Aviation, house and know-how fanatics on Wednesday began flocking to Türkiye’s famend competition that showcases the nation’s rising ambitions and increasing capabilities within the tech world and protection.
Since its inception in 2018, Teknofest has emerged as a logo of Türkiye’s technological aspirations that appeal to lots of of hundreds of holiday makers yearly.
Among the highlights of this yr’s version within the southern Adana province are the primary public flight demonstrations of Türkiye’s two new fight drones, the Bayraktar TB3 and Anka-3.
The occasion is organized by the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3) and the Industry and Technology Ministry, with participation from 128 establishments, together with authorities our bodies, tech companies, universities and media organizations.
Beyond the competitions, Teknofest has change into a vital platform for nurturing younger entrepreneurs. Over the years, the competition has helped launch quite a few startups, and officers hope it should proceed to gasoline Türkiye’s ambition to change into a outstanding know-how participant.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır underscored Teknofest’s position in reworking the nation’s technological panorama.
“Türkiye is no longer the nation it once was,” Kacır stated. “We now produce our own national car, our own communications satellites, and we stand strong on the world stage. Teknofest represents this new Türkiye – one that dares to look beyond the horizon.”
He highlighted the expansion of the competition over time, noting that thousands and thousands of younger individuals have participated in Teknofest throughout cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and even Baku.
“This year, we bring the excitement of the National Technology Initiative to Adana,” Kacır stated. “Over 1.65 million individuals, organized into 790,000 groups, are becoming a member of us on this journey. The competitions, from synthetic intelligence to quantum computing, from biotechnology to nuclear power, are laying the muse for Türkiye’s future in know-how.”
Groundwork for future
Kacır’s speech was punctuated by the optimism for Türkiye’s youth, whom he described as a technology prepared to interrupt free from conventional constraints.
“A new generation is rising – that is ready to take risks, to step up and lead,” he stated. “This is not a youth bound by ideological limitations, but one that is focused on creating a brighter, more prosperous future for Türkiye.”
Selçuk Bayraktar, chair of the Teknofest Board and head of the Turkish Technology Team Foundation, echoed these sentiments, positioning Teknofest as greater than only a competition – it’s a motion, he stated, aimed toward shaping the nation’s future.
“Teknofest is not just an event; it is a youth movement that molds the future of our country,” Bayraktar stated. “This is where hope is born, where change begins. We have hosted technology competitions in 27 cities since 2018, and now we are expanding this movement even further.”
He pointed to the successes already achieved by way of Teknofest, which has led to the creation of greater than 150 tech startups. “Some of these companies are exporting to 21 countries, while others have attracted millions in investment,” he famous.
“Teknofest is creating the groundwork for the future.”
Troubled world
Yet, amid the competition’s celebration of technological achievement, Bayraktar didn’t draw back from addressing international points, significantly the violence and struggling in Gaza.
“Every day, children in Gaza are killed, and the world watches in silence. The old world is dying, and a new one is struggling to be born. But the emerging order is based not on justice, but on power and violence.”
He harassed the accountability that comes with technological progress.
“Technology has immense potential to enhance lives, as we noticed throughout the pandemic, however it could additionally convey devastation, as with the usage of nuclear weapons. Teknofest is our likelihood to make sure that these improvements are used to serve humanity, not hurt it.”
What to anticipate
This yr’s Teknofest presents a broad array of actions, designed to interact individuals of all ages. From competitions, air exhibits, exhibitions and superior know-how simulations to scientific workshops, the occasion has one thing for everybody.
High-profile aerial demonstrations will embody performances by the Turkish Stars, SOLOTÜRK, a Bayraktar Akıncı fight drone, and Türkiye’s homegrown gentle assault plane Hürjet, in addition to the primary public flights of the Bayraktar TB3 and Anka-3.
In addition to the shows, Teknofest will characteristic 50 competitions throughout fields starting from drone racing to nuclear power design. More than 1.65 million opponents utilized to take part this yr, and high groups will compete for prizes totaling TL 31 million, along with TL 55 million supplied to assist challenge growth.
The occasion is held in varied Turkish cities in even years and within the metropolis of Istanbul in odd years.
Last yr, to commemorate the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye, the competition came about in three places: Istanbul, the capital of Ankara and the Aegean resort metropolis of Izmir.
The occasion has obtained about 4 million functions and welcomed greater than 10 million guests because it was first launched seven years in the past.
“We are building a future where Turkish youth will show the world what they can achieve,” Bayraktar stated. “Teknofest is laying the foundation for that future, and we will all build it together.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com