EliArge’s Journey: Among Turkey’s R&D Pioneers from 2015 to Today
In 2023, Eliar once again secured its place among Turkey’s top 250 companies with the highest R&D spending, marking yet another successful year. For the past three years, the company has consistently ranked among the top 10 firms in the Electrical-Electronics sector, according to the annual research conducted by Turkishtime Magazine.
Eliar’s R&D center, EliArge, was officially founded in 2015 with a vision of becoming a leading technology innovator in Turkey. Since the company’s establishment in 1984, Eliar has always been committed to developing original technologies, continually pushing that vision forward. The establishment of EliArge marked a turning point, formalizing its innovation-driven goals and setting the stage for even greater progress.
The Foundation of EliArge: Big Dreams, Small Team
Eliar’s story began with a commitment to pioneering technological solutions. The “AR” in its name reflects the company’s dedication to research and development, which has been central to its mission from the start (Since “Research” means “Araştırma” in Turkish and AR is the beginning letters of the word). While the Law 5746—introduced in 2008 to support R&D and design activities—was initially designed to benefit large corporations, Eliar remained committed to advancing its own R&D efforts.
By 2015, updates to the law allowed smaller companies like Eliar to meet the criteria for establishing official R&D centers. On July 24, 2015, Eliar officially launched EliArge, becoming the 196th registered R&D center in Turkey.
Starting with a team of just 30 people, EliArge has since grown to nearly 50, expanding its reach into international projects and establishing itself as a leading force in delivering innovative solutions. While there are 1323 R&D centres in Turkey today, EliArge stands out as a major hub for driving Eliar’s innovation forward.
Among Turkey’s R&D Leaders
Eliar’s dedication to research and development was recognized with numerous awards, even before the formation of EliArge:
- Technology Achievement Award (2003): Eliar won this award at the Technology Congress organized by TÜBİTAK, TTGV, and TÜSİAD, for its “TBB 6500-Iris Textile Dyeing Computer” project.
- Innovation and Creativity in Electronics and IT Awards (2005): Presented by TESİD, the Turkish Electronics Manufacturers Association.
- Technology Awards, Jury’s Special Prize (2007): Awarded for the “Iris 11 – FED Textile Dyeing Computer” project.
Since 2018, EliArge has consistently appeared in Turkishtime’s R&D 250 list and has ranked in the top 10 companies in the Electrical-Electronics sector for the last three years. Climbing to 6th place in 2023 is a testament to the effectiveness and strength of EliArge’s team. Competing alongside giants like Vestel, EliArge’s achievements as an SME stand out as a remarkable accomplishment in the industry.
Stepping Into the Future
EliArge’s success is not confined to Turkey. Eliar is now expanding its operations into the Netherlands, with the aim of integrating into the global R&D ecosystem and developing international solutions. This new venture will not only strengthen R&D collaborations in Europe but also give Eliar a greater platform to showcase its innovative projects on a global scale.
As co-founder Mehmet Taygun explained, one of the primary objectives is to focus on early-stage TRL (Technology Readiness Level) developments, specifically targeting levels 2 and 3. By concentrating on these foundational stages, Eliar plans to accelerate research and innovation with an eye toward commercialization.
This new Netherlands operation will also speed up applied research projects, creating a faster path from concept to market-ready product. With this strategic move, Eliar is poised to make even greater strides in global markets, while expanding its capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
A Force Shaping the Future
Eliar’s ability to bring its R&D innovations to market has made significant contributions to Turkey’s technological transformation. With projects in mechatronics, electronics, and software, Eliar continues to increase its exports and impact both the domestic and international markets.
The company’s contributions have been recognized by key organizations like TÜBİTAK, TTGV, and TÜSİAD. This forward-thinking approach, while acknowledged through awards, is most evident in the continuous stream of innovative projects shaping the future of the industry. EliArge’s consistent presence in the R&D 250 list is further proof of its growing influence and success.
Mehmet Taygun: “We owe this success to the dedication and hard work of the EliArge and Eliar teams. Thanks to their great efforts, we’ve secured a lasting place among Turkey’s R&D leaders, and we’re excited for even greater achievements in the future.”
