Van Teknokent

What Van Teknokent does

Van Teknokent (legal entity: Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Teknokent A.Ş.) is a Technology Development Zone (Teknoloji Geliştirme Bölgesi, TGB) operating under Turkish Law 4691, physically co-located within the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University campus in Tuşba, Van. It provides physical co-working infrastructure — office modules, laboratories, and shared common areas — for early-stage and growth-stage R&D, software, design, biotechnology, electronics, and engineering firms in the Eastern Anatolia (TRB2) region. The entity is led by General Manager Yasemin Yetkin with Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Şevli (Van YYU Rector) serving as Board Chairman, and operates with approximately 59 staff. Van Teknokent serves as an official TÜBİTAK 1512/1812 BiGG Anadolu implementing institution for Eastern Anatolia, enabling startups in its catchment region to access up to 900,000 TL in government investment grants, and jointly runs the program with Kapadokya Teknopark.

Revenue is generated through a per-square-meter rental model (113.42 TL/m2/month standard office rent in 2025) plus operating expense charges (203.37 TL/m2/month aidat), with electricity and water individually metered and natural gas billed separately. Pricing is structured as a recurring subscription, layered with up to ten different discount mechanisms — including 50% rental discounts for Law 4691 incubatees with public R&D support (extendable to 3 years), 30% for incubatees without public support, 10% for academic-majority-owned companies, 15% for prior-year exporters of 100,000+ USD, 15% for TÜBİTAK TEYDEB fund recipients, and 5% for patent filers. Additional revenue and impact derives from non-rental services: the Start One and Academic Incubation Centers, the BiGG Start One program administration, the 'Ben Girişimciyim' regional entrepreneurship competition, the 1st Van International R&D Project Market (TÜBİTAK 1503), and a dense calendar of training programs (Design Thinking, 3D Printing, CV preparation). Go-to-market is event-driven and ecosystem-partnership-based, leveraging university campus outreach, regional university TTO partnerships across TRB2, bilateral visits with peer teknokents (Malatya, Fırat, Kapadokya, Trakya, Gaziantep), and hosted international delegations from Iran, Cameroon, Oman, and West Azerbaijan.

Customers fall into four primary segments: technology-based startups and R&D companies (the primary revenue source through rental contracts), academic staff and university researchers at Van YYU and partner institutions (commercializing research as spin-offs at preferential terms), university students (internship and employment pipeline), and regional/international companies seeking access to Eastern Anatolia and the Iran/Central Asia export corridor. Van Teknokent distributes its services through direct on-site access, regional TTO partnerships, the Kapadokya BiGG Anadolu collaboration, and TGBD national coordination, with Van YYU serving as the institutional parent providing land, infrastructure, governance, and the student/academic talent pipeline.

Name

Van Teknokent

Legal name

Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Teknokent A.Ş.

Website

https://vanteknokent.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Van Teknokent is a Turkish Law 4691 Technology Development Zone operating within Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, providing physical co-location, incubation (Start One), and TÜBİTAK BiGG Anadolu program administration for technology startups and R&D firms across Eastern Anatolia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Development Zone / Science Park Operations

NAICS

Administrative and Support Services (561), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Facilities Helpdesk & Service Request Management (FM Call Center/Dispatch) (IMAIALAG)

Keywords

• Technology development zone
• Startup incubation services
• R&D office leasing
• TÜBİTAK BiGG program
• R&D tax incentives

Headquarters

HQ city

Van

HQ country

Türkiye

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Kira Gelirleri (Rental Income): Van Teknokent generates revenue by leasing office and workspace units to resident R&D, software, and technology companies within the technology development zone. Rental rates are set per square meter with annual CPI-based adjustments. Additional operating expense (aidat) charges cover common area maintenance. Discounts are offered for pre-payment, academic ownership, incubatee status, and other criteria.
2. İşletme Giderleri (Operating Expense Recovery): Monthly operating expense charges (aidat) are levied per square meter to cover shared infrastructure costs including natural gas (billed separately by m2) and electricity (individually metered). This is a recurring cost recovery mechanism tied to office space occupancy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Van Teknokent is a Technology Development Zone (Teknoloji Geliştirme Bölgesi) that leases physical office and laboratory modules within the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University campus to technology startups and R&D companies. It administers the TÜBİTAK BiGG (1512/1812) program for Eastern Anatolia, operates dedicated startup and academic incubation centers, and delivers mentorship, training programs, and access to government R&D tax incentives (Law 4691/5746) to tenant companies.

