Turkey's flagship aviation and technology exhibition, Teknofest, commences

The 12th edition of Teknofest, the world's largest aerospace and technology festival, is set to take off at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday. This year's event, following its first stop in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, promises to be a thrilling spectacle, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Teknofest is a major event that features an array of technology-driven experiences, including thrilling air shows, various exhibitions and workshops, simulation-based experience zones, a planetarium, fairground events, and special flight activities for students. The festival runs until Sunday, offering a rich programme that includes innovation-driven competitions, air shows, technology exhibitions, and panels.

One of the highlights of Teknofest is its competitions. These competitions, organized by the T3 Foundation and the Industry and Technology Ministry, bring together the industry, academia, and young people from high school to university level. The competitions are distinct from global counterparts due to industry involvement from design to execution.

This year, competitions will take place in 54 main categories and 127 subcategories. Teams passing the preliminary stage will receive financial support exceeding TL 85 million ($2.06 million). Contestants from nearly 100 countries are expected to participate, sharing knowledge and experience, and taking important steps in technology development.

The winners of these competitions will receive awards totaling more than TL 65 million. The Teknofest competitions are more advanced and professional than many global counterparts, a testament to the high standards set by the T3 Foundation and the Industry and Technology Ministry.

The T3 Foundation, responsible for the leadership of Teknofest, is a significant platform due to its industry, academia, and young people collaboration. Having inspired nearly 11 million visitors to date, Teknofest is expected to once again spread the winds of technology and innovation in Istanbul.

Teknofest Istanbul is open to visitors free of charge via Teknofest.org. Festival entry and exit times are set between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The festival is carried out in partnership with leading Turkish firms such as Baykar, Roketsan, and Aselsan.

The festival's competitions are an important platform due to their industry, academia, and young people collaboration. They are a significant part of Teknofest, which is a major aerospace and technology festival that has become a beacon of innovation and progress in the technology sector.