the most popular sources for early-stage tech startups in Türkiye.

Purpose

The programme helps founders with an innovative idea who are not yet ready for investment to build a prototype, incorporate and take first commercial steps. The support is a grant; no equity is taken.

Who can apply?

Individual founders and founding teams meeting the conditions set in each call. Applicants usually should not yet have a company built around the idea, or the company should be very new. Current eligibility rules are published with each call.

Implementing organisations

Applications go through implementing organisations authorised by TÜBİTAK, usually university technology transfer offices, technoparks and incubators. They pre-screen applications, provide training and mentoring and accompany founders throughout. See our technopark guide.

Stages

1. Application and pre-screening: apply to an implementing organisation with your idea and team.
2. Training and mentoring: selected founders are trained to prepare a business plan.
3. Business plan and pitch: the plan is submitted for TÜBİTAK's evaluation.
4. Incorporation and project: successful founders set up their company and carry out the approved plan.

Tips for a strong application

• Describe the innovation concretely: how are you different from existing solutions?
• Show market and customer need with data.
• Highlight the team's technical and commercial skills.
• Prepare a realistic timeline and budget. See our business plan guide.

Conclusion

BiGG offers non-dilutive starting capital and structured support. Amounts and call dates change, so follow TÜBİTAK's official announcements. For other options see our grants and support guide.