Istanbul: For the first time, Syria is taking part in Trkiye's Teknofest aerospace and technology festival, with officials and entrepreneurs framing the move as a chance to reintroduce Syrian innovation to regional and global markets. The 13th edition of Teknofest opened on Wednesday at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, organized by the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3) under the patronage of the Industry and Technology Ministry. Anadolu is serving as the festival's global communications partner.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wassim Al-Omar, secretary to the deputy economy and industry minister, emphasized that Damascus views Teknofest as more than an exhibition. He stated, "It is a gateway for Syrian industries to showcase their potential and build cooperation with Turkish and international companies." Al-Omar added that Syria's participation marks a milestone, highlighting its role in the regional conversation on technology and innovation.
Among the exhibitors is AvioTech, a Syrian-founded company based in Trkiye's Gaziantep province. Its founder, Hussein Ali, introduced the firm's first fully Syrian-made drone, designed for agricultural use. Ali noted that the displayed model can carry 35 liters of pesticides or seeds and was built entirely by Syrian engineers. The company is already exploring new civilian applications, from firefighting to parcel delivery. Ali pointed out that Teknofest presents crucial opportunities to connect with suppliers of batteries and motors and expressed hopes of establishing a production line in Syria.
Another participant, Afko, specializes in pivot irrigation systems. Company representative Homam Afoura stated that their machines can cover plots larger than 30 hectares and are exported to over 60 countries. Afoura explained that their goal is to transfer this expertise back to Syria to enhance food security and boost agricultural output.
Running through September 21, Teknofest features competitions in 58 main and 137 sub-categories, spanning aerospace, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. The event also includes educational workshops and entertainment activities. Last year's edition drew nearly 11 million visitors. Held annually since 2018, Teknofest has become a platform for young innovators to showcase their projects, from rockets to robots, with support from public institutions and private partners.