Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır presented Turkey's entrepreneurship and technology vision at the VivaTech 2026 Fair held in Paris. This year, Turkey participated in the fair with a 135-square-meter Turkey Pavilion and 26 technology startups.
Kacır, along with Presidential Investment and Finance Office President Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, visited the Turkey Pavilion at the fair and met with Turkish entrepreneurs. VivaTech, one of Europe's largest technology and entrepreneurship events, once again brought together numerous countries and companies in Paris this year.
Turkey's Entrepreneurship Ambition
Kacır described entrepreneurship as one of the main drivers of Turkey's new generation success stories. He noted that the Ministry of Industry and Technology has expanded the capital support available to entrepreneurs and emphasized that entrepreneurship opportunities are open to talents from all segments of society.
The minister shared their goal of producing 100,000 startups from Turkey and reaching a total valuation of 100 billion dollars for "Turcorns." He also stated their efforts to make Turkey one of the world's top 10 startup ecosystems and to place Istanbul among the top 20 global centers for technology investments and entrepreneurship.
Within the scope of the Turcorn 100 Program launched to achieve these goals, 39 Turcorn candidates have been supported, with 14 of them present at the fair, Kacır noted. He also mentioned that the Turkey Tech Visa Program offers comprehensive support enabling technology experts to grow in Turkey.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Investments
Kacır expressed Turkey's determination to steer the artificial intelligence revolution for the benefit of humanity. He explained that the Artificial Intelligence Action Plan announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aims to transform this vision into concrete programs. The plan targets producing practical tools for Turkey's economy and society with measurable objectives.
Kacır stated their goal to increase Turkey's data center capacity to 1 gigawatt by 2030. He also revealed plans to mobilize at least 10 billion dollars in investments led by the private sector in artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and digital infrastructure.
In his speech, Kacır cited the defense industry as an example, emphasizing Turkey's long-term vision to strengthen its industrial base. He described establishing national capabilities in critical defense technologies as a strategic necessity for Turkey.
Highlighting the transformative impact of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on aviation, defense, and security sectors, Kacır explained that Turkey has focused on this area to develop its own capabilities. He added that UAV models proven in combat are widely recognized as game-changers on the modern battlefield.
Dağlıoğlu: Turkey as a Regional Technology Hub
Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu stated that economic relations between Turkey and France have progressed strongly over the past 20 years. He noted that the trade volume between the two countries is approximately 24 billion dollars and that around 1,800 French companies operate in Turkey.
Dağlıoğlu emphasized Turkey's strong position in the startup ecosystem and said the country has established itself as a regional center for entrepreneurship and technology. He highlighted their focus on artificial intelligence, online gaming, FinTech, and deep technology sectors.
He pointed out the growing ecosystem in deep technology in Turkey and noted the strength of Turkish banking, finance, and trade institutions in digitalization. Dağlıoğlu added that Turkey offers a favorable environment for investors, generous incentives, and a talented workforce.
