Oyun Girişimcileri için TÜBİTAK Destekleri

Summary

In this session, TÜBİTAK TDP Deputy Director Hasan Selçuk discusses various support programs for game developers in Turkey. He highlights the importance of TÜBİTAK's grants and provides insight into the 1512 Big program, which helps young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses with significant financial support. Selçuk also explains the process for game companies to apply for TÜBİTAK assistance, the benefits of their support, and how entrepreneurs can progress through various funding stages. Emphasizing the value of innovation and ecosystem collaboration, he encourages game developers to take advantage of these opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 TÜBİTAK supports a wide range of companies, including startups, SMEs, and large game development companies through various programs, even though there isn't a specific program for the gaming sector.
• 😀 Entrepreneurs without a company can apply for the 1512 Big program, which offers up to 900,000 TL in funding to help them establish their companies in exchange for a 3% equity stake.
• 😀 The 1512 Big program provides 100% funding for entrepreneurs, helping them move their ideas from concept to business, fostering a culture of entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.
• 😀 Game companies applying for TÜBİTAK support must first register on the Prodis system and ensure that their business is properly documented with the trade registry.
• 😀 TÜBİTAK offers both grant and loan support, with most programs being grants, while some programs, like those related to green industry transformation, provide a mix of grants and loans.
• 😀 One of the key advantages of TÜBİTAK support is that it reduces the financial risk for new companies by providing substantial funding, especially for R&D activities in the gaming industry.
• 😀 TÜBİTAK's Big program is unique in that it offers 100% support for entrepreneurs with no existing company, helping them build a business from the ground up.
• 😀 Companies supported by TÜBİTAK can benefit from advantages like easy access to DMO (Public Procurement Authority) catalogs and faster processes for public sales of their products.
• 😀 When applying for support, game developers must ensure that their project descriptions are complete, measurable, and well-defined to make the evaluation process smoother and increase their chances of success.
• 😀 Once a project is approved, the project team must follow strict evaluation processes, including reviews by experts and possibly site visits or online meetings with TÜBİTAK’s evaluators to ensure the project is on track.

Q & A

What is TÜBİTAK's support program for game developers?

TÜBİTAK offers various support programs for game developers, focusing on different company sizes from startups to large-scale enterprises. These include grants for R&D activities, incubator support, and funding for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Although there isn't a specific program for the gaming sector, companies in this field can benefit from general support programs like 1512 BIG for individual entrepreneurs and KOBİ programs for larger firms.

How does the 1512 BIG program support entrepreneurs?

The 1512 BIG program, rebranded as BIG Investment in 2023, supports entrepreneurs by offering financial backing for starting a company. Entrepreneurs with a viable business idea can receive up to 900,000 TL in return for a 3% equity stake in the company. This initiative is designed to support individuals who have not yet established a business, with a company value initially set at 30 million TL.

How should first-time applicants from gaming companies begin the process with TÜBİTAK?

First-time applicants from gaming companies must start by registering their company in the TÜBİTAK Prodis system, followed by submitting their application. They should ensure that all required documentation is completed and presented through the digital portal. It is also essential to familiarize themselves with the available guides and resources provided by TÜBİTAK.

Are TÜBİTAK supports refundable or grants?

TÜBİTAK's support includes both grants and loans, depending on the program. Programs initiated before July 2023 are fully grant-based. However, starting in 2023, programs like the 'Green Industry Transformation' involve a mix of grants and loans. The support for SMEs typically covers up to 75% of costs, while large companies can receive up to 60% support.

Why should gaming companies take advantage of TÜBİTAK's support?

Gaming companies should consider TÜBİTAK's support due to the unique opportunity it offers for risk-sharing in R&D. With public funding, these companies can mitigate the financial risk of development. Additionally, TÜBİTAK's support allows game developers to scale without needing initial capital, which is crucial for those in early stages of their business.

What is the BIG program's impact on young entrepreneurs?

The BIG program encourages young entrepreneurs by offering them 100% financial support for transforming their ideas into businesses. This helps them establish companies and move from being job seekers to job creators. TÜBİTAK’s involvement includes offering mentorship and guiding them through the business development process.

What are the key factors for a successful project application to TÜBİTAK?

Successful project applications should be clear and detailed, addressing all aspects of the project. This includes defining measurable success criteria and providing evidence of how these will be achieved. It's crucial to ensure there are no gray areas in the application, and the project should clearly outline its objectives, feasibility, and expected outcomes.

How does TÜBİTAK assess project applications?

TÜBİTAK assesses project applications through an evaluation process that includes expert reviews and visits. After an initial review, external experts, or 'hakem', are assigned to evaluate the project's feasibility. The project must meet the outlined criteria, and any discrepancies or insufficient details may lead to rejection or the need for revisions.

What happens after a project is approved by TÜBİTAK?

Once a project is approved, TÜBİTAK provides financial support either as an advance payment or reimbursement of expenses. The advance payment can cover up to 30% of the project’s budget, with a maximum of 1.4 million TL. Further support is contingent upon the project's progress and the use of funds as per the approved budget.

What is the process for disbursement of funds after approval?

After the project is approved and the contract is signed, the funds are disbursed in stages. For startups, TÜBİTAK typically offers an upfront payment of up to 30% of the total project budget. If additional funding is required, it can be provided through bank guarantees or other financial mechanisms, with the maximum amount depending on the project size.