Let’s Build the Future Together: We Are Looking for Startups Transforming Business Processes Through AI

Yıldız Holding invites startups developing advanced technologies to join its Open Innovation Programme, designed to transform the global food and retail ecosystem through artificial intelligence.

The Yıldız Holding Open Innovation Programme is a collaboration platform designed to connect innovative technology startups with real business needs across the Yıldız Holding ecosystem.

Our goal is to develop solutions together with startups building AI and advanced technology solutions that can make our operations more efficient, smarter, and more scalable.

From supply chain and manufacturing to sales, marketing, finance, and human resources, we aim to establish PoC (Proof-of-Concept) and pilot collaborations with startups developing scalable solutions to real business challenges.

Through the programme, startups will have the opportunity to test their solutions in live business environments, scale them for enterprise use, and work directly with Yıldız Holding companies. Selected startups may also be considered for potential investment opportunities by Yıldız Ventures.

Why Join the Programme?

• Access to real business challenges
• Opportunity to validate and enhance your solution against real business needs rather than theoretical use cases
• Direct access to decision-makers and one-on-one collaboration with relevant business units and functional leaders
• Opportunity to develop PoC / pilot projects using real data and test your solution in live business environments
• Opportunity to develop direct collaborations with Yıldız Holding and Group companies
• Exposure to large-scale enterprise environments
• Long-term commercial partnership and scaling opportunities for successful projects
• Strong ecosystem support through access to the networks of Yıldız Holding, Yıldız Tech, Yıldız Ventures, and Plug and Play
• Opportunity to test and scale your solution at enterprise level
• Potential investment evaluation opportunity with Yıldız Ventures 

Focus Areas:

The programme focuses on priority areas where artificial intelligence can be integrated into business processes:

1. Supply Chain & Operations
   • Demand forecasting, sales forecasting, and production planning solutions
   • Inventory, stock, and end-to-end supply chain optimization
   • Operational visibility, cross-functional coordination, process automation, and decision support systems
2. Manufacturing
   • Production line efficiency, OEE optimization, and process improvement solutions
   • Predictive maintenance, quality control, and computer vision-based operational management
   • Production planning, changeover management, and coordination of new product development processes
3. Sales & Commercial
   • Dynamic pricing, sales forecasting, and commercial analytics solutions
   • Promotion / activity ROI analytics, sales performance, and KPI management
   • Field force training, coaching, and commercial operations optimization
4. Marketing
   • Personalization, campaign optimization, and consumer analytics solutions
   • Social media, trend, and early consumer signal / insight analytics
   • Focus groups, concept / product idea testing, and consumer research
5. Finance, Risk & Audit
   • Financial reporting automation, data consolidation, and management reporting solutions
   • Risk analytics, anomaly detection, and AI-powered decision support systems
   • Fraud / misconduct detection and financial control processes
6. Human Resources
   • Employee experience, talent, and workforce analytics solutions
   • AI-powered recruitment, learning & development, and career management platforms
   • Employee data analytics, data consolidation, and insight generation

Who Should Apply?

We invite startups with the following characteristics to apply:

• Startups developing AI- and data-driven products 
• Post-MVP startups with commercialized or commercialization-ready solutions suitable for enterprise use 
• Startups ready to work with corporate clients and/or demonstrating strong scalability potential 
• Solutions aligned with at least one of the defined focus areas 
• Operational and technical capability to effectively execute PoC / pilot projects 
• Ability to meet enterprise security, data protection, and system integration requirements 

Create Real Value Through AI

This programme is more than just a networking platform. It is a structured collaboration platform that enables technology startups to work with a large-scale enterprise, validate their solutions, and create measurable business impact.

Who We Are?

Programme Partner:

Application Timeline and Key Dates:

• Applications Open: 8 June 2026
• Application Period: 8 June – 31 July 2026
• Initial Evaluation & Shortlisting: 3 August – 31 August 2026
• Startup Meetings: 1 September – 18 September 2026
• PoC / Pilot Design: 21 September – 13 November 2026
• Demo Day: November 2026 (TBC)

Application:

If you are ready to test your technology within a large-scale enterprise ecosystem and create real business impact, apply now.

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Legal Disclaimer:

Personal data and other information shared as part of applications to the Yıldız Holding Open Innovation Programme will be processed and protected in accordance with applicable legislation and Yıldız Holding policies. For further information, please review the policies and disclosures below:

Personal Data Protection: https://www.yildizholding.com.tr/tr/kisisel-verilerin-korunmasi

Information Security Policy: https://www.yildizholding.com.tr/en/information-security-policy

Application to, or acceptance into, the programme does not constitute any commitment regarding investment, commercial partnership, procurement, PoC/pilot project, or contractual engagement. All collaboration opportunities remain subject to separate internal evaluation and approval processes by Yıldız Holding and relevant Group companies.