Türkiye accelerates AI ambitions as GITEX Ai debuts in Istanbul

Türkiye’s information and communications technology (ICT) market is valued at an estimated $38 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach $58 billion by 2031, as the country increases investment in artificial intelligence, data centers and digital infrastructure.

Türkiye has allocated $3 billion this year toward data center and AI investments and is seeking to mobilize a further $10 billion in private-sector funding to support AI development and build 1GW of data center capacity by 2030.

The government is also expanding its AI talent pipeline. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans in June 2026 to train 10,000 advanced AI specialists and 100,000 AI application professionals under Türkiye’s AI Action Plan.

The country’s startup ecosystem has also recorded stronger funding activity, with Turkish startups raising $559 million in the first quarter of 2026, more than seven times the amount raised during the same period a year earlier. The ecosystem includes 114 technoparks hosting more than 13,000 startups, alongside more than 1,700 R&D and design centers.

Türkiye is preparing to host the inaugural GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026, scheduled for September 9–10 at Istanbul Expo Centre. Fast Company Middle East is a media partner for the event, which is expected to bring together more than 300 enterprise and startup exhibitors, alongside investors, policymakers and technology executives from international markets.

The event will focus on AI, 5G and telecommunications, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data centers, fintech, e-commerce, gaming, green technology, health technology, mobility, quantum computing and smart manufacturing.

GITEX Ai Türkiye is hosted by the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and organized by inD, the joint venture between Dubai World Trade Centre and Informa behind the GITEX network.

A. Burak Dağlıoğlu, president of Invest in Türkiye, said the country’s investment in AI and data center infrastructure reflects growing investor confidence, while its young workforce and expanding startup ecosystem provide further support for the sector.

Confirmed participants include Google Cloud, HPE, NVIDIA, ASUS, Dell Technologies, Huawei, SAP and TrendAI, alongside Turkish companies including e-commerce platform Trendyol and AI and fintech company Andevos. Halkbank is also participating as a platinum sponsor.

Google Cloud’s involvement follows its 2025 announcement of plans to establish a new cloud region in Türkiye as part of a 10-year, $2 billion investment in the country in partnership with Turkcell.

Türkiye’s startup ecosystem will also feature prominently, with more than 100 investors from 20 countries, representing around $50 billion in assets under management, expected to meet startups from the country’s technoparks.

The event is intended to connect Turkish startups with international investors and potential partners as the country seeks to expand its technology ecosystem and develop companies capable of competing in global markets.