Established in 2000 within Orta Dogu Technical University (ODTU), ODTÜ TEKNOKENT is Türkiye’s first and most innovative technopark, home to 420+ R&D companies and the TSSK Defence Cluster. Its ecosystem bridges academia, industry, and start-ups to develop dual-use technologies in AI, cybersecurity, aerospace, energy resilience, and biotech. The Ankara-based hub is a key gateway to Türkiye’s defence innovation landscape and it's one of the 17 accelerator sites delivering the NATO DIANA Programme.
Where is ODTÜ TEKNOKENT based and what is its focus?
ODTÜ TEKNOKENT is based in Ankara, the heart of Türkiye’s technology and defence ecosystem. Located within Orta Dogu Technical University (ODTU), it serves as a bridge between academic research and market-driven innovation. Its focus is on accelerating dual-use and deep-tech start-ups that develop technologies with both civil and defence applications — from AI and autonomous systems to energy resilience and advanced materials.
What is your role within the NATO DIANA programme, and what support do you offer innovators?
As one of NATO DIANA’s 17 activated accelerator sites, ODTÜ TEKNOKENT provides a structured support system that includes technical and business mentoring, access to state-approved test centres, and legal/IP guidance through the ODTÜ Technology Transfer Office. Innovators also connect with venture funds such as Türkiye Development Fund, ACT, DCP and ODTU TEKNOKENT’s INVEST 101 seed fund to secure investment for scaling.
What makes ODTÜ TEKNOKENT unique?
Its integration with a leading research university gives ODTÜ TEKNOKENT unrivalled access to academic resources and R&D infrastructure — including over 50 research labs and centres like MEMS and GÜNAM. It hosts leading defence cluster (TSSK) and acts as a gateway to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as ASELSAN and ROKETSAN. The technopark’s track record in spinning off university-based companies and exporting indigenous technologies makes it a regional benchmark for dual-use innovation .
Can you share an example of a company that you supported?
ODTÜ TEKNOKENT has the experience to identify the needs of start-ups at every maturity level and support them, as well as a broad network that contributes to achieving their business plan. Therefore, while helping the company prepare an effective business plan, it also supports start-ups by assisting with applications for essential non-dilutive funds, identifying partners for technology demonstrations, engaging investors, and arranging meetings with potential customers for product-market validation. In the 2025 Programme, ODTÜ TEKNOKENT facilitated the collaboration between a start-up from the 2025 Cohort and a technology company in our technopark. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed for product development, testing, validation, and product development for different application areas and further to establish a joint venture. This collaboration will help to broaden the market coverage of the start-up in the EMEA area and Middle Asia Turkic States.
What is your biggest success so far within the DIANA programme?
We were first involved in delivering the DIANA programme in 2025. During the 6 months programme, ODTU TEKNOKENT facilitated a start-up in the cohort signing a cooperation agreement with a technopark company for test and validation and MoU on establishing a joint venture. ODTÜ TKENOKENT also brought another start-up in the cohort together with the Türkiye’s prime player in aerospace sector and secured a letter of intent that would enable them to prove their product/technology market fit. This subsequently contributed to new funds being awarded.
How does your site help connect people to your broader networks?
Through its defence and other sector clusters, ODTÜ TEKNOKENT links start-ups with over 1000 industry players and government stakeholders — from the Ministry of National Defence and SSB to TÜBİTAK and SAHA İstanbul. This networked approach enables start-ups to scale their technologies from lab to market to mission.