50 Startups Will Compete, Meet Millions And Close 2023 With Great Momentum In The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
ITU Çekirdek’s Big Bang Startup Challenge, which will be held on 13-14 December at Uniq Istanbul under the motto “Dream, Dare, Do”, will feature 50 startups from eight different industries. The much-anticipated programme, which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of technology products and services, will also feature a special concert by Mustafa Sandal. The event will also feature the All Star Stage, where three startups that have grown and gone global after receiving investment will share their success stories.
Incubation centre ITU Çekirdek, which provides 360-degree support to entrepreneurs in their growth journey, has announced the programme for the Big Bang Startup Challenge. Scheduled for 13-14 December, “The Braves” theme will dominate the stage where the year’s top 50 startups will be presented in eight different industry verticals (Energy, Digital Arts, ITU Seed, Online Marketplace & Online Platform, Automotive & Mobility, Insurance & Wellbeing, Sustainability & Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain).
341 million TL in prizes, cash and investments were announced at last year’s Big Bang stage
One of the new features awaiting attendees this year is the All Star Stage. Three startups that previously graced the ITU Çekirdek and Big Bang stages and have since gone global with their investments will share their experiences. Participants of Big Bang, the host of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, will have the opportunity to expand their networks and discover many technological innovations at the startup booths and experience areas set up in the foyer. Last year, more than TL 341 million in awards, investments and cash support were announced to startups, and the event, which has witnessed numerous success stories so far, will be open and free to all technology enthusiasts.
Entertainment as well as Competition at Big Bang: Special Concert by Mustafa Sandal
Hosted by M. Serdar Kuzuloğlu, the two-day Big Bang will showcase the top 50 startups in each vertical on the first day, while the awards and investments for the startups will be announced on the second day. The event will feature a special concert by famous artist Mustafa Sandal, special performances by Berk Karan and Çağla Alkan from the TuzBiber stand-up team, special dance shows by the Dance Factory team and a DJ performance, ensuring excitement and enthusiasm throughout the day.
The total valuation of ITU Çekirdek startups reaches $1.5 billion
ITU Çekirdek Incubation Centre, which supports an average of 500 start-ups per year and creates millions of dollars of added value for the Turkish economy, has supported more than 4,200 technology start-ups in more than 10 years and contributed to the incorporation of 1,400 of them. By helping startups create 10,000 jobs and raising $150 million in investments, the total valuation of startups within ITU Çekirdek has reached $1.5 billion.
Big Bang opens global doors for startups
Hundreds of startups supported by ITU Çekirdek for 12 years have become global success stories with the awards and investments they received on the Big Bang stage. These startups include those that have established a distribution network in more than 40 countries, received investments from Silicon Valley, changed sectors and are candidates to become future unicorns. It is expected that Big Bang 2023 will once again see the birth of high profile startups.
Supporters add strength
At Big Bang; Elginkan Foundation as Diamond Partner; EPDK|Elder and Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OİB) as Platinum Partners; AGESA, Akbank, AKSigorta, Aktif Ventures, Anadolu Efes, Anadolu ISUZU, Aveon Global Insurance, Coşkunöz Education Foundation, Eczacıbaşı, EnerjiSA, Ford Otosan, ForInvest, Golrang Innovation Center, Smart Solar Technologies, Teknasyon, Yalçıner Patent and Yapı Kredi Technology as Gold Partners are all supporting startups to accelerate and invest in future technologies.