Agricultural Technologies Highlighted at TEKNOFEST

Organized under the leadership of the T3 Foundation and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the world’s largest aerospace and technology festival, TEKNOFEST, was held this year for the 13th time, bringing technology enthusiasts together at Istanbul Atatürk Airport.

The festival hosted innovative projects by young people through competitions held in 58 main and 137 subcategories. Teams that successfully passed the preliminary stage will benefit from more than 85 million TL in financial support, while projects ranking at the top will receive prizes totaling over 65 million TL.

Strong Contribution to the National Technology Initiative

Speaking at the opening, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized the special place of TEKNOFESTs in Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative, highlighting the role of Turkish youth in developing critical technologies.

TEKNOFEST Board Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar underlined that the festival serves as a unique platform introducing domestic and national technologies while engaging young people in innovation processes. Bayraktar noted that the projects developed in the competitions inspire the technological solutions of the future.

Digital Transformation in Agriculture

Among the notable categories this year was the Agricultural Technologies Competition. Conducted in partnership with the Konya Plain Project (KOP), GAP, DAP, and DOKAP Regional Development Administrations affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the competition brought together 50 teams from high school, university, and higher levels to present innovative ideas aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.

President of the KOP Regional Development Administration, Dr. Murat Karakoyunlu, emphasized the importance of new technologies for regional development in his remarks during the competition:

“Our goal is to reduce development disparities and integrate solutions that will create added value in agriculture into every corner of our region. Competitions like these broaden the horizons of young people and pave the way for digital transformation in agriculture.”

Every Project Matters for Regional Development

Dr. Karakoyunlu underlined the value of each project, stating:

“As the KOP Regional Development Administration, we focus on the fundamental aspects of regional development. Through numerous projects in agriculture, livestock, energy, industry, education, and social fields, we address regional challenges. Therefore, the projects you have prepared are highly valuable to us. We care about your projects and your ideas. Moreover, in line with our institutional mission, supporting these projects and facilitating their dissemination in the field falls within our scope of work. For this reason, we encourage you to focus on the activities of the regional development administrations in your area. Stay informed about our work and share your projects with us. In this way, we can provide technical and administrative support needed to further develop your projects and subsequently bring successful ones to both our regions and our country.”

Breaking the “Nothing Can Be Achieved Here” Perception

Recalling the great names in Turkish scientific history, Dr. Karakoyunlu addressed the young participants:

“We are in a period where we are once again remembering İbn Rushd, Ali Qushji, Al-Jazari, and Al-Farabi. Here, in your own fields, you are steadily moving forward on the path to becoming the future Aziz Sancars. Your work is valuable, and we are proud of you.”

Together with experts from the Agriculture and Rural Development Coordination Unit, President Dr. Karakoyunlu visited the competition stands and received information about the projects.