Rotterdam, The Netherlands – 6th October 2025
CIC Rotterdam has announced a strategic partnership with ITU ARI Teknokent, the leading technology and innovation campus located at Istanbul Technical University. This collaboration aims to strengthen innovation ties between Türkiye and the Netherlands by accelerating Turkish deep tech scale-ups into the Dutch market and creating new international opportunities for Dutch startups.
Through this partnership, CIC Rotterdam and ITU ARI Teknokent will work together to support scale-ups and tech entrepreneurs to expand internationally. The initiative leverages ITU ARI Teknokent’s expertise in R&D, entrepreneurship, and innovation services, and its flagship Innogate | Always On International Acceleration Program, which helps tech companies expand into global markets through tailored market access programs.
Opening New Doors for Turkish Deep Tech Scale-Ups
The collaboration provides Turkish scale-ups participating in Innogate | Always on, a structured soft landing in the Netherlands, specifically in Rotterdam’s thriving innovation ecosystem. CIC Rotterdam, will serve as a key landing point for these companies to access business networks, mentors, and potential investors in the European market.
This partnership aligns with their shared mission of accelerating sustainable and high-impact technologies that contribute to the global innovation landscape.
Empowering Dutch Startups for International Growth
In addition to supporting Turkish ventures expanding to The Netherlands, this partnership also opens pathways for Dutch startups to explore growth opportunities in Istanbul and the wider region. Through the Innogate | Always OnProgram, Dutch companies will gain access to Istanbul’s dynamic market, benefiting from structured support and guidance for international expansion.
“This partnership represents a two-way bridge for innovation,” said Joyce Kornet-Vreugdenhil, General Manager of CIC Rotterdam. “Together with ITU ARI Teknokent, we’re building stronger global connections that help entrepreneurs scale faster, smarter, and with lasting impact.”
A Gateway for Global Collaboration
With its unique focus on fostering cross-border innovation, this collaboration between CIC Rotterdam and ITU ARI Teknokent sets the stage for a mutually beneficial exchange of talent, technology, and ideas. Both institutions are committed to supporting internationalization, sustainable innovation, and the creation of global opportunities for startups and scale-ups.
Highlighting how Innogate | Always On accelerates the international journey of high-potential startups, ITU ARI Teknokent General Manager Prof. Dr. Attila Dikbaş said:
“With the Netherlands step, we’ll offer new options to startups. Over 250 companies have benefited from Innogate’s globalization support to date. In March 2026, with the support of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Istanbul and in collaboration with CIC Rotterdam, we will launch a new edition of the program in the Netherlands.
This new edition will provide Turkish deep tech entrepreneurs with direct access to the Dutch innovation ecosystem, while also inviting Dutch startups to explore the Turkish market through our programs in Istanbul — fostering two-way collaboration and accelerating international growth.
I strongly believe that our collaboration with CIC Rotterdam will play a pivotal role in empowering our entrepreneurs on their journey to the Netherlands and in further positioning ITU ARI Teknokent as a key player in the global innovation ecosystem.’’
About CIC Rotterdam
The CIC Innovation Campus in Rotterdam provides workspace, community, and support to 250+ innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups. Located in the heart of Rotterdam’s innovation district, CIC fosters collaboration and growth through a vibrant community of change-makers.
About ITU ARI Teknokent
Located within Istanbul Technical University, ITU ARI Teknokent is a leading technology and innovation campus supporting R&D-focused startups and scale-ups. Its flagship Innogate | Always On Program helps technology companies expand globally through international acceleration and market access initiatives.
