TEKNOFEST, which carries Turkey's national technology move to an international dimension, opened its doors to technology and science enthusiasts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus between May 1-4, 2025 in its 8th year.
The Festival, organized for the second time abroad, started with a magnificent ceremony at the Old Ercan Airport in Nicosia. While TRNC people showed great interest in the opening, 62 thousand people visited the festival on the first day. The festival is organized under the auspices of the Presidency of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, under the leadership of the Technology Team Foundation of Turkey and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, with a total of 132 stakeholder institutions, including ministries, presidencies, public and private sector organizations, academic institutions and media companies that play a critical role in the national technology ecosystem of our country.
Vision, Independence and Hope were emphasized in the opening speeches of the festival, which attracted great interest from TRNC residents
T3 Foundation Board of Trustees and TEKNOFEST Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar addressed young people with his emotional and inspiring words “When we first imagined it, they told us it was impossible. But we set out with young people who said 'we can do it' in spite of those who said 'you can't'. The excitement we see in the TRNC shows us that Turkish youth are ready to fly freely in their own skies, wherever they are.”
Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey, emphasized that the national technology vision is not limited to Turkey and said: “The Century of Turkey will also be the century of the Turkic world. These steps we are taking in the TRNC are an indication of our will to shape our common future with science and technology. TEKNOFEST is the rise of a generation that invents, develops and is self-confident. This generation will transcend borders.”
In his speech, TRNC President Ersin Tatar underlined the self-confidence that TEKNOFEST gives to young people and said the following: “Every project exhibited here reflects the determination and belief of the Turkish Cypriot people. The meeting of our youth with science and technology will make us stronger and freer. TEKNOFEST is not just a technology fair; it is also an expression of our sovereignty, our ability to produce and our will to stand on our own feet.”
The Festival Brings Technology to the Public with Events and Demonstrations
An impressive feast of science and technology greeted visitors throughout the festival. While young people exhibited their engineering skills in 6 technology competitions with 13 sub-categories such as Social Innovation Competition, Flying Car Simulation, TEKNOFEST Robolig Blue Homeland, the stands of technology giants such as ASELSAN, BAYKAR, TAI, HAVELSAN, ROKETSAN hosted innovation enthusiasts. In addition to the fair activity areas, Science Street hosted workshops for 6-14 year olds, Aircraft Exhibition, Planetarium Film Screenings, Cyprus Peace Operation Experience Area, Turkish Resistance Organization National Struggle Exhibition Area, Space Exhibition, XR Experience Area, Simulation Experience Areas, First Flight and Pedal Flight Activities with Students, Science Shows, Your Stage Event, talks, main stage shows and many more activities.
The sky was transformed into a feast with the breathtaking shows of Turkish Stars and SOLOTÜRK. Hürkuş, Steel Wings, Akıncı and T-70 performed demonstration flights, while CN235 parachute jumps were made. Participants of all ages had the chance to experience the spirit of TEKNOFEST with special Try-Do Workshops for children and interactive science shows.
