The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is hosting TEKNOFEST, the world’s largest aviation, space, and technology festival. Organised under the auspices of the TRNC Presidency and led by the Turkey Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) and the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, the festival has begun with the partnership of 132 institutions.
TEKNOFEST, which brings together millions with technology every year, has opened its doors abroad for the second time in its 11th year. Held across a 100,000-square-metre area, TEKNOFEST TRNC will welcome visitors until 4 May. During the festival, six technology competitions are taking place, attracting over 47,000 applicants from 22 countries, including Turkey. Finalist teams will compete for a total of 5.5 million TL in prizes and support.
Packed with Technology Competitions and Shows at TEKNOFEST TRNC
From robotics to social innovation, tourism technologies to environmental solutions, the wide range of competitions inspires young talent. In the final stage of the contests, 268 teams are fiercely competing. The event area also features flight demonstrations by domestic aircraft, a Science Street, a planetarium, XR and simulation experience zones, children’s workshops, and exhibitions.
On the festival’s opening day, unforgettable aerial displays were delivered by the Turkish Stars, SOLOTÜRK, Bayraktar TB2, Akıncı, Hürkuş, the T70 helicopter, and other national aircraft.
Free Entry, Registration Required
Entry to TEKNOFEST TRNC is available between 09:00 and 19:00. Admission is free, but visitors must register at www.teknofest.org. Registration is not required for children under 7 years of age.
Cyprus Peace Operation Digital Experience Presented for the First Time
One of the festival’s standout attractions, the Cyprus Peace Operation Digital Experience Area, offers visitors the opportunity to relive the operation through the eyes of Turkish soldiers. In a space equipped with LED screens, visitors can immerse themselves in history through impressive audio-visual presentations. After the experience, guests can take AI-assisted commemorative photos.
Kacır: “A Two-State Solution is Near”
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, in his opening speech, highlighted the significance of TEKNOFEST taking place in the TRNC as a symbol of Turkey’s National Technology Initiative. “The TRNC will no longer only represent historic struggles, but also be a pioneer of technological development. The Century of Türkiye is the century of the Turkish Cypriots,” he said.
Yıldırım: “The TRNC is Turkey’s Red Line”
Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States, Binali Yıldırım, stated that TEKNOFEST demonstrates Turkey’s advancements in defence and technology, underlining that the TRNC will always stand by Turkey.
Bayraktar: “The TRNC Will Be a Symbol of New Technological Breakthroughs”
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the T3 Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said that TEKNOFEST unlocks the potential of young people. He emphasised that the TRNC now represents not only historical significance but also the possibility of becoming a hub for technological transformation.
Görgün: “We Are Overcoming Barriers with TEKNOFEST Youth”
President of Defence Industries under the Presidency, Haluk Görgün, described TEKNOFEST as Turkey’s largest platform for discovery, saying, “With this festival, we’ve removed the obstacles that once shattered the hopes of our youth.”
