ITU ARI Teknokent on Media
September 2024
To accelerate the internationalisation of technology startups through global hubs, İTÜ ARI Teknokent embarked on a new journey by hosting the Big Bang London Demo Day, the first global edition of the Big Bang Startup Challenge, on September 26. The event was honoured by the presence of the Turkish Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş. After a preparatory camp involving 25 startups on 2 September, 15 startups successfully completed the process and earned the opportunity to travel to London to meet with over 60 global investors.
Continuing its global efforts to support technology entrepreneurs, İTÜ ARI Teknokent organised the first international edition of Türkiye’s largest entrepreneurship event, the Big Bang Startup Challenge, in London. The event, which took place on 26 September at Level 39 in Canary Wharf, one of London's most important business districts, featured startups aiming to expand globally under the banner of "Exporting from Türkiye". The event was attended by Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş, who gave a keynote speech, and İTÜ ARI Teknokent General Manager Prof. Dr. Attila Dikbaş. A total of 15 startups, all participants in the Demo Day Preparation Camp, took to the stage to present their innovations to over 60 global investors in search of £40 million in investment. The participating startups, which spanned industries from automotive to healthcare, sustainability and education, received positive feedback from the investors.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Osman Koray Ertaş highlighted the importance of the event, saying: "Turkish technology entrepreneurs are looking to the UK for partnerships, investment and sales opportunities to reach global markets. We are working to support them on this journey. I would particularly like to commend İTÜ ARI Teknokent for spearheading this initiative. It is crucial to help entrepreneurs make the right connections and create the necessary environment. Our joint efforts across the public sector, academia and the private sector will continue to ensure that Turkish investment hits the right global targets".
Prof. Dr. Attila Dikbaş, General Manager of İTÜ ARI Teknokent, emphasised that the event marked another milestone in supporting Turkish startups on their global journey. "As we set out to do, 2024 is proving to be a year in which we expand our support for the global growth of our startups. As part of this effort, we have successfully hosted our first Big Bang Demo Day. By showcasing Turkish tech startups on the world stage, we are not only contributing to their growth, but also highlighting the strength of Türkiye’s entrepreneurial ecosystem on the international stage. I had the privilege of presenting our ecosystem and İTÜ ARI Teknokent to a global audience, including over 60 international investors. Our goal is to raise Türkiye’s visibility on the global stage, increase the export capacity of our start-ups, boost employment and attract foreign investors to our country. The $270 million in investment raised by our startups to date underscores the potential of our ecosystem. This first Demo Day in London highlights the international successes of Turkish entrepreneurs and reinforces the continuous support İTÜ ARI Teknokent provides through its strong acceleration programmes".
The 15 startups that presented at Big Bang London Demo Day included Archi's Academy, Bulutklinik, Bunsar, Büyütech, Finlayer, Lumnion, Repg, One New One, Pardon AI, RideNear, RumiTech, Syntonym, Tumurly, Uniqgene, and Vivoo.
Startups featured at Big Bang London Demo Day:
Archi's Academy
Archi's Academy provides cost-effective, scalable and hands-on technology training that addresses the software development skills gap. Its project-based training, supported by global mentors, simulates real-world experiences. It is powered by an AI and blockchain-based gamified learning management system that delivers engaging learning, including NFT certification and hands-on projects.
Bulutklinik
Bulutklinik provides clinical tracking software for doctors, and a digital healthcare platform that allows patients to access healthcare services and communicate with their doctors. It also provides digital insurance infrastructure services within its ecosystem.
Bunsar
Bunsar is a technology company that provides an AI-powered recommendation API for online retailers in the fashion industry. Its solution increases e-commerce conversion rates through personalised style suggestions and virtual clothing visualisations. It is trusted by leading fashion brands in Türkiye for its efficiency and scalability.
Büyütech
Büyütech develops and manufactures passive sensor solutions for the automotive industry, including front and rear ADAS cameras, 3D rear view cameras, side mirror camera systems and driver monitoring systems, addressing the need for improved road safety. The company provides end-to-end solutions from R&D to production using IATF certified facilities.
Finlayer AI
Finlayer AI provides an AI tool that enables financial services companies to develop fully customisable mobile applications without writing code, and deliver them in just six weeks at a fraction of the typical cost.
Lumnion
Lumnion is a behavioural pricing optimisation platform for the insurance industry, using GLM and other algorithms..
Repg
Repg generates 100% renewable energy by using the relative humidity and temperature changes in the air to produce electricity.
One New One
One New One is a platform revolutionising recruitment with AI-powered modules for 'Smart Candidate Pool', 'Smart Matching', 'Smart Interview', 'Smart Test Automation' and 'Smart Offer', transforming the recruitment process for both candidates and employers.
Pardon AI
Pardon AI provides AI-driven algorithms that deliver strategic marketing recommendations and personalised solutions for service industries, improving the customer experience.
RideNear
RideNear is a mobility platform that integrates multiple taxi and ride-sharing services into a single app, reshaping urban mobility by connecting users to global brands like Uber, Gett and Bolt, as well as local services.
RumiTech
RumiTech provides hybrid energy systems that generate and store energy from wind and solar sources to meet the off-grid energy needs of IoT devices, providing cost-effective solutions for smart cities, disaster management and more.
Syntonym
Syntonym provides AI-powered lossless anonymisation solutions for images and videos, ensuring data privacy by providing real-time face and number plate anonymisation for compliance, security and ethical data use.
Tumurly
Tumurly develops products for smart solar systems, wind turbines and remote monitoring systems.
Uniqgene
Uniqgene provides genetic predisposition testing for sports and wellness, addressing the need for personalised health insights. Its comprehensive tests, designed for athletes and children, provide actionable recommendations to improve well-being. The company operates in Türkiye and the UK, with plans to expand across Europe.
Vivoo
Vivoo provides at-home urine tests to address limited access to personalised health insights, empowering individuals with actionable health information.
Big Bang Startup Challenge, December 18-19
Following the London stage, Türkiye’s largest entrepreneurship event, the Big Bang Startup Challenge, will take place on 18-19 December at Uniq Istanbul. For more information and to register: http://bigbang.itucekirdek.com/
