Koç Holding

Koç Holding is one of Türkiye’s largest industrial and services groups and plays a significant role in shaping innovation and entrepreneurship activities across the country. Through its corporate innovation strategy and partnerships with universities, research centers, and international organizations, the group actively collaborates with startups developing technology-driven solutions in sectors such as energy, mobility, finance, and advanced manufacturing. Koç Group companies regularly engage with startups through open innovation programs, pilot collaborations, and technology partnerships that aim to integrate entrepreneurial solutions into large-scale industrial operations.

A key pillar of the group’s startup ecosystem engagement is its close collaboration with Koç University Entrepreneurship Research Center (KWORKS) in Istanbul. Founded in 2014, KWORKS provides pre-incubation, incubation, and accelerator programs supporting technology startups from early idea stage to investment readiness, connecting entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and corporate partners. Koç Holding has also supported acceleration initiatives such as the BOOST Women Innovators Program, implemented with partners including UNDP and global entrepreneurship communities, providing mentorship, training, and investor access to impact-driven startups.

In recent years the group has further expanded its engagement with startups through climate and sustainability innovation programs developed together with KWORKS, aiming to support entrepreneurs building solutions in climate technologies and sustainable industries. These initiatives strengthen Istanbul’s role as a regional innovation hub by connecting startups with large corporates, research institutions, and global investors within Türkiye’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.