BTM's 'Star' shines in the global arena

The Center for Knowledge Commercialization (BTM) has taken action to gain a voice in the global arena. Named the "World's 3rd Best Startup Center" by UBI Global at the beginning of 2023, BTM is preparing to launch operations in Dubai and London to achieve its goal of becoming a global player. Established by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) to support entrepreneurship, BTM signed a cooperation protocol with Yıldız Technical University (YTU) Yıldız Teknopark to share its Dubai and London offices. The protocol was signed by İbrahim Doğan Salman, Board Member of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of BTM, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammet Garip, General Manager of YTU Yıldız Teknopark.

With this protocol, a new era has begun that will give Turkish entrepreneurs a lasting presence in global markets. These two international centers, located in London and Dubai by YTÜ Yıldız Teknopark, are designed to support the growth of Turkish IT and technology companies in European and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) markets. The London office is located at Battersea Power Station, one of the city's iconic landmarks. Located at the heart of the UK's $1.2 trillion technology ecosystem, the center provides Turkish entrepreneurs with a prestigious address in an innovation environment where more than 20,000 high-growth companies and 181 unicorns operate. The office stands out with its comprehensive services, including infrastructure, financial and legal consulting, marketing, and investor relations support.

75 percent financial support for entrepreneurs

According to the statement, the International Technology Marketing Office (UTPO) in Dubai operates at the Dubai World Trade Centre, one of the world's most important business centers. The Dubai tech ecosystem, which has reached $43 billion, has produced 10 unicorns and attracted over $1.5 billion in investment in the first half of 2025 alone. Turkish companies participating in this ecosystem can receive support for company establishment, bank account opening, visa, tax, and legal consultancy, in addition to serviced offices and virtual workspaces. Both structures, implemented under the Ministry of Trade-backed International Technology Marketing Office (UTPO) model, offer entrepreneurs low-cost international access with up to 75% financing support.

It's emphasized that the combined use of the London and Dubai offices will implement a "dual-center globalization model" for Turkish technology companies. Accordingly, London will be positioned as a strategic hub to strengthen investor relations and brand prestige, while the Dubai office will serve as a regional sales, operations, and business development hub. This structure will provide Turkish entrepreneurs with direct access to both European venture capital funds and government and family funds in the Gulf region.

According to the statement, the initial phase of the protocol targets startups operating in software, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, blockchain, cloud computing, smart cities, and green transformation. The participation process, which includes HİB membership, registration with the Ministry of Commerce system, Dubai company establishment, and UTPO application, takes approximately one month to complete.

This structure, which combines London's financial network with Dubai's investment potential, is poised to open a new chapter in Türkiye's technology exports. The London-Dubai combination offers Turkish technology companies the trifecta of global reach, low risk, and high prestige, creating a strong strategic foundation for sustainable growth.

UAV

Reporter: News Center