ASSISTANCE TO STARTUPS FOSTERING A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES

Atatürk University | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy | Indicator 7.4.5

Reporting Year: 2025

Atatürk University supports the development of a low-carbon economy by providing an institutional environment in which entrepreneurs and technology-based companies can develop innovative solutions for renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable production, resource conservation and environmental technologies.

Through ATA Teknokent, the Technology Transfer Office (ATA-TTO) and the Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Centre (DAYTAM), the University facilitates access to research infrastructure, entrepreneurship training, technology transfer, project development assistance and external funding opportunities.

These mechanisms support the transformation of innovative ideas into research projects, commercially viable technologies and growing enterprises.

In 2025, the University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem provided documented support through project funding workshops, capacity development training, business networking and assistance to companies pursuing resource-efficient production technologies.

A particularly relevant example was Maali Çelik AR-GE, an ATA Teknokent company whose project integrating automation and recycling into efficient manufacturing qualified for support from the Northeast Anatolia Development Agency (KUDAKA).

The University’s approach combines direct entrepreneurship assistance with the technological capabilities needed to develop cleaner and more resource-efficient products and services.

1. Institutional Support for Low-Carbon Entrepreneurship

1.1. ATA Teknokent – Technology Development and Startup Ecosystem

ATA Teknokent, the technology development zone affiliated with Atatürk University, serves as a regional platform for entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-based business development.

The technopark supports entrepreneurs and companies through:

• Technology development infrastructure.
• Research and development opportunities.
• Business establishment and growth support.
• University–industry collaboration.
• Technology transfer services.
• Entrepreneurship education.
• Access to external funding information.
• Networking with public institutions and industry.

These mechanisms are available to technology-based ventures, including companies developing renewable energy, energy-efficient systems and environmentally sustainable production technologies.

ATA Teknokent maintains a formal application process for entrepreneurs and companies wishing to operate within the technology development zone.

Evidence: ATA Teknokent – Official Website

Evidence: ATA Teknokent – Company Directory

1.2. Technology Transfer Office (ATA-TTO)

ATA-TTO connects university research capacity with entrepreneurs and industrial organisations.

Its activities support:

• Commercialisation of research.
• Entrepreneurship development.
• Technology transfer.
• Intellectual property awareness.
• Research collaboration.
• Funding programme information.
• Project preparation.
• Cooperation between academics and businesses.

For low-carbon startups, these services are relevant to developing technologies such as:

• Renewable energy systems.
• Energy storage solutions.
• Energy-efficient industrial equipment.
• Sustainable manufacturing technologies.
• Smart energy management systems.
• Recycling and resource recovery technologies.

Evidence: ATA Teknokent – Technology Transfer Office

2. Documented 2025 Support for Resource-Efficient Technology Companies

2.1. Maali Çelik AR-GE – Efficient Manufacturing, Automation and Recycling

One of the most relevant documented examples from 2025 concerns Maali Çelik AR-GE, a company operating within ATA Teknokent.

On 10 December 2025, ATA Teknokent announced that the company had qualified for support from the Northeast Anatolia Development Agency (KUDAKA) for its project:

“Verimli Üretim için Otomasyon ve Geri Dönüşüm Entegrasyonu”

Integration of Automation and Recycling for Efficient Production

The project aims to:

• Increase efficiency in production processes.
• Integrate automation into manufacturing.
• Incorporate recycling into industrial operations.
• Strengthen sustainable production practices.
• Develop innovative approaches to resource utilisation.

2.2. Contribution to a Low-Carbon Economy

Efficient production and recycling are important components of a low-carbon industrial transition.

Technologies that reduce material waste and improve production efficiency can contribute to:

• Lower resource consumption.
• Reduced demand for virgin materials.
• More efficient manufacturing processes.
• Reduced environmental impacts.
• Circular economy practices.

The Maali Çelik AR-GE project therefore represents a concrete example of an environmentally oriented technology company developing within the University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The documented KUDAKA funding decision provides evidence of external recognition and support for the company’s innovation project.

The announcement does not specify verified energy savings or carbon emission reductions; these should not be reported as achieved outcomes without measurement.

Official evidence: ATA Teknokent – KUDAKA Support for Maali Çelik AR-GE, 10 December 2025

3. Startup Funding and Capacity Development in 2025

3.1. KOSGEB Capacity Development Support Programme – 5 February 2025

On 5 February 2025, ATA Teknokent organised an information and project preparation training session for companies operating within its technology development zone.

The programme introduced the KOSGEB Capacity Development Support Programme.

The training was delivered by Mehmet Akif Ayaz, a KOSGEB SME specialist assistant.

Participants received information about:

• Funding opportunities.
• Programme eligibility.
• Application procedures.
• Project preparation.
• Accessing business development support.

This activity demonstrates direct institutional assistance to companies seeking financial resources and opportunities for growth.

The training is relevant to low-carbon entrepreneurship because eligible companies developing clean technologies may benefit from general business development and innovation support programmes.

