Istanbul Project Academy(IPA) is an initiative spearheaded by Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICI) and supported by Istanbul Development Agency (IDA) under its Innovative Istanbul Financial Support Program. Officially launched on February 15, 2022, this 18-month project was designed to create a pioneering and scalable model to enhance the Turkish manufacturing sector's access to European Union R&D and innovation funding, with a particular focus on the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 framework.

IPA serves as a dynamic interface, co-developing strategies in collaboration with industrial organizations, Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), and prominent universities across Istanbul. By fostering these partnerships, IPA aims to facilitate more Turkish participation in Horizon Europe, reduce entry barriers, and improve the success rates of Turkish entities in securing EU funding.

Additionally, IPA aligns with and supports TÜBİTAK’s role as the national contact point for Horizon Europe, aiming to amplify its impact across Istanbul’s industrial and academic sectors. Through strong coordination among key stakeholders, IPA is well-positioned to significantly contribute to the long-term success of Turkish organizations in future EU R&D and innovation programs.

Following the project’s initial phase, ICI continues to sustain and expand IPA through its activities within the scope of Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). The long-term vision is to extend the initiative’s reach by engaging a wider range of ecosystem stakeholders, ensuring that Turkish industry maintains a competitive presence in European framework programs.

As part of these continued efforts, the Istanbul Project Academy offers Horizon Europe training sessions, networking and matchmaking events, and consultancy services, all aimed at maximizing participation and success within the European R&D landscape.