Product overview

Van Teknokent is a Technology Development Zone (Teknokent/science park) affiliated with Van Yüzüncü Yıl University in Turkey. It operates as a multi-service technology ecosystem comprising: Start One Incubation Center (Kuluçka Merkezi) providing workspace and support for technology startups; BiGG Start One as the official TÜBİTAK BiGG Program (1512) implementing organization offering up to 900,000 TL investment support; an Academic Incubation Center serving university faculty and students; Patent Growth services for intellectual property protection; and entrepreneurship training programs including Design Thinking, 3D Printing, CV preparation, and e-commerce. The organization also facilitates regional collaboration through events like the Ben Girişimciyim competition and 1st Van International R&D Project Market. Van Teknokent provides tax incentives, R&D exemptions, and various government support program access to tenant companies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Start One: Technology-based entrepreneurship incubation center supporting startups with 200,000 TL TÜBİTAK grant support
• BiGG Start One
• Patent Growth

Products and services

• Start One Incubation Center (Start One Kuluçka Merkezi) Dedicated technology startup incubator center providing office space, mentorship, and startup acceleration services for early-stage technology entrepreneurs. Targeted at technology-based startups seeking workspace and acceleration support within the teknopark ecosystem.
• BiGG Start One (TÜBİTAK BiGG 1512 Implementing Program) Official TÜBİTAK BiGG Program (1512) implementing organization providing application evaluation, jury processes, and access to investment support up to 900,000 TL for technology-based startups in the Eastern Anatolia region. Targeted at technology entrepreneurs seeking seed-stage investment grants.
• Academic Incubation Center (Akademik Kuluçka Merkezi) Incubation center specifically designed for academic staff and students of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University to establish R&D companies, offering preferential rental terms (10% discount for majority academic ownership), shared overhead support, and rent deferral options. Targeted at university faculty and researchers commercializing academic research.
• Patent Growth Support Service Intellectual property support service helping tenant companies navigate the patent application process and protect innovations arising from R&D activities. Targeted at resident technology firms developing patentable innovations.
• Technology Park Office Rental (Standard Office Lease) Recurring monthly subscription rental of physical office space within the Van Teknokent campus at 113.42 TL per m² per month (2025 rate), plus operating expense charges of 203.37 TL per m² covering common area maintenance. Natural gas, electricity, and water are individually metered and billed separately. All prices are exclusive of 20% VAT. Targeted at R&D, software, and technology companies seeking to operate within a Technology Development Zone.
• 3D Printer Training Program (3D Yazıcı Eğitimi) Training program covering 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies delivered at Van Teknokent. Targeted at entrepreneurs and students seeking hands-on experience with manufacturing technologies.
• Design Thinking Training Program (Design Thinking Eğitimi) Training program on design thinking methodology delivered at the Start One Incubation Center within Van Teknokent. Targeted at entrepreneurs and students applying structured innovation approaches to startup development.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 900,000 TL TUBITAK BiGG investment grant available per startup through BiGG Anadolu program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Antriebstechnik Halle GmbH (Germany)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Vivalanch, a Van Teknokent resident electronics company, entered a joint project with German company Antriebstechnik Halle GmbH under the TUBITAK Multi-Party Collaboration Support Program and 33rd IraSME/EUROSTARS call, demonstrating international technology co-development from the Van Teknokent ecosystem.
• Van Ticaret ve Sanayi Odası (Van TSO)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Van TSO) co-hosts major events with Van Teknokent including the Van Entrepreneurship Summit, Van Bilişim ve İnovasyon Zirvesi, and the 1. Van Uluslararası AR-GE Proje Pazarı, providing industry connection and co-funding for ecosystem development activities.
• Habitat Derneği (Habitat Association)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Habitat Derneği partnered with Van Teknokent on youth technology entrepreneurship initiatives, including the AI Stars (Yapay Zeka Yıldızları) project hackathon and Zoom online meetings for regional development training and project collaboration.
• İran Urumiye Üniversitesi (Urmia University, Iran)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Van Teknokent maintains a representation at Urmia University in Iran and hosts reciprocal visits with Iranian academic and business delegations, exploring cross-border technology cooperation, joint R&D projects, and trade opportunities.
• T.C. Sanayi ve Teknoloji Bakanlığı (Ministry of Industry and Technology of Türkiye)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Van Teknokent operates under the authorization and supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Technology as a designated Technology Development Zone (TGB) under Law 4691. The ministry provides the regulatory framework, performance benchmarking, and occasional direct engagement including visits by the Minister of Industry and Technology and Deputy Ministers.
• Teknoloji Geliştirme Bölgeleri Derneği (TGBD)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022TGBD is the national association of Technology Development Zones in Turkey. Van Teknokent holds a seat on the TGBD Board of Directors and participates in annual coordination meetings (13th TGB Koordinasyon Toplantısı), policy development, and cross-teknopark collaboration initiatives.
• in4startupsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021in4startups is a startup ecosystem organization that partners with Van Teknokent on the 'Gelecek Vadedenler' (Future-Promising) competition, Startup Investment Summit, and other acceleration programs. in4startups also facilitated Van Teknokent's recognition as 'Entrepreneur-Friendly Technopark' and connects startups with investors including through StartupCentrum Alpha GSYF.
