TEKNOFEST, the world's largest aviation, space and technology festival, has turned its 2026 route to Şanlıurfa, the “Zero Point of History”. Between 30 September - 4 October, competition applications were opened for the giant organisation to be held at GAP Airport. The “Electronic Warfare” and “Mining Technologies” categories, which were opened for the first time this year, point to Turkey's new strategic priorities.
TEKNOFEST, which is the locomotive of Turkey's “National Technology Move” vision, will host technology enthusiasts in Şanlıurfa, home of Göbeklitepe, in 2026. Organised under the leadership of T3 Foundation and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, this year, the festival will offer a total of Exceeding 175 Million TL By offering a huge financial resource (Award + Material Support), it will function as an “Incubation Centre” for the transformation of ideas into prototypes.
Applications 20 February 2026 We have compiled the technical and strategic analysis of TEKNOFEST 2026 for you.
Why Şanlıurfa? Synthesis of History and Technology
TEKNOFEST's choice of Şanlıurfa for 2026 has a symbolic meaning. The city, which hosts Göbeklitepe, which is considered the starting point of human history, will be the cradle of future technologies (Space, Aviation, Artificial Intelligence) this time.
This preference is a strategic move in terms of integrating technology not only in large metropolises (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir) but also in the ancient cities of Anatolia and unlocking the potential of the young population in Southeastern Anatolia.
New Competition Categories
TEKNOFEST updates the competition categories every year according to the changing world trends and Turkey's needs. In the competitions to be held in 52 main categories and 127 sub-categories in 2026, 5 new areas opened for application for the first time attracts attention.
- Electronic Warfare Competition: “Spectrum dominance”, which determines the fate of modern wars, is now more important than conventional weapons. Turkey, which produces systems such as KORAL and ILGAR, aims to identify qualified engineer candidates to work in the field of electronic warfare (EW) with this competition.
- Technologies for the Benefit of Humanity Competition: This category, which was opened for application for the first time this year, encourages the use of technology not only for industrial but also for “social benefit”. Solutions that directly touch human life in areas such as disaster management, disabled life and social innovation will compete under this heading.
- Mining Technologies Competition: The processing of strategic resources such as rare earth elements and boron is critical for Turkey's energy independence. This category will function as an R&D laboratory for “value-added mining” technologies.
- Advanced Autonomous Systems Design and Operation: Turkey, which wants to carry its UAV and UCAV success to land and naval vehicles (UAV/UAV), will support young people working on autonomous swarm intelligence in this category.
- FPV Drone Tracking: FPV (First Person View) technology, which is increasing in popularity in asymmetric warfare and civilian races, is being carried to a more professional ground with this competition.
Giant Financing: 175 Million TL R&D Support
TEKNOFEST 2026 is also breaking records with the financial opportunities it provides to young entrepreneurs and students.
- 75 Million TL Reward: Cash prize to be given to the ranking teams.
- 100 Million TL+ Material Support: Technical equipment and raw material support to be provided to the teams so that the projects do not remain on paper, but turn into concrete prototypes.
These figures show that TEKNOFEST is not just a festival, but Turkey's largest “civil R&D funder” that you are.
“From ”Steel Dome" to Space: Critical Categories Continue
In addition to the new categories, Turkey's air defence doctrine is critical. “Steel Dome Air Defence Systems Competition” continues this year as well. In addition, traditional competitions such as Rocket, UAV, Artificial Intelligence in Health and Agricultural Technologies are waiting for young people with more challenging task definitions (Conops).
Deadline for Teknofest Application 20 February
The calendar for TEKNOFEST 2026 Technology Competitions, which appeals to all age groups from primary school to graduate and graduate level, is in progress. Teams that want to be among the “Producers of the Future” have the following deadlines to present their projects 20 February 2026 until www.teknofest.org They need to complete their applications via the address.
Şanlıurfa GAP Airport is preparing to host the engineers and scientists of the Turkish Century between 30 September and 4 October.
