Entertech Istanbul Teknokent, one of Turkey’s leading technoparks, organized the “Best of the Year Awards Ceremony.” At the event, 24 entrepreneurs across 18 different categories were recognized for their courage, ability to embrace transformation, and continued growth despite challenges.

As the only technopark jointly founded by two research universities—Istanbul University and Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa—Entertech Istanbul Teknokent honored entrepreneurs under the theme “Carrying the Key to Transformation.” Alongside private firms, academic entrepreneurs from both universities were also recognized for their achievements.

Dr. Kasapoğlu: “We are an R&D hub where local and national projects are developed”

In the opening speech, Dr. Muhammed Kasapoğlu, General Manager of Entertech Istanbul Teknokent, emphasized that technoparks are places where science, technology, and entrepreneurship converge. Highlighting the strength derived from its ecosystem, he noted that Entertech benefits greatly from being jointly supported by two strong research universities:

“Our greatest advantage is access to academic and scientific knowledge, human capital, and research infrastructure. Beyond that, we benefit from the brand value of our universities. Today, Entertech Istanbul Teknokent hosts more than 160 companies and over 1,700 R&D personnel. We are an R&D hub where more than 350 local and national projects are developed—ranging from health technologies to cybersecurity, defense to financial technologies. So far, we have developed more than 250 patented technologies. Today, we have $250 million in exports and a turnover of 20 billion TL. According to the Ministry of Industry and Technology’s evaluation, we are the second most successful technopark in Istanbul and the fourth in Turkey. With the 2023 data soon to be announced, our goal is to be among the top three. Entertech is not only a technopark but also a center shaping the technologies of the future. With our firms carrying the key to transformation, we will continue to embrace innovation, direct technology, and grow together. On this meaningful day, I congratulate all award recipients and wish them continued success.”

Prof. Dr. Aydın: “We aim to bring academia and business together”

Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın, Rector of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, stated:

“Entertech Istanbul Teknokent is the only technopark in our country founded by two research universities. Out of more than 70 technoparks, we ranked fourth in Turkey based on the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s evaluation. Our goal is to move up to third place and improve further. Internationalization is key in this journey. We have already opened our Amsterdam office, where our entrepreneurs presented their projects to international investors, and this summer we will be opening our London office. This will give us two gateways into Europe: continental Europe and the UK. Our next goal is to further strengthen the connection between academia and industry and continue our collaborations with the sector.”

2025 Entertech “Best of the Year” Award Winners – Full List

• Technology Startup of the Year Award: Kayaport
• Best Emerging Startup Award: Roko Game, Digital Trade Software
• Digital Transformation Award: Solonport Computer, Digital Recognition Systems
• Economic Contribution and Commercialization Award: Dgpaysit
• Ecosystem Award: Altur Tech, Hepiyi Insurance
• Export Award: Savuncell Software
• Collaboration Award: Yapı Kredi Portfolio Management, Startgate
• R&D Project Award: Asis
• Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Mintgrams Technology, Biyotek15
• MentorTech Special Award: Melih Maral
• Sectoral Impact Award: Detech Software, Onkim Stem Cell Technologies
• University-Industry Collaboration Award: Dentshield
• Employment Award: Glokal Digital Services
• Green Startup Award: Tetis Biotechnology
• Investment Award: RNV
• Young Entrepreneur Award: Ulawk Information Technologies
• Gamenter Special Award: Pax Animi Games
• Intellectual Property Award: Biyopol Polymer Technology