Major tech event GITEX Ai opens doors in Istanbul

Premier technology event GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 expo opened its doors on Wednesday in Istanbul, Türkiye, to discover high-potential artificial intelligence (AI) startups.

The gathering is bringing together global tech firms, startups, investors, government representatives and industry professionals in the megacity.

The two-day event, organized at Istanbul Exhibition Center, is hosted by the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of Türkiye with the strategic partnership of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, while Anadolu is its global communications partner.

Google Cloud, HPE, Nvidia, ASUS, Dell Technologies, SAP, TrendAI, Trendyol and Andevos are among the participants.

The summit is connecting global tech giants with emerging local startups, as more than 350 firms are showcasing their offerings to international investors, policymakers and industry executives.

Nexus of global technology and investment

Bilal Alrais, GITEX vice president, highlighted during the opening ceremony that the event brought together investors from 70 countries to support the international expansion of local companies.

Alrais said the gathering hosted over 120 startups and more than 20 potential unicorns from Türkiye.

He noted that organizers structured over 500 pre-arranged meetings to facilitate business connections within the Turkish ecosystem.

Gokhan Yucel, head of the communication office of Türkiye's Investment and Finance Office, described the country as the nexus of the world.

Yucel noted that Türkiye provides access to 1.3 billion people and markets with a combined gross domestic product of $30.5 trillion within a four-hour flight radius.

Focus on human-centric AI

Yucel stated that more than 400 enterprises, over 100 investors managing billions of dollars and over 100 thought leaders attended the two-day event.

He emphasized that AI is already transforming manufacturing, finance, commerce and public services.

Yucel added that Türkiye currently hosts 1,147 active AI companies.

He stated that the next chapter of AI must prioritize human-centric solutions and trusted technologies.

Yucel called for international cooperation and patient capital to build an inclusive and economically meaningful digital future.