Mersin Technology Development Zone (Technoscope) was established in June 2005 in order to use the research-development (R&D) studies carried out by the university, industry and other institutions to develop new technologies and transfer them into the industrial production that will contribute to the competitive position of Mersin in both national and international levels.
Within the scope of this aim, Research and Development studies are carried out, providing enlightening data for the industry and promoting scientific advancements in higher education. Presently, 53 firms are operating in Technoscope, intensively in software, machinery and design sectors. 242 employees are being employed in the zone; 203 of them as R&D and 39 as staff. 109 R&D projects are completed so far; while 72 projects are being carried out.
Advantages of TDZs
Revenues derived from software development and R&D activities are exempt from income and corporate taxes until December 31, 2023.
Sales of application software produced exclusively in TDZs are exempt from VAT until December 31, 2023. Examples include software for systems management, data management, business applications, different business sectors, the Internet, mobile phones and military command control.
Salaries of R&D and support personnel employed in the zone are exempt from all taxes until December 31, 2023. The number of the support personnel covered by the exemption shall not exceed 10 percent of the number of the R&D personnel.
Enterprises may make the investment, required for the production of the technological product obtained as a result of the R&D projects conducted in the zone, in the TDZ, if deemed suitable by the operator company and allowed by the Ministry.