Garanti BBVA and Techstars Istanbul host startup event in Urla

The Techstars Startup Weekend Urla concluded at the Bilişim Vadisi İzmir Campus, held from October 9 to 11. Organized as part of Garanti BBVA’s main partnership with Techstars Istanbul, the event aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Izmir.

Following the global 54-hour Startup Weekend format, 74 entrepreneurs formed 21 teams to develop business ideas, validate concepts, and build prototypes with the support of mentors. Out of these, 19 teams reached the final presentation stage to be evaluated by a jury.

The SPARK team, which developed a cost-tracking platform for restaurants, took first place. The FOURION team, presenting IMAROS—a platform to support zoning processes for contractors—secured second place. The jury included representatives from Ofsayt A. Ş., Bilişim Vadisi, F&M Global Consulting, and Garanti BBVA.