Türkiye targets top 10 startup ecosystem with AI push at GITEX Ai Türkiye

Türkiye set an ambitious goal for its startup and AI economy at GITEX Ai Türkiye in Istanbul, including 100,000 tech startups, $100 billion in unicorn value and $150 million in public funding for AI venture capital funds. The two-day event also highlighted cybersecurity, women founders and new international partnerships as Türkiye positions itself as a regional AI hub.

Why it matters: - Türkiye is trying to turn its industrial base, talent pool and startup scene into a bigger global AI and innovation platform. - The government’s targets signal a push to attract capital, scale startups and compete for a place among the world’s top technology ecosystems. - The event also tied AI growth to cybersecurity, digital government and broader economic resilience.

What happened: - Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır told attendees at GITEX Ai Türkiye in Istanbul that Türkiye aims to build one of the world’s top 10 startup ecosystems. - Kacır set goals of 100,000 tech startups and $100 billion in total unicorn valuation. - Türkiye is committing $150 million in public funding to AI-focused venture capital funds. - GITEX Ai Türkiye ran for two days at Istanbul Expo Centre and brought together more than 350 enterprises and startups with investors, policymakers and technology leaders. - The event was hosted by Invest in Türkiye, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and organised by inD. - The show focused on AI infrastructure and investment, cybersecurity, physical AI, digital government and entrepreneurship.

The details: - Sadullah Uzun, director general of National Technology and AI at the Ministry of Industry and Technology, said Türkiye’s AI Vision and Action Plan for 2026–2030 includes reserving 2% of public spending for AI. - Uzun also set a goal of reaching five million citizens with the capabilities to participate in the AI economy. - A. Burak Dağlıoğlu, president of the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, said Türkiye has evolved from a geographic bridge into a regional hub for manufacturing, R&D, logistics, technology and entrepreneurship. - Dağlıoğlu said Türkiye’s longer-term ambition is to become a global economic powerhouse. - Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX, said Türkiye has a global industrial base, a dynamic digital economy and about 1,500 AI startups. - LohMirmand said the next step is to move from intent to velocity and use GITEX as a multiplier for confidence, knowledge, relationships and opportunity. - The event connected Türkiye with international attendees from 88 countries.

Between the lines: - Türkiye is presenting AI as a national competitiveness strategy, not just a technology theme. - The public funding commitment suggests the government wants to steer early capital into AI ventures and accelerate commercialization. - The emphasis on cybersecurity shows that trust and resilience are becoming part of the AI growth story, not separate issues. - The presence of global investors and multiple government agencies suggests Türkiye wants to convert policy ambition into deal flow and cross-border partnerships.

What's next: - The next edition of GITEX Ai Türkiye is scheduled for 15–16 September 2027. - INTEGRA CITY signed MoUs to participate in GITEX Ai Belgrade on 25–27 May 2027 and GITEX Ai Kazakhstan on 7–8 June 2027. - Organizers and exhibitors are likely to use the GITEX network to pursue new markets, government contracts and international investment. - Türkiye’s 2026–2030 AI plan will become a key test of whether the country can turn funding and policy goals into startup growth and talent expansion.

The bottom line: - Türkiye is betting that AI, venture capital and global event-driven dealmaking can help it move from regional tech player to top-tier innovation hub.