• Van İŞGEMminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Van İŞGEM (Van Incubation Center) collaborates with Van Teknokent on joint visits, entrepreneurship events, and programs for startups in the Van region. The two organizations share ecosystem-building activities and have hosted international delegations (e.g., Cameroon) together.
• TÜBİTAKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Van Teknokent is an official implementing institution (uygulayıcı kuruluş) for the TÜBİTAK 1512 BiGG (Individual Young Entrepreneur - BiGG Anadolu) and 1812 BiGG Investment programs, enabling startups in the Eastern Anatolia region to access up to 900,000 TL in investment support. The partnership enables Van Teknokent to conduct application evaluation, jury processes, and program administration for the regional startup support scheme.
• Van YYÜ Teknoloji Transfer Ofisi (TTO)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Van YYU's Technology Transfer Office and Van Teknokent operate in close coordination to commercialize university research, manage joint visits to regional vocational schools and universities, and co-organize technology outreach events. The TTO also collaborates on patent filing, project development, and incubation of academic spin-offs.
• Kapadokya TeknoparkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Van Teknokent and Kapadokya Teknopark jointly implement the BiGG Anadolu Program across the Eastern Anatolia region (TRB1 and TRB2), sharing program administration, jury evaluation responsibilities, and outreach. The partnership was formalized starting approximately 2020 and has produced multiple TUBITAK-funded startups including projects receiving the TUBITAK Excellence Seal in 2024.
• Doğu Anadolu Kalkınma Ajansı (DAKA)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018DAKA is the regional development agency for Eastern Anatolia and a key partner in co-funding entrepreneurship programs, training events, and infrastructure projects at Van Teknokent. Joint initiatives include the 'Ben Girişimciyim' competition, E-Commerce training, and participation in international trade events.
• KOSGEBmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018KOSGEB (Küçük ve Orta Ölçekli İşletmeleri Geliştirme ve Destekleme İdaresi Başkanlığı - Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration) partners with Van Teknokent to deliver entrepreneurship support programs, conduct jury evaluations for Girişimcilik Destek Programı applications, and organize information sessions for startups and SMEs on KOSGEB incentives.
• Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi (YYU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Van Teknokent is wholly embedded within the Van YYU campus, operating as YYU Teknokent A.Ş. (YYU Teknokent Joint Stock Company). The university provides land, physical infrastructure, academic talent, student pipeline, and governance through its appointed board members. Van YYU Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Şevli serves as Chairman of the Van Teknokent Board of Directors.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bilkent Cyberpark: Bilkent University's technology development zone operating under Law 4691, focused on ICT, defense, and advanced technology companies. Comparable in being a university-anchored teknopark with incubation services and TÜBİTAK BiGG implementing organization status, but with a stronger defense industry focus.
• Hacettepe Teknokent: University-affiliated technology development zone operating under Law 4691 with a similar structure to Van Teknokent (joint-stock company embedded in Hacettepe University campus in Ankara). Provides comparable incubation, R&D support, and tax-incentive services to technology startups.
• Kapadokya Teknopark: Nevşehir-based technology development zone that is Van Teknokent's explicit implementation partner for the TÜBİTAK BiGG Anadolu program. Operates the same TGB model in central Anatolia and is the most direct operational peer for program execution.
• ODTÜ Teknokent (METU Teknokent): Türkiye's largest and most established university-affiliated technology development zone, operating under the same Law 4691 framework as Van Teknokent. It serves the same function (incubator, accelerator, and R&D facility operator) at much greater scale in Ankara, providing the benchmark peer for evaluating Van Teknokent's relative performance in national rankings.
• YTÜ Teknopark: Yıldız Technical University's technology development zone, also operating under Law 4691 with incubation services for technology startups. Directly comparable to Van Teknokent in operating model, with stronger software and engineering company concentration in Istanbul.
• İTÜ ARI Teknokent: Istanbul Technical University's technology development zone operates the same TGB business model under Law 4691, providing incubation, R&D incentives, and office space to technology companies. Directly comparable in offering and regulatory framework, but located in Istanbul with significantly larger resident company base and venture capital access.

Regional players

• Gaziantep Teknopark: Southeastern Anatolian technology development zone operating under Law 4691 in Gaziantep's industrial ecosystem. Comparable in serving a non-Istanbul/Ankara region with manufacturing-adjacent technology focus, providing a useful comparison for regional teknopark growth trajectories.
• Malatya Teknopark (İnönü Üniversitesi Teknopark): Eastern Anatolian technology development zone serving the TRB1 region, regularly engaging in bilateral visits and cooperation with Van Teknokent. Provides a comparable regional teknopark peer in a similarly underserved geography adjacent to Van.
• Erciyes Teknopark: Kayseri-based university-affiliated technology development zone serving central Anatolia under Law 4691. Operates similar TGB, incubation, and BiGG program functions for a more industrially developed region, providing a useful benchmark for regional teknopark performance.

Broad incumbents

• TÜBİTAK MAM Teknoparkı: TÜBİTAK's Marmara Research Center operates a major technology development zone with deep R&D capabilities, much larger scale, and stronger institutional backing than Van Teknokent. Serves as a broad incumbent in the same TGB ecosystem that sources and channels federal innovation funding.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vanteknokent

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Van Teknokent