Istanbul: Trkiye's drive for technological independence hinges on developing its own wireless communications systems, the head of Turkish telecommunications company Ulak said at the country's flagship technology festival. Speaking to Anadolu at TEKNOFEST in Istanbul, Ulak CEO Rusen Komurcu said the firm is hosting a competition where 200 teams from 66 universities transmit data using 'software-based radios they developed' while facing jamming challenges.

According to Anadolu Agency, the contest allows young innovators to test experimental projects in next-generation networks. Komurcu said that the competitors are working on 5G and 6G technologies, which are telecommunications firm's areas of expertise. He emphasized that supporting youth aligns with Ulak's mission. 'We aim to carry out Ulak's fundamental founding mission, which is to own Trkiye's national communications and develop domestic tech products with young people in Trkiye,' he said. 'We strive to contribute to our country's goals via our projects.'

Komurcu said Ulak's engineers mentor participants to help bring their ideas to life, describing the effort as 'very much in line with the spirit of TEKNOFEST.'

The five-day TEKNOFEST opened on Wednesday under the organization of the Turkish Technology Team (T3) Foundation and Trkiye's Industry and Technology Ministry, with Anadolu as the global communications partner. Komurcu said the event provides young people with the chance to see and experience technological innovations developed in Trkiye, adding that wireless communications will be 'decisive' for the country's future technological independence.

'Trkiye needs to develop its own domestic wireless communications technologies - this is Ulak's fundamental mission,' he stressed. "Together with (defense firms) Aselsan, Havelsan, and with the Turkish defense industry technology fund, we work towards ensuring homegrown technologies dominate the wireless communications sector in Trkiye," he noted.

Komurcu said TEKNOFEST also plays a motivational role. It is a key event to promote homegrown technologies and to inspire young people in Trkiye to feel encouraged and take part in building the future.