Türkiye is preparing to expand its domestic chip design, research and development, and manufacturing capacity in response to global supply problems in chip procurement. Chips used in a wide range of areas, from electronic control units in automobiles and motor drivers in household appliances to power supplies, sensors and critical defense systems, are considered strategic for economic security and continuity of production.
The 2027–2029 Medium-Term Program aims to increase domestic research and development, manufacturing and innovation capacity in strategic sectors, including semiconductors. The establishment of chip manufacturing facilities is also among the planned steps under the Economic Security and Resilience heading.
Identity card and passport chips to be produced domestically
The planned facilities are intended to produce domestically not only the chips used in identity cards and passports but also products for industrial applications. The sector is expected to develop not only its manufacturing capacity but also its design, research and development, and commercialization capabilities.
Action plans supporting domestic production are being prepared to strengthen supply security in manufacturing, energy, agriculture, health care and transportation. These plans are expected to be completed by the end of the year and sent to the Presidency of Strategy and Budget for submission to the Economic Coordination Committee for evaluation and a decision.
110-nanometer production capacity target
The action plans aim to transfer Türkiye’s expertise in chip design and research and development to the manufacturing stage. Work conducted through TÜBİTAK BİLGEM and the Semiconductor Technologies Research Laboratory is expected to raise the existing 250-nanometer manufacturing capacity to 110 nanometers during the Medium-Term Program period.
The plans also include establishing a multi-partner National Chip Consortium with public support. The consortium is intended to gradually expand the chip ecosystem, develop technical capabilities and reduce the Turkish industry’s dependence on foreign sources for critical chip requirements.
$5 billion allocated for the HIT-Chip call
Relevant institutions, particularly TÜBİTAK, are expected to support the process through incentives. Opportunities under the HIT-30 High Technology Investment Program, launched by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, are also expected to be used for chip investments.
A $5 billion support budget has been allocated for the HIT-Chip call. The funding aims to create an annual production capacity of at least 1 million wafers using 65-nanometer or more advanced technology.
Domestic processor projects to reduce foreign dependence
Projects such as ÇAKIL and ALP-EREN aim to create secure processor cores based on open-source architectures and reduce foreign dependence. Work will also be carried out to expand the use of domestic chips in the automotive and household appliance industries.
The chip agenda is being addressed not only as a new area of investment but also as a lasting component of industrial and technological transformation. In this context, plans call for building broad capacity ranging from a skilled workforce and testing and standards infrastructure to university research and industry cooperation networks.
