The International Incubation Center (ICC), established under the leadership of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), was opened in Istanbul at a ceremony honored by the Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the Investment Office President A. Burak Dağlıoğlu, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Enes Eminoğlu, Bilişim Vadisi General Manager Erkam Tüzgen, and ICYF President Taha Ayhan.
During his opening remarks, Minister Kacır emphasized that countries capable of addressing the challenges brought about by the transformation fueled by information and innovation are actively reshaping the international landscape, underscoring that countries fostering their technology development, innovation, and entrepreneurship infrastructure are emerging as leaders in the global realm of competition.
A. Burak Dağlıoğlu noted that the incubation center aims to create a story that strengthens Türkiye's regional role and said, " We began in a very humble manner, with approximately 12 startups, and I am confident that we can expand further. Last year, more than USD 700 million was invested in early-stage startups in Türkiye. According to numerous international reports and indices, Türkiye is the most suitable location to establish a startup in its vicinity. Easy access to capital and funding, coupled with a sophisticated market like Istanbul, makes product-service development and testing feasible."
Commenting on the initiative, Taha Ayhan said the youth in Türkiye not only stand on par with their Western counterparts but also possess additional strengths while Erkam Tüzgen noted that their objective is to transform Türkiye into a global hub for technology and innovation.
The Investment Office stands as a key stakeholder within the ICC, a pioneering initiative designed to foster and enrich the innovative entrepreneurial skills of youth across nations within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).