TEKNOFEST-2023 to cover three biggest Turkish cities

The preparation for one of the stages of the world's biggest TEKNOFEST Aerospace and Technology Festival is underway in Türkiye’s Izmir city to be held from March 2 to 5.

The festival, which is led by the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) in the presence of representatives of numerous institutions and organisations, brings together innovative idea generators who want to make their dreams come true on the 100th anniversary of the country, according to Anadolu.

TEKNOFEST - 2023 will be held in three Turkish cities at once: Izmir (March 2-5), Ankara (March 16-19) and Istanbul (April 30-May 6) on the 100th anniversary of the country.

Turkish cities such as Izmir and Ankara will host TEKNOFEST for the first time.

Governor of Izmir Yavuz Selim Kosger met with representatives of state institutions, non-governmental organisations, chambers and commodity exchanges of the city and informed them about the upcoming work.

The festival in Izmir will be held on the territory of the second Military Air Base in the Cigli district. At the moment, infrastructure work is being carried out here. Moreover, it is planned to organise additional bus trips for everyone to be able to comfortably get to the festival.

In an interview with the Anadolu Agency, the governor of Izmir said that the city authorities have been preparing TEKNOFEST in Izmir for a long time.

“The festival will be held in three major Turkish cities this year. An important stage will be also held in Izmir. More than 10,000 people applied for participation in the event,” Kosger said.

The governor recalled that the Tech Izmir Science, Innovation and Technology Festival has been recently held.

"We continue bringing together young people having different innovative ideas," the governor added.

He noted that the development of Izmir differs from other Turkish cities.

“Izmir is developing in the field of innovations, informatics, and software. We intend to accelerate this trend. We state that Ankara will be the political capital of Türkiye, Istanbul - the commercial capital, and Izmir - the technological capital. There are already developments within these initiatives. We have four-five technoparks. There is the Izmir Institute of Technology. Initiatives are being taken to create a technology free zone in Izmir,” the governor said.

Kosger noted that the population of Izmir is 4.5 million, and one million of them are young people.

The governor emphasised the importance of creating a technological atmosphere.

“TEKNOFEST creates the necessary atmosphere for young people. I think that this event is a good opportunity and a chance to create such an atmosphere. All institutions of Izmir are preparing for March 2-5. We recommend all young people to take part in the festival not only as competitors but also as visitors,” the governor added.