Akbank+ (Akbank Spin-off Program) Qorus-Infosys Finacle Banking Innovation Awards 2025

As one of the largest banks in Turkey, Akbank transformed its intrapreneurship program radically two years ago to strengthen the innovation culture within the bank and encourage Akbank employees to become entrepreneurs. Designed with this purpose, Akbank+ is the first full-time intrapreneurship and spin-off program in Turkey. Program is unique for innovation ecosystem in Turkey for enabling employees to develop their own business ideas full-time while keeping all of their employee benefits. The inspiration behind Akbank+ Program has been addressing intrapreneur challenges as well as initiating a cultural transformation at 76-year-old Akbank. Akbank+ Program has been designed and is being executed by Akbank LAB, Akbank’s Innovation Center. Even though Akbank LAB initiatives succeeded to transform Akbank’s traditional brand image in the market, Akbank employees perceived the Bank as a traditional organization and lacked the motivation to innovate. Aligned with this vision, Akbank+ Program allows Akbank employees to develop on their own ventures, receive trainings, have real-world application and eventually, gain investment from Akbank. The Akbank+ program includes two comprehensive stages of training and mentorship, spanning a total of six months. Participants are strategically teamed up with the guidance of the Akbank LAB team and supported by external mentors from around the globe. Throughout the program, each team receives personalized mentorship and coaching as they develop their ventures and prepare to secure investment. Most of the intrapreneurship and spin-off programs do not offer full-time commitment on entrepreneurship without any prior experience or background. With Akbank+, Akbank offers end-to-end complete support to all Akbank employees to build an entrepreneur mindset regardless of their background and previous experience. In addition, no external startups or entrepreneurs are included in program to avoid any unfair conditions that may arise from startup maturity difference as well as to prioritize resources for the development of intrapreneurs. Akbank+ Program is conducted in collaboration with the People and Culture (HR) department. HR has enabled employees to keep all their employee benefits throughout the program, provided them with relevant technical equipment and re-arranged organizational chart to manage organizational roles & responsibilities. Throughout the program, no participants had to manage any workflow process related to their previous job positions, which facilitated them to focus more on their business ventures. Here are key outcomes from the program: • In its first two term, four spin-offs, which received a generous 2 MN USD in total, pursue their businesses to transform the market. • 3 employees specified that Program aided them discover their talents and passions. They were offered new job positions within the Bank, aligned with their new career objectives. • 24 employees have been assigned the “Innovation Ambassador” title to work closely with Innovation Centre for developing new innovative products at Akbank as they are now very familiar with innovation methodologies.