Significant developments are taking place in Turkey's technology entrepreneurship sector. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced new strategies on this topic to the public during the Turkey Century Strong Center Program for Investment held on April 24, 2026.
New Regulations and Goals
Among the innovations presented, tax advantages for entrepreneurs providing software and engineering services abroad stand out. Additionally, innovations such as rapid company establishment processes under the definition of "digital company," incentives for employee stock options, and convertible debt mechanisms are also included.
These new regulations are expected to facilitate access to financing, especially for early-stage investments. With the clarification of the legal framework for structures similar to SAFE, startups will be able to operate on a more solid ground. Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized that these steps aim to make Turkey a global technology hub.
President Erdoğan also stated that tax advantages to be implemented at the Istanbul Finance Center will be expanded. With incentives such as reducing corporate tax for exporting manufacturers to 9%, it is aimed to attract global companies' regional headquarters to Turkey.
This way, we encourage the transfer of earnings from abroad to our country.
One of the highlighted projects, Terminal Istanbul, was launched by converting the old buildings of Atatürk Airport into a tech park. This project aims to host thousands of technology startups and covers various areas such as incubation programs and software schools.
Future Vision
President Erdoğan noted that comprehensive steps are being taken to make Turkey a focal point in the startup ecosystem. Accelerating processes with the digital company application and making stock option incentives attractive are crucial. Additionally, the Terminal Istanbul Project aims to establish a strong entrepreneurial infrastructure.
In light of all these developments, it is anticipated that Turkey's technology ecosystem will be strengthened. Various measures are also mentioned to provide a predictable environment for investors in line with the statements made.