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Türkiye is rolling out a fresh policy package to turn itself into a global base for tech founders, aiming to lift the number of companies in its Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge, Tech Visa, and Turcorn programs while expanding R&D capacity and technology zones.
The 2026 budget bill sets out a strategy to raise science, technology, and innovation through cooperation projects, R&D, and targeted support.
Authorities are preparing tech roadmaps to implement the National Technology Initiative, with the goal of shaping a competitive entrepreneurship ecosystem in global markets.
The government expects startups holding the Techno-Entrepreneurship Badge to grow from 1,000 to 5,000 next year, then 10,000 in 2027 and 12,000 in 2028.
Firms based in technology development zones are planned to increase from 12,250 this year to 13,250 in 2026, 14,500 in 2027, and 15,500 in 2028. Completed projects in these zones are projected to reach 7,000 next year, 7,200 in 2027, and 7,500 in 2028.
The Turcorn 100 program, which gives tailored support to potential “Turcorns” (Turkish unicorns valued at $1 billion and above), counts 40 startups this year and is set to reach 80 in 2026, 120 in 2027, and 160 in 2028.
The Türkiye Tech Visa, designed for tech-focused startups with innovative business models, is projected to include 75 companies next year, 100 in 2027, and 125 in 2028.
Industrial cooperation and new R&D projects will underpin the plan. Supported R&D employment is set to rise by 4,000 over the next three years. Active R&D centers are planned to increase from 1,360 this year to 1,420 next year, 1,458 in 2027, and 1,555 in 2028.
Over the same period, design centers are expected to reach 424 and technology development zones are slated to number 108. Under a product investment support program, high-speed EV charging stations are planned to reach 250 next year.
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