Top 19 Accelerators and Incubators in Istanbul (2026)
Istanbul's startup scene is supported by a variety of accelerator and incubator programs. Workup is one of the most active, with over 150 investments in its portfolio.
Other programs like Turk Telekom PILOT have also made around 90 investments, while Fark Labs has seen 7 of its companies exit.
Below is our list of the best 19 accelerators and incubators in Istanbul.
Failory's Top 10 Picks
1. Fark Labs
As an innovation and transformation hub, Fark Labs champions startups focused on mobility, automotive, and sustainability. They offer a unique platform for co-creation and investment, using deep industry connections to build a bridge between new ventures and established corporations.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Ahu Serter |
| Nº of Investments | 29 |
| Nº of Exits | 7 |
2. Workup
Backed by İşbank, Workup's entrepreneurship program helps technology-oriented startups build scalable and sustainable business models. The non-equity program provides graduates with mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a global market.
| Year Founded | — |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 156 |
| Nº of Exits | 4 |
Focusing exclusively on women-led entrepreneurship, Arya Women's Investment Platform provides acceleration and investment opportunities. They connect female founders to capital and resources by building a network of strategic partnerships.
| Year Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Selin Çelikel, Deniz Alexandra Duygu, Ahu Serter |
| Nº of Investments | 27 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 6 |
In partnership with Kuveyt Türk and Vakıf Katılım, Lonca Girişimcilik Merkezi helps technology entrepreneurs transform scalable ideas into sustainable business models. The center provides comprehensive support, including mentorship, training, and funding, to accelerate the growth of early-stage tech companies.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 91 |
| Nº of Exits | 2 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 24 |
As Turkey's first corporate-run startup accelerator, Turk Telekom PILOT provides early-stage technology ventures with mentorship, resources, and cash support. They focus on startups in strategic areas like 5G, HealthTech, and SaaS, offering a unique pathway to collaborate with a major telecommunications leader.
| Year Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Duygu Oktem Clark |
| Nº of Investments | 91 |
| Nº of Exits | 2 |
6. Inventures
As the seed investment fund for digital commerce solutions provider Inveon, Inventures backs early-stage technology startups with capital and strategic guidance. They focus on companies in e-commerce, retail tech, and mobile, helping them scale by leveraging deep industry expertise.
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Founders | Yomi Kastro, Emir Alkaş |
| Nº of Investments | 20 |
| Nº of Exits | 2 |
Operating as Turkey's most active angel investment network, they focus on channeling capital to innovative and fast-growing technology startups. Founders gain direct access to funding and mentorship from experienced investors, helping to fuel the country's burgeoning tech scene.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Gülsüm Çıracı, Kadir Boysan |
| Nº of Investments | 28 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
8. Inovent
Operating as a subsidiary of Sabanci University, Inovent focuses on commercializing technology by providing seed funding to promising early-stage ventures. As Turkey's first technology commercialization and seed fund company, they play a crucial role in transforming academic research into viable businesses.
| Year Founded | 2006 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 8 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
TokenSuite Ventures invests in, develops, and markets innovative blockchain solutions as a dedicated Web3 incubator. They provide early-stage crypto projects with full-stack digital marketing and advisory services to ensure a successful launch and sustained growth.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Ali Ömer Horzum |
| Nº of Investments | 9 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
10. Seedify
As a specialized incubator and launchpad, Seedify helps bring new blockchain games and metaverse projects to life. They provide founders with a complete ecosystem for growth, offering funding through Initial Game Offerings (IGOs) and support from a strong community and partner network.
| Year Founded | 2021 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 3 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
9 Additional Istanbul Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To
While our top picks get a lot of attention, many other programs are also helping founders succeed. These additional accelerators have collectively backed almost 300 startups.
They include a mix of newer and more established names, all contributing to the local scene. Here’s a look at more accelerators helping founders across Istanbul.
| Accelerator/Incubator | Year Founded | Nº Investments | Nº Exits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Castrum Capital | 2021 | 55 | — |
 In4startup | 2022 | — | — |
 Artificial Intelligence Factory | 2023 | 46 | — |
 Sabancı ARF | 2022 | 59 | — |
 Alpha Capital | 2019 | 23 | — |
 KWORKS Koç University Entrepreneurship Research Center | 2015 | 79 | — |
 ITUARI Teknokent | 2003 | 26 | — |
 3dots | 2018 | 2 | — |
 T3 Girişim Merkezi | 2016 | 5 | — |
