SOCAR Turkey R&D and Innovation

What SOCAR Turkey R&D and Innovation does

SOCAR Turkey R&D and Innovation (SOCAR Türkiye Ar-Ge ve İnovasyon A.Ş.) is the captive research and innovation arm of SOCAR Turkey, established in December 2019 and headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. The company operates a 1,200 square meter facility with six specialized laboratories (Rheology, Catalyst, Polymer Characterization, Environment and Biotechnology, Chemical Analysis, Chromatography) and a 400 square meter pilot facility, staffed by approximately 34 expert researchers. It was created to consolidate and extend Petkim's 51 years of accumulated R&D expertise into a centralized innovation center serving SOCAR Turkey's petrochemical, refining, and energy operations.

The company develops proprietary technologies across three product lines: digital products (ImCube for image-based particle analysis, SmartXSensor for autoML variable selection, SmartXFly for UAV-based AI inspection), biotechnology products (BIOTECH PET01 for refinery wastewater treatment), and polymer products (thermoplastics for 3D printing, specialty LDPE/PP grades, polyolefin wax). Core R&D programs include the PCMR (Plate Catalytic Membrane Reactor) for direct microalgae-to-SAF conversion in partnership with Technip Energies, catalyst development for CO2-to-DME conversion, hydrogen production research with Sabancı University, digital twin models for Petkim and STAR Refinery, and five EU-funded Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe projects. The company was the first in the world to receive ISO 56002 Innovation Management Systems certification in January 2023.

Revenue is generated primarily through internal R&D services for SOCAR Turkey group entities (Petkim, STAR Refinery), supplemented by EU and TUBITAK non-dilutive project funding, technology licensing of patented processes (PCMR pending patent), and project-based collaborations with external industrial partners and universities. Distribution occurs through direct internal corporate channels to SOCAR group companies and through international consortium partnerships and bilateral university-industry agreements for external engagements. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, reflecting the entity's captive structure.

Name

SOCAR Turkey R&D and Innovation

Legal name

SOCAR Türkiye Ar-Ge ve İnovasyon A.Ş.

Website

https://socararge.com.tr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SOCAR Turkey R&D and Innovation is the captive research and innovation center of SOCAR Turkey, developing proprietary digital, biotechnology, and polymer products plus sustainable energy technologies for the group's petrochemical, refining, and energy operations across 39 active projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

İzmir, Aliağa

HQ country

Türkiye

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. R&D Project Services: Research and development services for parent company SOCAR Turkey, subsidiaries Petkim and STAR Refinery, and external industrial partners. Revenue generated through project-based R&D collaborations, government-funded projects (EU Horizon programs, TUBITAK), and technology development for petrochemical, energy, and refinery operations.
2. Technology Licensing and Patented Processes: Revenue from proprietary technologies including PCMR technology for jet fuel production, catalyst formulations, and digital products. The company is developing patented processes for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production from microalgae.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SOCAR Turkey R&D and Innovation is an industrial research and development center that delivers proprietary digital products (ImCube, SmartXSensor, SmartXFly), biotechnology products (BIOTECH PET01), polymer products, and advanced process technologies (PCMR for biofuel, CO2FOKUS, NEFERTITI, digital twin models) to the petrochemical, refining, and energy industries. The center also conducts project-based R&D services and participates in EU-funded and TÜBİTAK-funded collaborative research programs.

Product overview

SOCAR Türkiye Ar-Ge operates as a multi-product R&D and innovation center offering digital products, biotechnology products, and polymer products. The digital products portfolio includes ImCube (particle analysis via image processing), SmartXSensor (autoML tool for predictive analytics), and SmartXFly (AI-powered UAV inspection service). The biotechnology product BIOTECH PET01 provides liquid bacteria solutions for wastewater treatment. The polymer product line includes thermoplastics for 3D printing, specialized polyethylene and polypropylene variants for extrusion coating, waterproofing, and nonwoven applications, and polyolefin wax for various industrial uses. The company also conducts research on sustainable jet fuel production from microalgae and develops digital twin models for refinery operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ImCube: Digital R&D product for dimensional particle analysis using image processing technology
• SmartXSensor
• SmartXFly
• BIOTECH PET01

