Women in Innovation
The 9th Entrepreneurship Camp Applications Are Now Open
The Women in Innovation Program, implemented by the Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM) with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency (ISTKA), is organized for the ninth time this year. The project aims to increase women’s representation in the entrepreneurship ecosystem and support female entrepreneurship. Applications for the Entrepreneurship Camp will be accepted between July 1 and September 1, 2025, via the official website www.inovasyondakadin.org.
The program seeks to sustainably strengthen women’s presence in the economic sphere providing opportunities for investment, growth, and collaboration. The camp is designed to support women entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas in the fields such as technology, healthcare, agriculture, climate, and sustainability, offering participants a valuable opportunity to take a confident step into the business world.
Support for Women Entrepreneurs through Corporate Partnerships
This year The Women in Innovation Program has been launched as a guided project with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency. KADEM collaborates with leading institutions including: TÜBİTAK, Marmara Technopark, Istanbul Technopark, Yıldız Technopark, Informatics Valley, KOSGEB, Information Commercialization Center (BTM), Üsküdar Municipality, Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, Fonangels, KAGİDER, StartupCentrum, TT Ventures, Halkbank “Grow with Funding,” Albaraka Garage, and APY Ventures. These partnerships aim to provide comprehensive support for women entrepreneurs.
Comprehensive Training and Mentorship for 30 Women Entrepreneurs
Following evaluations by the selection committee, 30 women entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in the Entrepreneurship Camp, which will take place from October 25 to November 1. During this one-week program, participants will receive training on topics such as the entrepreneurship ecosystem, project management, business plan development, branding and marketing strategies, business law, patent and registration processes, investor relations, and growth strategies. Throughout the camp, women entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to enhance their ventures through mentorship and experience-sharing sessions. At the end of the program, they will also gain the chance to meet investors, build a strong business network, and participate in national and international events.
Total Prize of 1.5 Million TL
At the conclusion of the camp, a total of 1.5 million TL in prizes will be awarded to the top three entrepreneurs in each of the following categories: Pre-incubation and Incubation.
Pre-Incubation and Incubation Category Awards:
- First Prize: 350,000 TL
- Second Prize: 250,000 TL
- Third Prize: 150,000 TL
Additionally, the first-place winners in both categories will receive support to attend one of the prestigious international entrepreneurship events: Web Summit (Qatar), Slush, or CES.
A Decade of Experience in Women’s Entrepreneurship
Since its launch in 2015, the Women in Innovation Program has received applications from over 2,500 women entrepreneurs. More than 200 women have participated in KADEM’s entrepreneurship camps, gaining knowledge, experience, and access to a strong professional network. Among the 42 finalists awarded prizes and certificates, 14 have established their own startups. Many participants have also achieved significant success in both national and international business competitions.
At KADEM, we remain committed to supporting women to become more visible, empowered, and impactful in the fields of production, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
