Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya in November, the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK) is focusing on new projects to develop innovative cleantech business ideas and prepare startups for investment.

COP31 will be held in Antalya from November 9 to 20 under the Turkish Presidency. The event will focus on global cooperation on topics such as combating climate change, reducing emissions, the transition to clean energy, and climate finance.

According to Anadolu, amidst active preparations for COP31, considered one of the most prestigious events in the world, TÜBİTAK is expanding its support in the areas of clean energy, clean technology, and green transition by launching new competition programs.

Since the beginning of the year, the department has initiated a number of support programs within the framework of such initiatives as the “Green Transition in Industry”, “Green Transition SAYEM”, “Joint Call of the Partnership on the Transition to Clean Energy 2026”, as well as the Global Cleantech Entrepreneurship Program (GCIP), aimed at scaling up and commercializing clean technologies.

Currently, special attention is being paid to the activities within the framework of the second phase of the Global Cleantech Entrepreneurship Programme (GCIP), where TÜBİTAK acts as the national implementer and the programme is being implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The programme’s partners include the Ministry of Industry and Technology, as well as the Ministries of Family and Social Services, Environment, Urban Development and Climate Change, Energy and Natural Resources, Agriculture and Forestry.

The second stage of the program will use competitive events to transform cleantech solutions into innovative startups. Through technological verification and investment preparation components, entrepreneurs will be able to refine their products and business models, strengthen their commercial potential, and prepare for entry into national and global markets.

In this regard, the call for applications for the GCIP Turkey Accelerator 2026 and Inclusive Green Transition Accelerator 2026 competitions, which aim to increase inclusiveness in the transition to a green economy, will continue until August 3.

Who can apply?

Startups in the following categories are eligible to participate in the program: energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste recycling, water conservation, green construction, transportation, as well as advanced materials and chemicals.

The acceleration program includes technical and commercial development of solutions, support for technological verification, and preparation of startups for interaction with investors.

Following the acceleration program, the winning teams will be awarded TÜBİTAK prizes. The winner will receive 700,000 lira, second place 500,000 lira, and third place 400,000 lira.

Special support for women entrepreneurs

The program will also include specialized acceleration events aimed at increasing the success of women entrepreneurs working in the cleantech sector.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services and TÜBİTAK, support will be provided in the following categories: “Female Entrepreneur – Social Impact Leader,” “Innovative Female Entrepreneur,” “Female Entrepreneur with the Best Growth Dynamics,” and “Young Female Entrepreneur.” The winner in each category will receive 300,000 liras.

To improve the commercial viability of products developed by women entrepreneurs, prepare them for investment, and enable them to enter global markets, a module entitled “Investment Preparation and Globalization for Women Entrepreneurs in Cleantech” will also be introduced.

Teams selected from GCIP accelerator participants will be eligible to participate in this module, provided that at least one founder or at least one senior manager is a woman. The module will focus on strengthening the commercial aspects of startups’ products and preparing them for international markets.

A dedicated accelerator for inclusive green transition

The “Inclusive Green Transition Accelerator 2026” competition, implemented in cooperation between TÜBİTAK and UNIDO, was developed within the framework of the “Supporting the Integration of Migrants in Turkey’s Green Economy Transition” project funded by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

The aim of the competition is to strengthen the inclusive component of the GCIP Turkey Accelerator and promote a just and equitable green transition in Turkey. The program is open to technologically innovative solutions that contribute to a green, sustainable, and climate-neutral society.

The Inclusive Green Transition Accelerator 2026 also offers prizes: 700,000 lira for first place, 500,000 lira for second place, and 400,000 lira for third place.

Support in the field of education

Following panel evaluations at both competitions, teams selected for the accelerators will join the GCIP Turkey 2026 National Academy, which will take place in September 2026. At the Academy, teams will receive educational and mentoring services to develop innovative business ideas in cleantech.

From August to December, GCIP’s global acceleration partner, The Network for Global Innovation (NGIN), will conduct online courses.

As part of the educational process, the teams’ activities, as outlined in the required working documents, will be monitored by mentors assigned to each team, who will provide support in both general and thematic areas.

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