Products and services

• ImCube Digital R&D product for dimensional particle analysis using image processing technology with a vibrating sampling chamber, built-in camera system, and proprietary algorithm that enables separation of superposed solid particles without requiring dispersion in liquid. For industrial laboratories and research facilities.
• SmartXSensor AutoML tool with variable selection algorithm, data modeling, and preprocessing features that automatically selects optimal variables for machine learning models with high prediction capacity. For industrial processes requiring multi-sensor tracking and predictive analytics.
• SmartXFly UAV-based inspection service for industrial zones using AI modules and learning models to detect malfunctions such as corrosion and cracks at difficult access points. Equipped with high-resolution RGB, lidar, and multispectral cameras. For petrochemical and refining facility operators.
• BIOTECH PET01 Liquid bacteria mix for treating chemical wastewater in refineries. Contains adapted bacteria that effectively eliminate difficult-to-break-down chemicals and can be applied directly to biological pools without prior adaptation. For refinery wastewater treatment operators.
• Thermoplastics for 3D Printing (SLS) Thermoplastic powder products for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing technologies, enabling rapid prototyping and manufacturing of components with intricate geometries for aviation, defense, and automotive industries.
• PETİLEN LDPE 1019-EC Low-density polyethylene for extrusion coating applications with excellent melt resistance and adhesion properties for high coating rate applications such as paper, cardboard, and aluminum foil coating. For packaging manufacturers.
• Modified aPP for Waterproofing Modified atactic polypropylene compound with superior elastomeric and shock-resistant properties, developed for waterproofing membranes in the construction industry.
• Petkim PPA 01A-MB Polymer Processing Aid masterbatch with unique formulation designed to solve die build-up and melt fracture problems, eliminating distortions on film surface for smoother, more transparent appearance. For film manufacturers.
• Petkim Petoplen EH-122 Polypropylene material developed for the home appliances industry with superior mechanical properties enhancing product quality and durability.
• Petkim Petoplen AG-251 Polypropylene type developed for nonwoven applications with anti-gas fading characteristics for hygiene products.
• Polyolefin-based Wax Modified polyolefin wax product transformed from petrochemical process by-products through chemical modification, offered as a compatibilizer agent for compound, cable, textile, and construction industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Target of 40,000 tons annual sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production from microalgae
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Technip Energies (T.EN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2023Strategic partnership for development of PCMR (Plate Catalytic Membrane Reactor) technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from microalgae. Target of approximately 40,000 tons of jet fuel annually. SOCAR Turkey R&D provides PCMR technology R&D resources while Technip Energies contributes process and engineering expertise.
• Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project for recycling waste plastics, converting polyolefin-type polymers into more valuable products for refinery and petrochemical inputs through catalytic/pyrolysis methods.
• İzmir Institute of Technology (İYTE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on development of catalyst for synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from carbon dioxide, contributing to sustainable technologies and emission reduction.
• Sabancı UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for hydrogen (H2) based technology studies for renewable energy, developing doped catalyst containing original electrode for hydrogen production to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize carbon footprint.
• Boğaziçi UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity collaboration for sustainability, energy transition, waste management, and digital transformation research under open innovation model.
• Koç UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for R&D collaboration in energy transition, sustainable technologies, and innovation projects.
• Gazi UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for sustainability and innovation research collaborations.
• Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for R&D collaboration in petrochemical and energy sectors.
• Gebze Technical UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for technology development and research collaborations.
• Technische Universität DarmstadtmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational university partnership for R&D collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• TÜBİTAKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational funding agency partner for R&D project support and technology development programs in Turkey.
• A.SPIRE (Research and Innovation Partnership Portal)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean research and innovation partnership organization for sustainable process industry technologies.
• Hydrogen EuropemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean hydrogen technology community partnership for clean hydrogen research and development.
• ASELSANmajorTechnology or IntegrationTurkish defense electronics company partnership for technology development and innovation collaborations.
• ROKETSANmajorTechnology or IntegrationTurkish rocket and missile technology company partnership for R&D collaborations.
• FORD Otomotiv SanayimajorTechnology or IntegrationAutomotive industry partnership for technology development and innovation.
• TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries)majorTechnology or IntegrationAerospace industry partnership for aviation fuel research and technology development.
• Sustainable InnovationsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean sustainable technology innovation company partnership for clean technology development.
• SiemensmajorTechnology or IntegrationGlobal technology company partnership for industrial automation, digitalization, and energy solutions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell UOP: Global leader in refining and petrochemical process technology, catalysts, and digital solutions. Operates at vastly larger scale but addresses the same refining catalyst, process optimization, and digital twin markets as SOCAR R&D.
• Saudi Aramco Research and Development Center: Captive R&D arm of a major state-owned integrated oil and gas company. Same captive R&D model serving in-house refining and petrochemical operations, with adjacent investments in low-carbon fuels and hydrogen.
• Johnson Matthey: Major catalyst and process technology provider with significant refinery, petrochemical, and emerging hydrogen/SAF investments. Comparable in catalyst research focus although much larger and more commercially mature.
• Petronas Research: R&D center of Malaysia's national oil company with similar captive R&D mandate covering refining, petrochemicals, and sustainability. Comparable in scale and business model.
• BASF Research: Global chemical major with extensive R&D investment in catalysts, polymers, and sustainability. Operates at vastly larger scale but pursues adjacent technologies in many of SOCAR R&D's focus areas.

Regional players

• TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM): Turkey's national research institution operating in chemistry, materials, and energy. Domestic peer with complementary R&D capabilities and partner-collaborator relationship with SOCAR R&D.

Direct peers

• Haldor Topsoe: Specialist in catalyst and process technology for refining, petrochemical, and renewable fuels. Directly comparable to SOCAR R&D's catalyst research, CO2-to-DME, and sustainable aviation fuel development work.
• Tüpraş R&D and Innovation Center: Türkiye's largest refiner operates a captive R&D center with similar scope in refinery process optimization, catalyst research, and digital transformation. Direct geographic and functional peer for SOCAR Turkey R&D's petrochemical and refining work.
• Reliance Research (Reliance Industries): Captive R&D arm of a major vertically-integrated petrochemical-to-refining conglomerate. Similar large-conglomerate-backed R&D model with comparable portfolio breadth across polymers, catalysts, and process technologies.

Emerging players

• LanzaTech: Specialist in commercial sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture technology. Direct competitor in the SAF space where SOCAR R&D's PCMR technology is positioned, with deeper commercialization track record.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/socar-ar-ge

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SOCAR Turkey R&D and Innovation