Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) participated in TEKNOFEST 2026, one of Türkiye’s largest aviation, space, and technology festivals, as an academic stakeholder, highlighting its international academic collaborations, enhancing its institutional visibility, and showcasing its technology-driven vision.
Held under the leadership of the Türkiye Technology Team Foundation (T3) and the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology, TEKNOFEST 2026 Southeast took place between 30 September and 4 October 2026 at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport. Organized with the contributions of public institutions, private sector organizations, and universities, the festival welcomed 1.3 million visitors over five days, with the total number of visitors reaching 1.5 million. Aiming to promote scientific innovation and foster young people’s interest in technology in line with Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative, the festival featured a wide range of activities, including technology competitions, scientific exhibitions, workshops, aerial displays, and various other events.
EMU Met with Visitors
EMU showcased its academic expertise, institutional identity, and educational opportunities at the festival. The EMU stand was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Sahand Daneshvar, Faculty Member of the Department of Industrial Engineering at the EMU Faculty of Engineering and Technology Competitions and Projects Coordinator. Faruk Öncel and Mehmet Demirkan, staff members of the EMU Şanlıurfa Liaison Office, represented the University during the event.
Throughout the festival, the EMU stand attracted considerable interest from students, EMU alumni residing in Şanlıurfa and neighboring provinces, schoolteachers, university academics, and representatives of public institutions and private sector organizations. EMU graduate Ozan Eliküçük, who currently serves as a Bayraktar UAV pilot at Baykar, also visited the stand, highlighting the University’s strong ties with its alumni and their professional achievements across various sectors.
EMU Stand Attracted Attention from High-Profile Visitors
Among the distinguished visitors to the EMU stand were President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, senior commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces, and rectors and academics from various universities. The visual materials displayed at the stand attracted considerable interest from university academics and schoolteachers. These visits provided a valuable opportunity to promote EMU’s standing in higher education and strengthen its relationships with the academic community.
The festival was also attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who presented awards to the winning teams on 3 October 2026, as well as Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the T3 Foundation. Supported by a total of 157 stakeholder institutions, TEKNOFEST 2026 Southeast served as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among universities, industry, and public institutions, while promoting Türkiye’s national technology vision to a wider audience.
EMU Will Continue to Contribute to the Innovative Endeavors of the Future
Commenting on EMU’s participation in TEKNOFEST 2026 Southeast, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç emphasized the importance of the University closely following emerging developments in science, technology, and innovation and actively participating in prominent events of this nature. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated, “As EMU, we are delighted to take part in significant events such as TEKNOFEST, which encourage young people to engage in scientific and technological innovation while strengthening collaboration between universities, public institutions, and the private sector. I believe that our participation has contributed to enhancing our University’s engagement with the academic community, strengthening our ties with alumni, and increasing our visibility at the national level. As EMU, we will continue to share our academic knowledge and expertise with wider audiences, foster young people’s interest in science and technology, and contribute to the development of innovative endeavors of the future.”
