Government Incentives for IT and Software Firms in Turkey
1. R&D and Innovation Incentives
One of the most significant incentives for the IT and software sector in Turkey is the support provided for R&D projects. TÜBİTAK, KOSGEB, and the Ministry of Industry and Technology offer grants and tax advantages to companies developing innovative products. R&D Centers also provide extensive support, ranging from employee benefits to project financing.
a. TÜBİTAK Support Programs TÜBİTAK offers various programs designed to support R&D activities. These programs include:
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1501 - TÜBİTAK Industrial R&D Projects Grant Program
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1507 - TÜBİTAK SME R&D Startup Support Program
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1505 - University-Industry Collaboration Support Program
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1511 - TÜBİTAK Priority Areas Research Technology Development Program
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1512 - Entrepreneurship Support Program (BiGG)
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1707 - SME Support Call for Demand-Driven R&D Projects
These programs cover up to 75% of the following expenses:
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Personnel costs
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Travel expenses
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Equipment, software, and publication acquisition costs
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Material and consumable expenses
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Domestic and international consultancy services
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R&D services outsourced to R&D institutions
b. KOSGEB Support Programs KOSGEB provides crucial support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These include:
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SME Technological Product Investment (TEKNOYATIRIM) Support Program
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Strategic Product Support Program
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KOSGEB Business Development Support Program
These programs provide financial support for machinery, equipment, and software-related expenses.
c. R&D and Design Centers Establishing in-house R&D and design centers enables companies to benefit from significant incentives on personnel costs.
2. Marketing and International Expansion Incentives
IT firms developing software, games, applications, or platforms can benefit from IT Export Incentives provided by the Ministry of Trade. Under the Internationalization of the Turkish IT Sector and E-Turquality (Stars of IT) Program, the following expenses are supported:
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Software license and personnel costs
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Overseas promotion, advertising, and marketing expenses
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Overseas office rent
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Report, data analysis tools, hosting, and localization costs
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Digital platform commissions (Google, iOS, Steam, etc.)
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Fairs and events
These expenses are supported at rates of 60-70%.
To learn how to benefit from these incentives and simplify the process, Plus Global Consulting is here to assist. Our expert team can help you successfully complete your incentive applications and guide you toward achieving your export goals.
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3. Technology Transfer Offices (TTO)
TTOs create a collaborative environment between universities and the industry. They enable IT and software projects to leverage academic support, develop more innovative solutions, and gain advantages in patent processes. Plus Global Consulting provides strategic support in TTO collaborations.
4. Technology Development Centers (TEKMER) and Incubation Centers
TEKMERs and incubation centers provide infrastructure, equipment, and mentorship support to small and medium-sized firms. They offer a favorable environment for new ventures to grow at reduced costs.
With our consultancy services, we can simplify your incubation processes and assist in obtaining the necessary incentives for your projects.
5. Incentives for Game and Application Development Sector
BiGG 1512 Program This program by TÜBİTAK provides grants of up to 450,000 TL for innovative business ideas. Entrepreneurs developing games and applications can leverage this support to commercialize their projects.
Incubation and Accelerator Supports Specially designed incubation centers for game studios offer mentorship, testing environments, and collaboration opportunities during the game development process. They are an ideal infrastructure for firms providing solutions for digital game exports.
International Launch and Promotion Incentives To reduce advertising and launch costs for digital game exports, companies can benefit from the incentives provided by the Ministry of Trade. These incentives are crucial for increasing visibility on global platforms like Steam and the App Store.
Plus Global Consulting supports you throughout these processes, ensuring your incentive applications are monitored and completed effectively.
Discover Our Consultancy Services for Game and Software Firms
6. Technoparks and R&D Centers: Advantages and Incentives
Income and Corporate Tax Advantages Software firms operating in technoparks can benefit from VAT, income tax, and corporate tax exemptions. These advantages significantly reduce costs in technology development processes.
TTO Project Development Technology Transfer Offices provide consultancy, funding, and collaboration opportunities for companies to develop innovative projects. These services play a critical role, especially in software development projects.
Technology Development Zones and TEKMER Support Technology Development Zones (technoparks) and TEKMERs offer both financial and physical support for R&D projects. They provide low-cost office spaces and laboratories, creating a significant advantage for businesses.
Plus Global Consulting accelerates your technopark applications and processes, helping you maximize the benefits of these incentives.
7. Incentives for Entrepreneurs and Start-ups
KOSGEB Entrepreneurship Support Programs KOSGEB provides capital support, training, and mentorship services for new entrepreneurs. It offers financial assistance, particularly for technology-based initiatives.
BiGG 1512 and TÜBİTAK Support Programs TÜBİTAK offers special grant programs for entrepreneurs looking to commercialize innovative business ideas. The BiGG 1512 Program is highly effective in prototype development and commercialization processes.
Incubation and Accelerator Centers Incubation centers provide start-ups with guidance on business model development, access to investors, and rapid growth opportunities. They also offer low-cost infrastructure and office spaces.
At Plus Global Consulting, we guide you through the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey.
Learn More About Start-up Incentives
8. Digital and Green Transformation Incentives
Digitalization Incentives KOSGEB and the Ministry of Industry offer special grants to accelerate companies’ digital transformation processes. Projects aimed at digitizing all processes, from production to sales, are supported.
Green Deal and Technology Investments Green Deal compliance projects provide both local and international incentives for companies developing environmentally friendly production processes. These projects offer a competitive advantage in terms of sustainability.
9. TÜBİTAK BiGG 1512 Program
Grant and Project Financing This program by TÜBİTAK offers grants to support technology-based business ideas. These grants help entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas effectively.
Prototype and Commercialization Process BiGG 1512 comprehensively supports the transformation from idea to prototype and from prototype to product. It presents a great opportunity, especially for software and IT start-ups.
Mentorship and Business Development Entrepreneurs receive mentorship services in business development and commercialization processes under this program.
10. The Role of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs)
University-Industry Collaborations TTOs connect academic expertise in universities with industrial needs. This collaboration provides significant advantages in R&D projects.
Patent and Commercialization Support Patent acquisition processes for software and technology projects are expedited through TTOs. They also support the commercialization of projects in global markets.
Project Development and Funding TTOs guide entrepreneurs in finding funding and developing innovative projects.
Plus Global Consulting provides expert support to simplify your incentive processes and ensure the success of your projects. Contact us today to take the first step!
