ITU Çekirdek and Petrol Ofisi Issue Call to Entrepreneurs

ITU Çekirdek is opening its doors to startups developing solutions to the new type Coronavirus (COVID-19). Since 2012, ITU Çekirdek has provided entrepreneurs with everything they need in one place, and is now seeking technologies offering solutions in the fight against coronavirus. From diagnostic methods to respirator technologies; from sterilization solutions to ventilators—entrepreneurs who say "I have a startup that can contribute to this process" will be able to benefit from the opportunities provided by ITU Çekirdek. The slogan reads: 'Develop at ITU Çekirdek, Improve the World with Petrol Ofisi Strength'.

ITU Çekirdek Ventilator Call

Particularly because 20% of COVID-19 patients require hospitalization and 5% require intensive care unit admission, the demand for ventilators is increasing. ITU Çekirdek is calling on startups that believe they can produce low-cost, easy-to-manufacture ventilators for hospitals in need.

What is offered?

ITU Çekirdek provides support at all stages of technology entrepreneurship and works to contribute to startups' market success by offering—in one place—everything an entrepreneur needs: capital (up to TRY 52 million), physical space, training, consulting, mentoring, networking, corporate partners, press and PR services. Through these supports, ITU Çekirdek ranks in the top 5 globally among university-affiliated incubation centers according to the UBI Global index. To date, ITU Çekirdek has supported 2,424 startups with combined revenues exceeding TRY 140 million. The total valuation of startups that have raised TRY 135 million in investment has reached TRY 1,270 million.

Most needed in COVID-19 response efforts:

• Disinfectants
• Masks
• Protective clothing
• Diagnostic kits with validation metrics (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity) within internationally accepted limits
• Intensive care unit equipment
• Equipment for improving environmental conditions
• Pharmaceuticals
• Vaccines
• Information technology applications capable of addressing direct or indirect consequences of the pandemic
• Ventilators