Official evidence: ATA Teknokent – KOSGEB Capacity Development Training, 5 February 2025

3.2. Horizon Europe Project Development Workshop – 17 January 2025

On 17 January 2025, ATA Teknokent reported a three-day Horizon Europe project development workshop organised for TTO specialists and regional companies.

The training was delivered by project coordinator Anıl Şensöz.

The workshop covered:

• European Union funding opportunities.
• Horizon Europe programme structures.
• Project application procedures.
• Identifying suitable funding opportunities.
• Preparing competitive applications.
• Project financing approaches.

The activity strengthened the capacity of regional technology companies to pursue international research and innovation funding.

Horizon Europe includes funding opportunities relevant to climate action, renewable energy, sustainable industry and clean technologies, although the documented workshop was not exclusively dedicated to these sectors.

Official evidence: ATA Teknokent – Horizon Europe Workshop, 17 January 2025

3.3. Technology Transfer Office Information Meeting – 6 January 2025

On 6 January 2025, ATA-TTO specialists held an introductory and information meeting for companies operating within ATA Teknokent.

Such activities provide entrepreneurs with direct access to institutional information and available technology transfer mechanisms.

They also facilitate communication between companies and the University’s innovation support structures.

Evidence: ATA Teknokent – Official News Archive, January 2025

4. Renewable Energy Startups Within the University Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

4.1. RENTECH Renewable Energy Ltd.

RENTECH Yenilenebilir Enerji Ltd. Şti. is listed in ATA Teknokent’s official company directory.

The company operates in the renewable energy sector, providing a relevant example of the technopark’s connection with clean energy enterprises.

Its documented presence within ATA Teknokent demonstrates the availability of the University’s technology development environment to a renewable energy business.

The company’s association with the technopark is further supported by its listing among the business partners of IBT Solar, which identifies its location at ATA Teknokent in Erzurum.

Official evidence: ATA Teknokent – RENTECH Renewable Energy Company Profile

Additional evidence: IBT Solar – Business Partners

The current company directory confirms the relationship, but it does not independently establish the exact dates or value of services received during 2025.

4.2. Greenstor World – Energy Storage and Clean Energy Technologies

Greenstor World Energy Technologies develops products and services related to:

• Renewable energy systems.
• Lithium-ion batteries.
• Energy storage technologies.
• Battery management systems.
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Smart energy solutions.
• Hybrid renewable energy systems.

These technologies contribute to the development of low-carbon energy systems and support the wider transition away from fossil fuel dependence.

Greenstor World’s business activities illustrate the types of technological innovation relevant to the University’s low-carbon entrepreneurship objectives.

Evidence: Greenstor World – Official Website

Evidence: Greenstor World – Energy Technologies

Reporting clarification: Greenstor World’s official public information identifies its business location in İstanbul. Its presence as an ATA Teknokent tenant or receipt of direct university support during 2025 could not be independently confirmed. Accordingly, it is presented as a clean energy company referenced in the previous evidence framework, not as a verified 2025 ATA Teknokent beneficiary.

5. Entrepreneurship Training and Startup Development

5.1. Startup Education and Awareness

ATA-TTO has previously organised startup events introducing participants to technology entrepreneurship.

A documented Start-Up Event at the Faculty of Engineering addressed topics including:

• Entrepreneurship in universities.
• Competition between startups and established companies.
• The importance of technology transfer.
• The startup technology lifecycle.
• Developing innovative businesses.

These activities demonstrate an established entrepreneurship education framework that can also benefit founders working on low-carbon technologies.

Evidence: ATA-TTO – Startup Event

5.2. Entrepreneurship Training Programmes

The University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem has also offered structured training addressing:

• Business model development.
• Entrepreneurship management.
• Innovation processes.
• Commercialisation.
• Startup planning.

The previously documented four-week entrepreneurship programme is an example of this support structure.

Evidence: ATA-TTO – Entrepreneurship Training Archive

These earlier activities provide institutional background. They should not be counted as newly delivered 2025 programmes unless supported by corresponding 2025 records.

6. Regional Partnerships for Entrepreneurship Development

6.1. Entrepreneur Support Mechanism

Atatürk University and ATA Teknokent have previously participated in a regional initiative to develop an Entrepreneur Support Mechanism.

The initiative involved cooperation with:

• Eastern Anatolia Exporters’ Association.
• Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality.
• ATA Teknokent.
• Regional entrepreneurship stakeholders.

The mechanism was intended to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Such cooperation can support technology ventures operating in renewable energy, environmental technologies and sustainable production.

Evidence: ATA Teknokent – Entrepreneur Support Mechanism Stakeholder Meeting

6.2. Regional Business and Industry Cooperation in 2025

ATA Teknokent continued its engagement with the regional business ecosystem during 2025.

Documented activities included:

• Cooperation discussions with the Erzurum Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• University–industry visits.
• Business information meetings.
• Participation in innovation and technology transfer events.
• Engagement with national and international business support networks.

These activities help entrepreneurs access external stakeholders, identify cooperation opportunities and develop innovation projects.

