The Programme Nurture Sustainable Startups in Turkey, the UK, and beyond
DenizBank, a leading Turkish bank and a subsidiary of Emirates NBD Group, has partnered with Oxentia, a global innovation consultancy based in Oxford, to launch the TRUK accelerator programme. The programme aims to support and expand the reach of sustainability-focused startups in Turkey, the UK, and beyond.
The Truk Accelerator programme was formally announced at a panel session at COP28 the global climate summit held in Dubai, hosted at the Emirates NBD Showcase Stand, followed by a signing ceremony in the presence of Gürhan Çam, CEO of Neohub; Aziz Köse, CIEO of Neohub; Stephen Charles Cleverley CEO, Oxentia; Fabio Bianchi, Head of Entrepreneurship, Oxentia; and Siret Ünsal, Business Development Partner, Oxentia. The programme will run for nine months and will provide participating startups with mentoring, networking, guidance, and investment opportunities.
Read more: COP28: Key Agreements, Controversies, and Innovations
Two phases Programme
The programme is divided into two phases: the first four months will be based in Turkey, where local mentors will help the startups develop their products and services, and the second five months will be led by Oxentia, where the startups will receive support for their international growth and expansion.
All startups that are working on innovative solutions for sustainability challenges, such as renewable energy, circular economy, waste management, green transportation, and smart cities will be able to join the programme. The programme will select up to 10 startups for each cohort, based on their potential impact, scalability, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Empowering Aspiring Talents
Gürhan Çam, CEO of Neohub, the new generation subsidiary of DenizBank, said: “This initiative aligns with our principal objectives of fostering innovation, expanding reach, and establishing ourselves as frontrunners in the sustainability domain. The TRUK accelerator programme showcases our commitment to making a significant impact in the field of sustainability and driving positive change.”
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He added: “Through our collaborations with sustainability-focused startups, we are empowering aspiring talent with the resources and opportunities they need to grow. Further, the dual-phase structure of the programme, with mentorship from both Türkiye and the UK, promotes international collaboration and knowledge exchange, enhancing the global reach and offering international exposure to the participating startups.”
Stephen Charles Cleverley, CEO of Oxentia, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Neohub to support the global expansion of Turkish startups. Our experience of working in the region has shown us the huge untapped potential of the spinouts and startups from Turkey, often founded on novel groundbreaking technologies, and successful in their own domestic market.”
The TRUK accelerator programme is expected to start in January 2024, and applications are open until December 31, 2023. Interested startups can apply through Emirates NBD’s website.
