Turkey & Eurasia Business — 2026-09-11
Türkiye has unveiled a comprehensive AI Action Plan aimed at establishing the nation as a global artificial intelligence hub, coinciding with the debut of GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 in Istanbul. The event, which opened on September 9, attracted over 100 investors managing more than $100 billion in assets and featured 120 high-potential startups. Meanwhile, new data indicates that Turkish startups raised $181 million in the first seven months of 2026, with the gaming sector capturing the majority of capital.
Turkey & Eurasia Business — 2026-09-11
Key Highlights
GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026 Debut Draws Global Capital The premier technology event, GITEX Ai Türkiye 2026, opened its doors in Istanbul on Wednesday, September 9, marking a significant milestone for the regional tech ecosystem. The expo brought together over 350 exhibitors, 100 speakers, and 150 investors to spotlight Türkiye’s path toward becoming a global AI epicenter. More than 100 investors from 20 countries, collectively managing over $100 billion in assets, gathered to scout high-potential artificial intelligence startups. The event featured 120 startups identified as having potential unicorn status.
Startup Funding Trends: Gaming Leads the Pack Recent data reveals that 97 Turkish startups raised a total of $181 million in the first seven months of 2026. The gaming sector dominated this period, accounting for 64% of all funding, while 37 AI-focused startups also secured backing. This trend underscores a market where founders are increasingly required to demonstrate proof of concept rather than relying solely on hype.
Analysis
The most significant business development this week is the convergence of state policy and private sector momentum around artificial intelligence. Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir announced that the country aims to become a leading AI nation through a new action plan and targeted investments. This strategic push is being accelerated by events like GITEX Ai Türkiye, which serves as a bridge between local innovators and international capital. The fast-tracking of the 2026-2030 AI Action Plan signals a clear intent to integrate AI deeply into the national industrial strategy, moving beyond mere adoption to active development and export of AI technologies.
What to Watch
Investors and policymakers are closely monitoring Türkiye’s commitment to investor-friendly reforms as it seeks to solidify its role as a global financial and tech hub. Officials have reiterated that these reforms are essential for attracting long-term foreign direct investment. Additionally, stakeholders will be watching how the newly announced AI Action Plan translates into specific regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships in the coming months, particularly as the country balances high-tech growth with broader macroeconomic stability goals.
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