The Lonca Entrepreneurship Center, operating under Kuveyt Türk, one of Türkiye's leading participation finance institutions, has begun accepting applications for its 12th Cohort. Established to support the growth journeys of technology focused startups, Lonca will provide successful applicants with grants of up to TRY 400,000 along with a comprehensive support program designed to prepare them for growth on a global scale.
The 12th Cohort is open to technology startups with a market ready product, active sales, and clear growth ambitions. Applications can be submitted through www.loncagirisim.com until 10 May 2026.
In addition to grant funding, startups selected for the 12th Cohort will benefit from collaboration and proof of concept opportunities with Kuveyt Türk and its subsidiaries, global scaling support, cloud service support, access to the Kuveyt Türk API infrastructure, tailored training and mentoring programs, as well as legal, technical, and financial consultancy services.
A Startup Specific Support Model
One of Lonca's defining features is its flexible development model, which provides customized support rather than a standard curriculum for every startup. This enables participants to receive one to one guidance tailored to their stage of development and business priorities. Throughout the program, consulting, training, and technical support are provided to help startups strengthen their business models and establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
Collaboration opportunities with Kuveyt Türk and its subsidiaries allow startups to test their products in real business environments and accelerate their commercial growth. Startups admitted to the program are also evaluated for proof of concept projects and potential business partnerships, giving them the opportunity to validate their solutions in real world applications.
Strong Support for the Global Growth Journey
Another key strength of the program is its focus on international scaling. Lonca aims to provide startups that have reached a certain level of maturity in the domestic market with the connections, opportunities, and strategic guidance needed to expand internationally.
Developed with this vision, the Lonca Global Program supports startups entering global markets through participation in international events, customer and business network development, and business development initiatives. As part of the program, startups are expected to participate in leading international events such as London Tech Week, increasing their visibility on the global stage.
Supporting Entrepreneurs for Nine Years
Since 2017, the Lonca Entrepreneurship Center has contributed to Türkiye's entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting the growth and scaling of numerous startups across a wide range of industries. In its new cohort, the program continues to focus on technology startups with market ready products, active revenue generation, and strong growth ambitions, offering a comprehensive development platform that extends far beyond financial support.
Over the past 11 cohorts, Lonca has supported the growth journeys of more than 100 startups operating in fields including fintech, artificial intelligence, SaaS, data analytics, and health technologies. Since its establishment, the program has provided more than USD 500,000 in grant funding. In addition, 35 Lonca alumni startups have collectively secured nearly USD 20 million in investment from various investors.
Having evolved beyond a traditional acceleration program into a comprehensive platform that addresses the diverse needs of technology startups, Lonca aims to make broader contributions to the entrepreneurship ecosystem through its strategic roadmap by supporting global growth while expanding university focused initiatives and specialized vertical programs.
About Kuveyt Türk
Kuveyt Türk was established in 1989. Bringing its distinguished financial products and services together efficiently with savers and investors, Kuveyt Türk continues to maintain its leading position in the participation finance sector through its customer-centric approach, technology and innovation initiatives, and the steps it has taken toward digital transformation. As the first participation finance institution to introduce gold banking, Kuveyt Türk also executed the first sustainable sukuk issuance in both Türkiye and the world. Having been named Türkiye’s Best Employer for six consecutive years, Kuveyt Türk was also ranked Europe’s Best Employer in 2021. Today, Kuveyt Türk serves its customers through 451 branches across Türkiye and its digital channels. Under the umbrella of the Kuveyt Türk Financial Group, headquartered around Kuveyt Türk, are Neova Katılım Sigorta, Architecht, Kuveyt Türk Portföy, Kuveyt Türk Yatırım, Körfez GYO, Katılım Emeklilik, Sağlam Ödeme ve Elektronik Para Hizmetleri, KT Sağlam Gayrimenkul, and KT Bank AG in Germany. In addition to its operational activities, Kuveyt Türk has undertaken significant corporate social responsibility projects by embracing social values and preserving cultural heritage. In line with its philosophy of “Growing with Our Values,” the bank has carried out numerous restoration projects, supported humanitarian aid campaigns, and produced lasting works such as books and documentaries.