Türkiye is on a mission to establish itself as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. With a robust national action plan backed by significant investments, the country’s Industry and Technology Minister, Mehmet Fatih Kacir, recently outlined ambitious targets for the future of AI in Türkiye during the GITEX AI Türkiye event in Istanbul.
Strategic Plans for AI Development
Minister Kacir emphasized that the Turkish government is committed to fostering an innovation ecosystem that nurtures advancements in artificial intelligence. By establishing a comprehensive national action plan, Türkiye aims to attract investments and support the growth of its technological landscape. The GITEX AI Türkiye event, which serves as an international gathering for startups, investors, and tech giants, is part of this strategic push. The event, hosted at the Istanbul Expo Center and supported by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office, showcases the country’s commitment to technological progress and global collaboration.
To date, Türkiye has successfully set up 1,700 research and development centers and is backing over 13,000 companies located across 115 technoparks. This infrastructure provides a solid foundation for fostering innovation. Additionally, Kacir noted the success of Türkiye’s own all-electric car, Togg, which has seen around 120,000 vehicles on the road since its launch. These accomplishments highlight the government’s focus on promoting a culture of innovation and sustainable technology.
Aiming for 100,000 Tech Startups
Another key goal outlined by Kacir is the establishment of 100,000 technology startups within the country. To support this initiative, a public fund-of-funds mechanism has already mobilized an impressive $2.8 billion for the startup ecosystem. Recently, the government announced a $300 million allocation for venture capital funds, projected to generate more than $750 million in additional investments. The existence of eight unicorns—referred to as “Turcorns” in Türkiye—demonstrates the potential for rapid growth in the local tech landscape.
Furthermore, the government plans to transform the former Istanbul Ataturk Airport terminal into the world’s largest startup hub. This initiative aims to position Istanbul as a global technology center, thereby attracting talented entrepreneurs and significant investments to the region.
Commitment to AI Funding
Addressing the pressing demand for advancements in artificial intelligence, Kacir announced a commitment of $150 million in public funding specifically for AI-focused venture capital funds. To bolster these efforts, Türkiye has initiated the HIT-30 program, a monumental $30 billion initiative that includes a direct investment of $1.6 billion earmarked for accelerating digital transformation within the AI sector.
Under the AI Action Plan for the years 2026-2030, the Turkish government plans to allocate at least 2% of its public investment programs to artificial intelligence. By 2030, the aim is to enhance the country’s data center capacity to one gigawatt while mobilizing at least $10 billion in private sector investments for cloud technologies and digital infrastructure. Kacir also announced that developers will soon receive the first version of BILGE, a Turkish large language model, further exemplifying the country’s dedication to advancing AI capabilities.
Through these initiatives, Türkiye is setting a clear trajectory toward becoming a formidable player in the global AI landscape. The focus on innovation, investment, and infrastructure development will not only advance the country’s technology sector but also position Türkiye as a vibrant hub for artificial intelligence on the world stage.