Minister Kacır: The TEKNOFEST generation will leave its mark on Türkiye’s future

Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır said at the opening of TEKNOFEST Southeast in Şanlıurfa that the footsteps of young people who will shape the future are growing louder in this land.

The Turkiye Times Editorial DeskSeptember 30, 2026, 07:19 PMUpdated: September 30, 2026, 08:52 PM

Minister Kacır: The TEKNOFEST generation will leave its mark on Türkiye’s future

TEKNOFEST Southeast festival grounds (30 September 2026)

"In this geography where steps that once broadened humanity's horizons were taken, the footsteps of our young people who will shape the world of the future are growing louder," Kacır said. "There is a strong will in these lands; there is a TEKNOFEST generation that will leave its mark on Türkiye's tomorrows," he added, stressing that young people would overcome the obstacles placed in Türkiye's path with faith and determination.

Kacır said Türkiye would march toward more advanced goals in science, technology and high value-added production. Noting that the National Technology Move aims to strengthen technological independence, he cited BAYRAKTAR, AKINCI, KIZILELMA, HÜRJET, ANKA, GÖKBEY, KAAN, ANADOLU, HİSAR, SİPER, Togg, İMECE and TÜRKSAT 6A as examples of this journey.

Recalling that Türkiye carried its flag into space with its crewed space science mission, Kacır said one of the next goals was to send a spacecraft developed by Turkish engineers to the Moon. He said Türkiye would carry out some of the world's most advanced work in artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, semiconductors, advanced materials, and space and aviation technologies.

Recalling that TEKNOFEST had been held over the past nine years in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Samsun, Gaziantep, Baku, Lefkoşa and the Blue Homeland, Kacır said they would continue to support young people through Deneyap Technology Workshops, science centers, science festivals, the Sector on Campus Program, the National Technology Academy and the National Technology Workshops.

Bayraktar TB3 on display at TEKNOFEST (file, 2025)

Kacır said the deaths of children and civilians in Gaza had deeply wounded people of conscience and underlined the importance of justice and law. "We will never surrender this geography to the games of others," he said.

Stating that the Century of Türkiye is being built with the determination and courage of young people, Kacır also said there would be no compromise on Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood. TEKNOFEST Southeast will host visitors at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport until October 4.

Minister Kacır: The TEKNOFEST generation will leave its mark on Türkiye’s future