Türkiye is gearing up to showcase its significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure at the GITEX AI Summit in Istanbul. Scheduled for September 8-9, 2026, this two-day event is set to connect major global technology firms with emerging local startups, reinforcing Türkiye’s commitment to enhance its AI capabilities.
Event Overview and Objectives
The GITEX AI Summit is organized by Türkiye’s Investment and Finance Office, with the strategic partnership of the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Notably, Anadolu will serve as the global communications partner for the event. This summit aims to facilitate a dialogue between over 350 companies and key stakeholders, including international investors, government officials, and industry leaders. Participating tech giants such as Google Cloud, AWS, Huawei, Dell Technologies, and SAP are expected to present their innovative solutions and explore potential collaborations.
Focus on Data Centers and Smart Infrastructure
One of the key themes of the summit will be on data centers and the framework necessary for building intelligent infrastructure. With a focus on secure and scalable systems, this section will delve into strategies to implement AI efficiently within national organizational workflows. This initiative aligns with Türkiye’s ambitious national strategy for enhancing computing capabilities, as detailed in their AI vision and action plan for 2026-2030.
Investment Goals and Infrastructure Expansion
Ankara has set a target to attract $10 billion in private-sector investments dedicated to AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and data centers. A significant focal point of the opening-day panel will be the ambitious goal of scaling the country’s data center capacity to a minimum of 1 gigawatt by the decade’s end. This session will feature key representatives from leading firms such as Equinix Türkiye, Schneider Electric, and HPE, who will share insights on how to effectively implement the required physical computing infrastructure for the national strategy.
Participation of Turkish Tech Leaders
The GITEX AI Summit will also serve as a platform for Türkiye’s prominent organizations, including Trendyol, Andevos, and Halkbank, alongside esteemed technoparks like Antalya Technopark, Istanbul Technical University’s ARI Technopark, and Giresun Technopark. This confluence of local and international expertise will not only bolster the country’s AI infrastructure but also provide startups with invaluable exposure and potential collaborative opportunities.
By showcasing its AI infrastructure investments and fostering connections among diverse stakeholders, Türkiye is poised to solidify its standing in the global tech landscape. The GITEX AI Summit promises to be a pivotal event in driving this vision forward, establishing crucial partnerships, and attracting the necessary investments to realize its goals.