Technology Development Zones (TDZs) are areas designed to support research and development (R&D) initiatives and attract investment in high-technology sectors. Currently, there are 101 TDZs, 87 of which are operational, 14 of which have been approved, and are currently under construction.

Technology Development Zones are ecosystems where universities create knowledge through research, industry transfers knowledge to practice, and the government provides the necessary support to create an efficient collaboration platform, where university, industry, and government collaborate under one roof.

Technology Development Zones in Bursa:

ULUTEK TECHNOPARK was established in 2005 as Turkey's 20th technopark, a partnership between Uludağ University, the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, and the Uludağ Exporters' Association. Opened in 2006, ULUTEK TECHNOPARK operates on a 47-decare site under the auspices of Bursa Uludağ University.

BURSA TECHNOPARK was established on March 22, 2021, and began operations on June 16, 2022. It operates on an approximately 3-decare site within the Mimar Sinan Campus of Bursa Technical University.

Projects Underway in Technology Development Zones:

  • Incubation Centers
  • Technology Transfer Offices
  • Enterprise Europe Network
  • Software Valley

Advantages of TDZs

  • Profits from software development, R&D, and design activities are exempt from income and corporate taxes until December 31, 2028.
  • Sales of application software produced within the TGB are exempt from VAT until December 31, 2028. This initiative covers a range of software categories, including systems management, data management, business applications in various business sectors, the internet, mobile phones, and military command and control systems.
  • Wages related to these duties for R&D, design, and support personnel working in the zone are exempt from all taxes until December 31, 2028. However, the tax exemption for support personnel cannot exceed 10% of the total R&D workforce.
  • Investments aimed at producing technological products developed based on the results of R&D projects conducted in the zone may be made within the zone, subject to the approval of the operating company and the receipt of the necessary permits from the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
  • 50% of the employer's share of the Social Security Institution (SGK) premium will be covered by the government until December 31, 2028.
  • Products imported as part of R&D, design, and software development projects are exempt from customs duties, and documents issued are exempt from stamp duty.

Bursa is home to 17 Organized Industrial Zones and two Technology Development Zones, as well as one of the 19 free zones in Turkey.