Türkiye’s flagship technology festival TEKNOFEST is turning its attention to the seas, bringing maritime, naval and underwater technologies into the spotlight with TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland 2026.
Taking place from August 20–23 at the Gölcük Naval Shipyard Command in Kocaeli, TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland brings together technology enthusiasts, young engineers, researchers and Türkiye’s defence and technology ecosystem around the country’s growing capabilities in maritime innovation.
The event is being held under the coordination of Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, Ministry of National Defence and the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation), with the Gölcük Naval Shipyard Command serving as host.
Maritime and Underwater Technologies Take Centre Stage
The Blue Homeland edition expands TEKNOFEST’s technology-focused platform into the maritime domain, with a programme spanning domestically developed naval platforms, autonomous systems and underwater technologies.
A major part of the programme is dedicated to competitions designed to encourage the next generation of engineers to develop technologies for maritime applications.
Among the headline competitions are the Unmanned Underwater Systems Competition, Underwater Rocket Competition and Unmanned Marine Vehicle Competition, giving young engineers and technology teams an opportunity to demonstrate projects addressing challenges below and above the waterline.
Beyond the competitions, visitors can explore naval vessels, experience virtual reality activities and attend exhibitions and conferences focused on maritime technology and culture. The programme also includes demonstrations by personnel from Türkiye’s SAT and SAS naval special operations units.
From Defence Technology to the Next Generation
TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland reflects a broader effort to connect Türkiye’s expanding defence and maritime technology capabilities with younger generations.
The event follows the first Blue Homeland edition held in Istanbul last year, which introduced a maritime-focused extension of TEKNOFEST featuring locally developed vessels, underwater technologies and technology competitions.
The 2026 programme also extends beyond engineering. Activities include the Blue Homeland Painting Competition for primary and secondary school students, while a dedicated swimming competition on August 22 will take participants along a 1.5-kilometre route from Değirmendere Pier to the Naval Boathouse.
Following the Gölcük event, the wider TEKNOFEST 2026 programme will continue in Şanlıurfa, where the main festival is scheduled to take place at GAP Airport from September 30 to October 4.
With autonomous marine systems, underwater engineering and advanced defence technologies becoming increasingly strategic areas globally, TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland positions the maritime domain as another major frontier for Türkiye’s technology ambitions.
Source: TEKNOFEST, Anadolu Agency
