Setting Up a Company in a Technopark: Six Steps from Application to Move-In

Many companies that want to move into a technopark think the process is complicated. Yet once the steps are known, the process is quite predictable. Below we summarise the six steps, based on practice at Ufuktek.

1. Preliminary meeting

In a 45-minute introductory meeting with a zone management specialist, the project, team and space needs are discussed. This meeting is free and non-binding; the aim is to understand early whether the project's R&D content suits an application.

2. Preparing the project file

The file contains the project's purpose, innovative side, technical challenges, work packages, team and budget. A maximum of 20 pages is recommended. The commercialisation plan and market analysis should be added as a separate section.

3. Online application

The application form and project file are uploaded through the website. If the company is established, the trade registry gazette and signature circular are also attached. If the company has not been established yet, the entrepreneur can apply to the Girişim Evi programme.

4. Evaluation

The scientific advisory board meets once a month. Projects are scored on innovation, technical feasibility, team competence and commercialisation potential. The result is announced in an average of 15 working days; the period may extend if further information is requested.

5. Contract and deposit

A move-in contract is signed with the accepted company. In standard practice a deposit of two to three months' rent is taken. For large spaces the contract term is three to five years; for ready offices it is 1+1 years.

6. Move-in and the first 90 days

The office is handed over, a relationship manager is assigned to the company, and within the first 90 days the staff notification, tax exemption record and shared laboratory training are completed. A short briefing in this period prevents a large share of the reporting problems that can arise in later years.

Before applying you can take our eligibility test and estimate your budget with the rent calculator.

Costs and budget

The direct costs of moving into a technopark are rent, service charge, deposit and shared-area usage fees. For a 20 m² unit in a ready office, the total monthly cost is about 17,000-19,000 TRY excluding taxes. In return, items such as the staff income tax exemption and social security support often provide savings that exceed the rent cost. When drawing up your budget we recommend using our rent calculator and tax advantage calculator together.

A frequent question: do I need to move my company?

It is enough to carry out your R&D and software activity in the zone. You can continue sales, marketing or production activities outside the zone; however, the earnings from these activities are not covered by the tax exemption.

Conclusion

For prepared companies the process is usually completed within two months. Not neglecting the preliminary meeting, preparing the project file together with the commercialisation plan and setting up the reporting routine in the first 90 days prevent most of the problems that can arise after move-in. Our relationship managers are always at your side for questions.