The Demo Day 25 meeting of the HUBrica Acceleration Program, launched by Halkbank in partnership with ITU ARI Teknokent to provide global competitive advantage to projects in fintech, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, took place. Nine startups accepted into the program had the opportunity to present their projects to leading figures in the investment world.

The Demo Day 25 meeting of the HUBrica Acceleration Program, launched by Halkbank in partnership with ITU ARI Teknokent on May 14th to develop and strengthen Turkey’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, took place at the Halkbank Towers in the Istanbul Financial Center, with a broad participation from entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capital representatives, technopark managers, and academics. Halkbank awarded cash prizes to each startup participating in the program to support their innovative ideas and growth.

Inclusive support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem

The bank; Murat Yıldırım, Deputy General Manager of Halkbank SME Banking, emphasized that since 2021, the company has provided 111 billion TL in financial support to 259,000 women entrepreneurs from various professions and 37 billion TL to 222,000 entrepreneurs of all ages, and that it supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem with a strong vision through various projects such as the Productive Women Meetings, BİGE, and Jet Luck. He said: “The projects implemented by courageous and determined entrepreneurs shape not only today’s economy but also tomorrow’s world; we are gathered here today to listen to these visionary ideas. Our HUBrica program offers entrepreneurs a strong mentorship network and comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for international collaboration and investment.”

İTÜ ARI Teknokent General Manager Prof. Dr. Attila Dikbaş stated, “The HUBrica Program is a strategic investment in the future of our technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem. With this strong partnership with Halkbank, we aim to increase the global competitiveness of our entrepreneurs operating in fintech, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. As ITU ARI Teknokent, our vision is to commercialize the technologies our entrepreneurs develop and position them in international markets. The HUBrica Program, as one of the strongest examples of this vision, is shaping Turkey’s technology-focused transformation by combining innovative technologies with investment, mentorship, and collaboration.”

March 22, 2023, Istanbul – Turkey. Atilla Dikbas (ITU)
From training to mentorship, from collaboration to investment

The nine startups that completed the HUBrica ’25 program received training in areas such as value proposition, revenue model, and financial management, as well as mentorship support in critical areas such as access to finance, legal processes, sales, and marketing. Entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to present their projects to investors at Demo Day.

Innovative solutions, a strong ecosystem

The HUBrica Accelerator Program aims to strengthen Turkey’s entrepreneurial culture by supporting startups operating in fintech, sustainability, and AI-based technologies, while also contributing to the global competitiveness of young entrepreneurs.

Startups presenting at HUBrica Demo Day 25:

1. DRING AI: Using voice and text-based artificial intelligence solutions, it produces integrated virtual customer representatives that can make phone calls, communicate, and generate reports on behalf of organizations.
2. ALSE DATA: A next-generation data analytics platform that analyzes data without the need for a technical team and provides meaningful insights to marketing and sales teams.
3. CORPOWID: Offers AI-powered solutions that make websites accessible to individuals with disabilities and users with special needs.
4. EXAR: Enables digital transformation by offering solutions such as virtual tours, remote operations, CAD-synced product experiences, and 3D configurators using AR/VR/XR technologies.
5. SME PRACTICAL: This platform shortens the financial application process for SMEs and allows them to securely store their loan documents in a digital wallet.
6. ICARBON: Using patented “Hydrothermal Depolymerization” technology, it upcycles up to 90% of polymer industry waste and reintegrates it into its production processes.
7. CARBON SMART: This digital carbon footprint management platform analyzes the carbon emissions of banks and their customers using artificial intelligence, is focused on sustainability, and complies with PCAF and scope standards.
8. SYNAPS AI: This AI-based human resources platform aims to manage recruitment, employee experience, and termination processes in an integrated manner.
9. BILLY: It aims to reduce costs, increase environmental sustainability, and digitize the customer experience by eliminating paper use in businesses.