Organized under the coordination of ROKETSAN, the competition stands out as a strong technology platform where young people transform their dreams into tangible projects, spanning from high school level to advanced engineering studies. Aiming to cultivate a qualified human resource for Türkiye’s aviation, space, and defense industries, the TEKNOFEST Rocket Competition once again invites young people in 2026 to an exciting journey grounded in science and engineering. Designed to increase students’ interest in space technologies and enhance their technical capabilities in this field, the competition continues to attract strong interest this year as well.
Young participants who have the opportunity to design, manufacture, and launch their own rockets successfully manage complex design, production, and integration processes by bringing together their knowledge of science and engineering from different disciplines. Emphasizing interdisciplinary thinking, the competition offers participants not only technical expertise but also significant gains in teamwork, project management, and problem-solving skills. The sharing of experiences by teams that successfully complete their flights transforms the competition into a powerful platform for learning and inspiration.
Intense Competition Across 11 Categories
In 2026, the TEKNOFEST Rocket Competition is held across a total of 11 different categories under Groups A and B. Within Group A, the High School Category is conducted at a minimum altitude of 4,000 feet and is open exclusively to high school students. The Medium Altitude Category, held at a minimum altitude of 8,000 feet, is open to high school, associate degree, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as graduates.
The High Altitude Category is conducted at 15,000 feet, the International Category at 8,000 feet, and the Challenging Mission Category is carried out in two stages at 12,000 feet. The Original Hybrid Propellant Rocket Engine and Original Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine categories allow young participants to showcase innovative engine designs. These categories are open to associate degree, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as graduates, who can apply and launch their rockets.
Group B categories—Active Control System Development, Hybrid Propellant Rocket Engine Development, Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine Development, and Flight Modeling and Simulation Software Development—are open to associate degree, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as graduates who aim to develop advanced engineering solutions.
Strong Support for Youth, Major Awards
In the TEKNOFEST Rocket Competition, where finalist teams are also provided with transportation and accommodation support, high-value prizes are awarded across categories for 2026.
Teams ranking in the High School Category can receive support of up to TRY 180,000, while prizes reach up to TRY 200,000 in the Medium Altitude Category and up to TRY 220,000 in the High Altitude Category. Teams ranking in the International Category can win prizes of up to USD 5,000. In the Challenging Mission Category, prizes reach up to TRY 350,000; in the Original Hybrid Propellant Rocket Engine Category up to TRY 350,000; and in the Original Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine Category up to TRY 400,000. In Group B categories, total cash prizes exceeding millions await young engineers.
The TEKNOFEST Rocket Competition continues to be a key platform that strengthens young people’s career goals in science, technology, and engineering, while shaping Türkiye’s future in space and defense technologies. Applications for the competition can be submitted until 20 February.
