KOU TEKNOPARK AS

KOU Teknokent, also known as Kocaeli University Technopark, is a major technology development and innovation hub located on the campus of Kocaeli University in Turkey. It plays a leading role in technology transfer and digital transformation, accelerating collaboration between academics and companies, as well as fostering cooperation among companies themselves. The technopark has a built area of approximately 22,000 m² and hosts 205 resident companies operating in a wide range of knowledge-intensive sectors. Around 65% of companies operate in the IT sector and 11% in electronics.

Entrepreneurship support is a core function of KOÜ Technopark. It operates 5 incubators, which currently support 42 incubated startups, designed as open-office incubation and pre-incubation centers that encourage the production and commercialization of technological knowledge. These facilities provide high-standard services and infrastructure to help entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into market-ready products.

Through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO), KOÜ Technopark supports startups and companies via international business networks such as Enterprise Europe Network and COSME, as well as national programs like BİGG TEPE. These initiatives help accelerate project development, market entry, exports, and international collaboration for technopark companies and young entrepreneurs. The technopark operates specialized Laser, Advanced Materials, and Alternative Fuels laboratories, enabling academic research to be transformed into value-added products. These labs allow students and academics to work directly with the private sector, strengthening applied research and contributing to regional and national economic development. Companies can also benefit from the Brand Testing Center, which supports product improvement, production optimization, and quality and standards enhancement.

KOÜ Technopark actively promotes knowledge sharing and innovation culture through its digital and print publication GASTEARGE, which strengthens cooperation between technoparks and raises public awareness of R&D activities. In addition, the technopark invests in social and cultural infrastructure, including cafes, restaurants, dining areas, hobby and sports centers, and a Green Box Video and Photo Studio that enables companies to produce marketing and promotional content and increase their digital visibility.

Companies operating in KOÜ Technopark benefit from significant government incentives, including income and corporate tax exemptions on software and R&D profits, social security premium support covering half of the employer’s share for R&D and support personnel until the same date, and VAT exemption on software produced within the technopark.