TEKNOFEST 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

ŞANLIURFA: (Web Desk) – TEKNOFEST 2026, the world’s largest aerospace and technology festival, is set to bring together millions of young innovators at the intersection of history, science, and the future. The mega event will take place from September 30 to October 4 at GAP Airport in Şanlıurfa, a city often described as the “zero point of history.”
Offering TRY 75 million in prizes and more than TRY 100 million in financial support, TEKNOFEST 2026 is being organized under the leadership of the T3 Foundation and the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology. Applications for the 2026 Technology Competitions—covering 52 competitions and 127 sub-categories—will remain open until February 20.

This year’s festival will feature competitions in advanced and emerging fields, including rocketry, unmanned aerial vehicles, agricultural technologies, artificial intelligence in health, satellite communications, and air defense systems. Several new competition categories will debut in 2026, such as Electronic Warfare, Advanced Autonomous Systems, Mining Technologies, FPV Drone Tracking, and Technologies for Humanity, providing participants with hands-on experience in strategic technology areas.

Since its launch in 2018, TEKNOFEST has received more than 4 million applications, serving as a global innovation platform for students from primary school to postgraduate level. Thousands of young innovators are expected to compete, collaborate, and showcase future-shaping technologies at the 2026 edition.

TEKNOFEST’s international impact continues to grow, with inspiring success stories emerging from around the world. Recently, a team of Pakistani middle-school students from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus won first prize in the Social Innovation category at a TEKNOFEST aerospace event. Students Asma Fatima and Inaya Khan, under the guidance of their teacher Gohar Khursheed, later met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to receive their award. Their achievement was announced by Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools and Colleges, highlighting TEKNOFEST’s role in empowering young talent beyond borders.

Last year’s competitions, held across Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, attracted applications from over 333,000 teams and more than one million participants representing 81 Turkish provinces and 96 countries. With its expanding scope and global reach, TEKNOFEST has earned its reputation as the “festival of firsts,” where innovation meets opportunity.

Young technology enthusiasts, aspiring engineers, and future innovators are encouraged to apply for TEKNOFEST 2026 through www.teknofest.org before the February 20 deadline.