Exports
TÜBİTAK 1501 vs 1507: Which Programme Is Right for You?
Written by Başak Yüksel, Project and TURQUALITY® Specialist
Reviewed by Ahmet Ersoy, Co-Founder
- Related service TÜBİTAK Consulting
- The basics TÜBİTAK grants
Contents5 sections
TÜBİTAK 1501 vs 1507 is one of the first questions companies ask when choosing an R&D grant. The short answer: in the 2026/2 call, only SMEs can apply to either programme. The 1501 Industrial R&D Projects Grant Programme funds comprehensive, high-budget projects, while the 1507 SME R&D Startup Grant Programme supports a company’s first five projects. Both are run by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK).
How industrial companies in Türkiye choose R&D support
Many companies in manufacturing, defence, software and advanced technology in Türkiye face more than one TÜBİTAK call a year. Which programme you apply to has real consequences for the project budget, the size of company that qualifies and the outputs you target. Picking the wrong programme directly raises the risk of being eliminated at the technical review stage.
That is why it pays to read the key parameters of 1501 and 1507 correctly.
TÜBİTAK 1501 vs 1507 compared
| Criterion | TÜBİTAK 1501 | TÜBİTAK 1507 |
|---|---|---|
| Target group | Incorporated companies of SME scale | SMEs only |
| Support type | Grant (non-repayable) | Grant (non-repayable) |
| Support rate | 75% for the first 5 projects, 60% from the 6th project on | Up to 75% |
| Project duration | Up to 24 months in the 2026/2 call (up to 36 months with an extension) | Up to 18 months |
| Budget limit | Up to TRY 20,000,000 TÜBİTAK contribution per project | Up to TRY 3.5 million (updated per call) |
| Evaluation process | Panel review; relatively long | The same three-part reviewer assessment as 1501 |
| Application period | Calls opened during the year | Two calls a year (January and July) |
| Staff cost support | Yes | Yes |
Note: TÜBİTAK updates support rates and budget limits from time to time. For the latest figures, check the TÜBİTAK Industry Support page.
What TÜBİTAK 1507 means for SMEs
Like 1501, 1507 has two calls a year, in January and July. The 2026/2 call closes on 11 November 2026. Because the calendar is known, we start preparing before the call opens. With projects capped at 18 months, 1507 suits shorter, focused R&D work.
Because 1507 is capped by its budget limit, it can fall short for projects with large teams, infrastructure investment or many work packages. For those, 1501 is the better framework.
When should you choose 1501?
- You have used up your five projects under 1507
- Your project budget is above the 1507 ceiling
- The project spans several work packages and a long development timeline
- You have a comprehensive R&D plan that involves a university or research institute
When should you choose 1507?
- Your company has SME status and you want the advantage of a faster application
- The project is focused R&D work that can be completed within 18 months
- This is your first TÜBİTAK application and the process is new to you
- You need to get started quickly without waiting on the call calendar
Project design: the deciding factor in both programmes
In both programmes, review panels test the project’s degree of innovation, its R&D content and its commercial feasibility before approval. A technically strong project file, a budget allocated to the right items and work packages that fit together directly affect your chance of approval.
FIX gets involved before spending is planned and runs the process from the start. We build the project file to the standard reviewers look for before it reaches TÜBİTAK, which cuts the waiting caused by revisions.
For the full scope of our TÜBİTAK R&D grant services, see our Grant and Incentive Consulting service.
Frequently asked questions
-
Can you apply to both 1501 and 1507 for the same project?No. You cannot apply to both programmes at once for the same project scope.
No. You cannot apply to both programmes at once for the same project scope. Projects covering different R&D topics can, however, go to different programmes separately.
-
How does TÜBİTAK define an SME?TÜBİTAK follows the SME Regulation: businesses with fewer than 250 employees and annual net…
TÜBİTAK follows the SME Regulation: businesses with fewer than 250 employees and annual net sales or a balance sheet total of no more than TRY 1 billion count as SMEs. You need to document your company’s SME status before applying.
-
How long does a 1507 application take?1507 runs on calls opened at the same times as 1501, but how complete your project file is…
1507 runs on calls opened at the same times as 1501, but how complete your project file is directly affects the timeline. Evaluation usually takes a few months.
-
Is a university partner mandatory for 1501?No. Working with a university or research institute is not mandatory under 1501, although it can…
No. Working with a university or research institute is not mandatory under 1501, although it can improve the project’s evaluation score.
From our base in Ankara, FIX manages TÜBİTAK 1501 and 1507 applications at every stage, from project design to TÜBİTAK’s evaluation. In the 2026/2 call, both programmes are open only to SMEs established in Türkiye; get in touch for help with programme choice, budget design and the application file.