# Türkiye Emerges as a Global AI Powerhouse at Landmark Istanbul Event
Turkey has positioned itself at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence revolution with the launch of a major international technology exhibition that brought together industry pioneers, financial backers, and government decision-makers from around the world. The event, held at Istanbul Expo Centre, marked a defining moment in the country’s digital transformation journey.
## A Landmark Gathering of Minds and Capital
The exhibition ran through early September and featured an impressive assembly of over 350 companies — ranging from established enterprises to emerging startups — alongside 100 keynote speakers and 150 investors controlling more than US$75 billion in assets. Delegates representing technology organizations from 70 countries filled the venue, underscoring the growing international appetite to engage with Turkey’s rapidly expanding digital market.
The timing could not be more strategic. The country is advancing a comprehensive five-year national AI strategy that aims to build a gigawatt-scale data centre infrastructure, unlock over US$10 billion in private investment for AI-related projects, and equip five million citizens with AI literacy skills in the near term.
## Building the Backbone of a Digital Future
At the heart of the event were discussions about the physical and digital infrastructure required to sustain Turkey’s ambitions. Major global players including Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, NVIDIA, Huawei, Dell Technologies, and SAP demonstrated cutting-edge solutions in cloud computing, data centres, and intelligent infrastructure.
Domestic names such as Trendyol, Halkbank, and Andevos also took centre stage, alongside innovation hubs like Antalya Teknokent, İTÜ ARI Teknokent, and Giresun Teknopark, representing the country’s vibrant startup ecosystem.
The government’s role was central, with the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency coordinating the event in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Technology and international organisers.
Turkey is home to approximately 1,500 active AI-focused businesses, and its strategic geographic position offers companies access to a market of 1.3 billion people within a four-hour flight, encompassing a combined GDP of over US$35 trillion.
## Transforming an Airport Into an Innovation Capital
One of the most ambitious announcements during the opening days was a partnership that will connect Turkey’s entrepreneurship scene with a global technology platform on a permanent basis. Under the agreement, the organisation behind the exhibition will establish a consistent international presence, giving Turkish startups sustained exposure to global investors and corporate partners.
The deal coincided with the unveiling of plans to convert the former Atatürk Airport terminals into what organizers describe as the world’s largest innovation campus. The redevelopment will repurpose roughly 500,000 square metres of space into offices, incubation facilities, co-working environments, and accelerator programmes designed to nurture the next generation of technology ventures.
## Sovereign Wealth Meets Startup Ambition
Capital investment emerged as a critical theme, with the country’s sovereign wealth fund signaling its intent to act as a catalyst for technological growth. By deploying long-term capital and facilitating connections to international networks, the fund aims to help promising Turkish companies scale beyond domestic borders and compete on the world stage.
## Fintech and Open Banking Take Centre Stage
Turkey’s financial sector was a major focus, with discussions centered on how artificial intelligence, open banking platforms, and intelligent automation are reshaping payments, customer service, and operational efficiency. Government-backed banks are actively investing in next-generation digital tools, while homegrown technology firms are developing automation solutions and open finance platforms designed to streamline financial operations for businesses of all sizes.
The second and final day of the programme featured ministerial addresses and in-depth sessions covering cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, enterprise digital transformation, and the evolving role of data centres in powering AI applications.
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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**What was the name of the event?**
The inaugural GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026, a major international technology and artificial intelligence exhibition held at Istanbul Expo Centre.
**When did it take place?**
The event ran from early September through 10 September 2026.
**Who organised the event?**
It was hosted by the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and organised by the team behind the GITEX global technology exhibitions.
**How many companies and investors participated?**
The exhibition featured over 350 enterprise and startup exhibitors, 150 investors with more than US$75 billion in combined assets, and attracted technology executives from 70 countries.
**What is Turkey’s AI action plan?**
The country’s 2026–2030 AI Action Plan includes building 1GW of data centre capacity, mobilising US$10 billion in private sector investment, and training five million AI-literate citizens over the next two years.
**Which global technology companies were present?**
Major participants included Google Cloud, AWS, Huawei, Dell Technologies, SAP, HPE & NVIDIA, and TrendAI, alongside Turkish organisations like Trendyol, Halkbank, and Andevos.
**What was the Terminal Istanbul MoU about?**
Terminal Istanbul signed a memorandum of understanding with the GITEX organisers, giving it a permanent presence across the global GITEX platform to showcase Turkish startups to international audiences.
**What is the former Atatürk Airport being converted into?**
Plans are underway to transform approximately 500,000 square metres of the former airport into the world’s largest innovation and entrepreneurship hub, featuring offices, co-working spaces, and startup incubation centres.
**How does Turkey’s sovereign wealth fund support AI growth?**
Through the Türkiye Wealth Fund, the government is deploying long-term capital to support technology fund managers, facilitate global networks, and create pathways for startups to access growth capital.
**Why is Turkey’s location significant for tech companies?**
Turkey offers access to approximately 1.3 billion people and markets with a combined GDP exceeding US$35 trillion within a four-hour flight radius, making it a strategic gateway between Europe and Asia.
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## Conclusion
Turkey’s debut on the global AI stage through this landmark exhibition signals a clear and determined national strategy to become a central hub for artificial intelligence, digital finance, and intelligent infrastructure. With a robust startup ecosystem, ambitious government-backed infrastructure plans, and growing interest from international investors, the country is laying the groundwork for a technology-driven economy that bridges continents and creates opportunities for businesses at every scale. The convergence of public policy, private capital, and global partnerships positions Turkey as a compelling destination for anyone looking to invest in, build within, or collaborate with one of the world’s most dynamic emerging technology markets.
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