Evidence: ATA Teknokent – 2025 News Archive

7. Technical Infrastructure for Clean Technology Startups

7.1. DAYTAM – Advanced Research and Laboratory Facilities

The Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Centre (DAYTAM) provides advanced scientific infrastructure relevant to low-carbon technology development.

Its laboratories support research and technical analysis involving:

• Advanced materials.
• Electrochemical systems.
• Nanomaterials.
• Material characterisation.
• Spectroscopy.
• Microscopy.
• Surface analysis.
• Chemical analysis.

These capabilities can be valuable to startups developing:

• Battery materials.
• Renewable energy components.
• Energy storage systems.
• Advanced conductive materials.
• Efficient electronic devices.
• Environmentally sustainable technologies.

Evidence: DAYTAM – Official Website

Evidence: DAYTAM – Laboratory Infrastructure

7.2. Laboratory Services and Prototype Validation

DAYTAM publishes service information and laboratory access arrangements.

Its facilities provide opportunities for companies and researchers to undertake specialised analyses and technical investigations.

For clean technology entrepreneurs, access to advanced testing services can help address technical challenges during research and product development.

Evidence: DAYTAM – Service Fees

The existence of the service infrastructure is documented. Preferential or subsidised laboratory access for individual low-carbon startups in 2025 would require separate confirmation.

8. Research, Prototyping and Commercialisation Support

Atatürk University’s academic departments, research centres and technology transfer mechanisms collectively provide a foundation for technology-oriented entrepreneurship.

Relevant support areas include:

8.1. Research and Development

• Identification of technical challenges.
• Academic research collaboration.
• Evaluation of emerging technologies.
• Access to specialist expertise.
• Applied research and product development.

8.2. Prototyping and Testing

• Material testing.
• Component analysis.
• Experimental validation.
• Research-oriented measurements.
• Technical evaluation of new products.

8.3. Intellectual Property and Commercialisation

• Intellectual property awareness.
• Technology transfer guidance.
• Commercialisation planning.
• Industry collaboration.
• Business development support.

These services can help entrepreneurs advance innovations from early-stage concepts towards commercially viable technologies.

The precise services provided to individual clean energy companies during 2025 should be supported by company-specific records.

9. Funding and Financial Support Mechanisms

9.1. TÜBİTAK Entrepreneurship Support

ATA Teknokent has participated in the TÜBİTAK BiGG entrepreneurship support ecosystem.

Its institutional bulletin identifies participation in an implementing consortium selected for the 2023–2025 period.

The programme supports technology-based entrepreneurs in developing innovative business ideas and commercialisation plans.

Such mechanisms can be relevant to entrepreneurs developing renewable energy, resource efficiency and environmental technologies.

Evidence: ATA Teknokent – TÜBİTAK BiGG Programme Bulletin

9.2. KOSGEB and Business Development Support

The documented 5 February 2025 training provides direct evidence that ATA Teknokent helped companies understand business development funding opportunities.

This type of assistance can reduce barriers to accessing external support.

9.3. International Funding Opportunities

The January 2025 Horizon Europe workshop provided practical information about European research funding and project preparation.

Such support is relevant to startups seeking resources for technological development, including clean energy innovations.

9.4. Regional Development Agency Funding

The December 2025 KUDAKA-supported Maali Çelik AR-GE project illustrates a company within ATA Teknokent obtaining external support for resource-efficient production innovation.

The funding was awarded by KUDAKA. The public announcement does not establish that ATA Teknokent itself provided seed investment or directly secured the award.

10. Support Mechanisms for a Low-Carbon Startup Lifecycle

The University’s existing entrepreneurship infrastructure can contribute at different stages of startup development.

This table describes available or relevant institutional support pathways, not a claim that every startup received every service during 2025.

11. Monitoring Low-Carbon Entrepreneurship Outcomes

Atatürk University can assess its contribution to the low-carbon startup ecosystem through measurable indicators.

The indicators should be populated using actual institutional records rather than estimated or assumed figures.

12. Supporting Evidence

13. Contribution to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

Atatürk University contributes to the transition towards a low-carbon economy by supporting technology-based entrepreneurship through ATA Teknokent, ATA-TTO, DAYTAM and its university–industry collaboration ecosystem.

These institutional mechanisms provide entrepreneurs with access to research expertise, technology development opportunities, business support, technical services, training and external funding information.

In 2025, the University documented several concrete entrepreneurship support activities, including:

• Horizon Europe project development training for regional companies.
• KOSGEB capacity development and project preparation training.
• Technology transfer information activities.
• Continued business and industry engagement.
• Support infrastructure for environmentally oriented companies.

The KUDAKA-supported Maali Çelik AR-GE project, focused on automation and recycling for efficient production, provides a particularly relevant example of sustainable industrial innovation within ATA Teknokent.

The presence of RENTECH Renewable Energy Ltd. in the technopark’s official company directory further demonstrates the ecosystem’s relevance to clean energy entrepreneurship.

Together, these initiatives contribute to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, Indicator 7.4.5: Assistance to Startups Fostering and Supporting a Low-Carbon Economy and Clean Technologies.