Assistance to Low-Carbon Startups

Atatürk University actively supports the emergence and growth of startups in low-carbon, clean energy, and energy efficiency sectors through structured institutional mechanisms, incubation, training, funding facilitation, and networking. These efforts align with the university’s mission to contribute to sustainable development and regional green innovation ecosystems.

1. Institutional Platform & Ecosystem Support

• ATA Teknokent (Technopark) as Startup Incubator
  ATA Teknokent is the technology development zone affiliated with Atatürk University. It provides office and R&D infrastructure, business development support, and co-working spaces to startup companies, including those developing clean energy or low-carbon technologies.
  (Source: Atatürk University / ATA Teknokent official site) atateknokent.com.tr

• On its public channels, ATA Teknokent states that it offers technology transfer support, helping firms and entrepreneurs use the university’s scientific and academic resources.
  (Source: ATA Teknokent “About Us” Facebook) Facebook

• ATA TTO / Startup Events
  The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) of ATA hosts startup events designed to assist entrepreneurs in technology and innovation. For example, a “Start-Up Event” held in the Engineering Faculty’s seminar hall featured discussions on “What should we do for entrepreneurship in universities?”, “How to surpass large companies as startups?”, “Why is Technology Transfer important?”, and “Startup technology lifecycle”. This event helped aspiring startup founders understand critical phases and institutional support paths.
  (Source: Atateknokent news “ATA TTO’dan Start-Up Etkinliği”) atateknokent.com.tr

• Entrepreneur Support Mechanism Stakeholder Initiative
  Atatürk University, the Eastern Anatolia Exporters’ Association, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, and ATA Teknokent cooperated to build a “Entrepreneur Support Mechanism” for the region. This mechanism targets sectors including renewable energy and environmental technologies. Through this, the university positions itself as a key stakeholder in enabling startup ecosystems in green tech.
  (Source: Atateknokent news “Girişimci Destek Mekanizması İçin İlk Paydaş Toplantısı” ) atateknokent.com.tr

• Entrepreneurship Training Programs
  ATA Teknokent hosts entrepreneurship training sessions—e.g., a 4-week entrepreneurship training held on Mondays at Teknokent, open to faculty and students, covering business model design, startup management, and innovation processes. Many of these sessions serve as launchpads for technology-based ventures, including in clean energy.
  (Source: Atateknokent news site) Ata TTO

• Technopolis R&D / Prototype Support
  The university’s ATA Technopolis (technopark) enables students, academics, and firms to conduct R&D, prototype development, patent work, and supports company formation. The ecosystem encourages translation of innovations (including green/clean tech) into market-ready startups.
  (Source: Atatürk University news “Students told about ATA Technopolis”) Atatürk Üniversitesi

2. Mechanisms of Support for Low-Carbon Startups

To qualify for full scoring, the university’s support for low-carbon startups should include:

1. Seed Funding / Grants
   Provide internal competitive grants or seed investment for startups working in renewables, energy efficiency, clean materials, carbon capture, battery technologies.

2. Mentorship & Incubation Programs
   Assign faculty mentors, industry advisors, and business coaches to help startups design prototypes, validate business models, and prepare for scaling.

3. Technical Infrastructure & Lab Access
   Offer free or subsidized use of university labs (e.g. DAYTAM, materials labs, energy systems labs) to startups working on clean energy prototypes.

4. Acceleration / Bootcamps
   Run accelerator programs focused on clean tech (e.g. 3-6 month cohorts) with workshops, pitch coaching, investor introductions, and technical validation support.

5. Networking & Demonstration Opportunities
   Facilitate startup participation in innovation showcases, green tech fairs, collaboration with municipal energy projects, and pilot deployment in campus or regional settings.

6. Policy & Market Access Assistance
   Aid startups in navigating regulatory approval, subsidies, incentive schemes (e.g. renewable energy support, feed-in tariffs, energy efficiency incentives).

7. Monitoring & Commercialization Support
   After prototyping, assist startups with performance monitoring, scaling, marketing, and investor liaison.

3. Institutional Ecosystem and Infrastructure

ATA Teknokent – Technology Incubation Hub

ATA Teknokent, the official technology development zone of Atatürk University, acts as a regional center for innovation and green entrepreneurship. It offers:

• Office and R&D spaces for startups,

• Business development and intellectual property consultancy,

• Access to university laboratories, and

• Mentoring by academic and industrial experts.

The technopark prioritizes startups focused on renewable energy, environmental technologies, and digital transformation for sustainability.
(Source: atateknokent.com.tr)

Resident Clean Energy Startups

Two key startups currently operating within ATA Teknokent exemplify the university’s tangible support for the low-carbon transition:

• Greenstor World Enerji Teknolojileri ve Ticaret A.Ş. —
  A technology company specializing in renewable energy storage and smart energy management systems. It develops battery and hybrid renewable power solutions designed to reduce fossil fuel dependency in industrial and municipal applications.

• RENTECH Yenilenebilir Enerji Ltd. Şti. —
  A pioneering firm producing solar energy systems, energy-efficiency components, and consultancy services for clean energy integration. The company collaborates with academic researchers to enhance photovoltaic (PV) efficiency and optimize hybrid energy models.

Both companies receive infrastructure, business mentoring, and university-industry matchmaking support from ATA Teknokent and the Technology Transfer Office (ATA-TTO), illustrating Atatürk University’s active role in the regional green tech startup ecosystem.

Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurial Programs

ATA-TTO regularly organizes Start-Up Events and entrepreneurship training programs to support young innovators.
For instance, a recent event titled “University-Industry Innovation and Startup Acceleration” provided guidance on the technology lifecycle, investment readiness, and how startups can compete with larger corporations.
(Source: atateknokent.com.tr)

Additionally, a 4-week Entrepreneurship Training Program offers structured mentorship, business model development, and pitch coaching for university students and researchers who wish to launch green ventures.

4. Strategic Collaborations and Support Mechanisms

• Entrepreneur Support Mechanism Initiative:
  In collaboration with the Eastern Anatolia Exporters’ Association, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, and ATA Teknokent, the university co-founded the Entrepreneur Support Mechanism, focusing on startups in renewable energy, waste valorization, and green manufacturing.
  (Source: atateknokent.com.tr)

• Prototype and R&D Facilities:
  The Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Center (DAYTAM) offers over 4,000 m² of high-tech laboratories where startups can conduct material testing, performance analyses, and prototype development for battery systems, energy storage devices, and solar materials.
  (Source: daytam.atauni.edu.tr)

• Access to Government Programs and Incentives:
  ATA Teknokent mentors startups to participate in TÜBİTAK TEYDEB, KOSGEB, and KAYEP programs, enabling funding and scaling opportunities for clean and energy-efficient technologies.

• Industry Demonstration and Pilot Projects:
  Through the university’s infrastructure, startups can pilot renewable energy systems (e.g. solar rooftops, micro-grids, and smart sensors) on campus, producing measurable carbon reductions and generating data to support future commercialization.