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Program Purpose

The Startup Accelerator Program aims to initiate a fundamental digital transformation in aviation operations and support startups to commercialize their solutions on a global scale.

  • Empowering startups to seamlessly collaborate with corporate partners
  • Providing startups with the essential project development support, know-how, expertise, and networking opportunities they need for sustainable growth and successful business management
  • Executing innovation projects in collaboration with Turkish Airlines business units to drive the corporation’s digital transformation

Highlights from Our Previous Cohort

What’s Happening in Ground, Terminal and Air Cargo Operations?

Program Focus Areas

We aim to collaborate with startups offering solutions in the focus areas listed below.
You can explore the topics provided under each focus area for more details.

Robotics and Mobility Challenges

Autonomous Vehicles and Robotic Solutions in Ground Operations
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Autonomous Vehicles and Robotic Solutions in Ground Operations

We are seeking solutions that enhance the efficiency and safety of ground handling operations by reducing reliance on manual coordination and physical labor through robotic and autonomous technologies.

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Baggage Operations Challenges

Traceability in Baggage Operations
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Traceability in Baggage Operations

We are looking for solutions that automatically and in real time track baggage damage, location, and status from check-in to arrival, identify damage points, and ensure bags are loaded onto flights on time.

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Cabin Baggage Analysis via Image Processing
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Cabin Baggage Analysis via Image Processing

We are looking for solutions that prevent cabin capacity overflow in advance by detecting carry-on baggage density before boarding.

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Apron Operations Challenges

ULD Tracking and Management
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ULD Tracking and Management

We are looking for solutions that enable reliable global tracking of ULDs’ location and inventory data, independent of manual processes and shared across all stakeholders.

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Reducing the Risk of Aircraft Damage Caused by Ground Vehicle
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Reducing the Risk of Aircraft Damage Caused by Ground Vehicle

We are looking for solutions that reduce collision risk by making ground vehicle docking and maneuvering processes around aircraft safer.

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Aircraft Damage Alert System
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Aircraft Damage Alert System

We are looking for solutions that detect aircraft damage at an early stage, such as FOD-related (Foreign Object Debris related) damage and ground vehicle impacts, to improve operational safety and reduce disruptions.

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Managing Energy Drawn from the Passenger Boarding Bridge
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Managing Energy Drawn from the Passenger Boarding Bridge

We are looking for solutions that reduce costs by preventing unnecessary energy consumption caused by leaving the aircraft power connection on after onboard apron services (such as cleaning and catering loading) have been completed.

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Passenger Processes Challenges

IRROPS Passenger Management
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IRROPS Passenger Management

We are looking for solutions that provide a decision support system working with data-driven, rule-based recommendations to improve passenger redistribution processes and increase consistency during IRROPS.

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Zone Boarding
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Zone Boarding

We are looking for solutions that make the boarding process more organized and digital by enabling passengers to follow the boarding sequence correctly and easily.

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Queue Management at Check-In Counters
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Queue Management at Check-In Counters

We are looking for solutions that ensure passengers are directed to the right counters with the shortest waiting times during check-in, by accurately and in real time measuring passenger density.

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Multilingual Translation Systems
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Multilingual Translation Systems

We are looking for solutions that enable accurate, fast, and context-aware communication between foreign-language-speaking passengers and airport personnel in real-time with aviation-terminology-compliance.

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Cargo Operations Challenges

Cargo Measurement, Weighing, and Data Entry Automation
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Cargo Measurement, Weighing, and Data Entry Automation

We are looking for solutions that minimizes error rates and increases operational efficiency by fully automating the cargo size/weight measurement and data entry steps in the cargo acceptance process.

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Workforce Optimization in Warehouse Operations
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Workforce Optimization in Warehouse Operations

We are looking for solutions that enable data-driven and predictive planning to use workforce efficiently and optimize costs in warehouse operations with variable workloads.

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Analysis and Classification of Disruptions in Cargo Pallet Operations
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Analysis and Classification of Disruptions in Cargo Pallet Operations

We are looking for solutions that detect pallet and cargo damage accurately and quickly during cargo handling operations, ensuring that the actions are taken on time.

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Operational Forecasting and Decision Support Tool
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Operational Forecasting and Decision Support Tool

We are looking for solutions that makes flight, pallet, AWB, and warehouse capacity data visible on a single screen to anticipate operational risks and strengthen data‑driven HUB/GHA routing decisions using predictive decision‑support system.

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Forklift Monitoring System
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Forklift Monitoring System

We are looking for solutions that improve occupational safety, support equipment efficiency, and make route and capacity planning data‑driven through real-time monitoring of forklift and pedestrian movements in warehouse operations.

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Door‑to‑Door Delivery Solutions
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Door‑to‑Door Delivery Solutions

We are looking for solutions that digitally integrate pickup, transfer, and delivery operations in door‑to‑door air cargo processes to make them faster, more flexible, more coordinated, and end‑to‑end traceable.

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Improving Ergonomics and Reducing Physical Workload in Cargo Operations
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Improving Ergonomics and Reducing Physical Workload in Cargo Operations

We are looking for solutions that reduce employees’ physical workload in air cargo operations, minimize musculoskeletal system risks, provide ergonomic support during repetitive and demanding tasks, and reduce personnel fatigue.

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Who Should Apply?

If you are building a solution for one of our focus areas

Your product must directly impact apron, baggage, boarding, check-in, or ramp operations, or address one of our specific challenges.

If you have a working product (MVP or beyond)

Pre-revenue startups looking to validate product-market fit, or revenue-generating scale-ups aiming for growth are eligible to apply.

If you can commit time to the program

You are expected to actively participate in mentorship sessions, meetings with corporate business units, and other program-related events.

If you are ready to launch a PoC / Pilot with us

You should be willing to test your solution within Turkish Airlines operations and develop a pilot project in collaboration with the relevant teams.

What we provide

PoC / Pilot Project Opportunity

Equity Investment Opportunity

Mentorship

Access to
Turkish Airlines & its Subsidiaries

Access to
Corporate Partners Network

Perks & Tools

Our Network

Program Timeline

Applications Open

May 11

Program Announcement
Info Sessions
Call for Applications

Application Deadline

June 28

Applications Close
Pre-screening Begins

Jury Evaluation / Pitch Day

July 2026

Pitching to
the Jury for
Shortlisted Startups

Program Period

July - November 2026

Solution Design Sessions
Innovation Projects Execution

Demo Day

November 2026

Final Pitches by Startups

Seçilen Girişimler

Frequently Asked Questions

Startups that successfully complete the Startup Accelerator Program are intended to be presented to the investment committee.

It aims to equip startups with the capabilities they need to collaborate with organizations, manage their ventures successfully, and grow.

Yes, any startup that produces a solution aligned with the program’s focus areas can apply.

After your application is received, it will be reviewed by the Turkish Airlines Terminal team. Startups that pass the preliminary screening and make the shortlist will be invited to an internal jury evaluation event. Those startups that successfully pass this jury evaluation will be invited to the program.

After the projects are finished and the demo day event is held, the program will be completed. However, our relationship with graduates will continue, and we will keep pursuing support and collaboration opportunities at regular intervals.

Application Form

Click here to apply now!