R&D is innovative activities carried out on a systematic basis in order to increase scientific and technical knowledge and the use of the resulting knowledge in new applications (products or processes). Innovation refers to a series of scientific, technological, financial and commercial activities aimed at transforming an idea into an improved, updated or new and salable product or processes.
Strengthening R&D activities in industry and the economy in general is one of the strategic goals of the Republic of Turkey. In this context, it is aimed to strengthen R&D activities with various support and incentive programs. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) is one of the institutions that implement support and incentive programs in this field.
As an important program in this area, the 1501 Industry R&D Support Program carried out by TÜBİTAK’s Technology and Innovation Support Programs Directorate (TEYDEB) aims to support the project-based research-technology development and innovation activities of SME-scale organizations.
In addition, within the scope of the 1507 SME R&D Initial Support Program, it is aimed for SMEs to be more competitive by improving their technology and innovation capacities, to be able to carry out systematic projects, to develop products with high added value, to have a corporate research technology development culture, and to take a more active part in national and international support programs.
Both support programs are carried out on an in-call basis, and two calls are opened every year, in January and July. Applications for the first term of the year 2024 have started to be received as of 2nd of January 2024.
The support provided is in the form of a grant (non-refundable).
There is no subject limitation for projects unless otherwise stated in the call announcement. Applications can be made for R&D projects from all sectors and all technology fields.
The project support period is specified in the call announcement and cannot exceed thirtysix months in accordance with the Program Implementation Principles. Limit on the number of projects to be presented and other special conditions are stated in the call announcements.
