The “Marmara University National Technology Workshop,” under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and with the support of TÜBİTAK, was opened with a ceremony held at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Complex Faculty of Technology on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The opening ceremony of the workshop, which aims to support university students' production, innovation, and technology development processes, was held with the broad participation of the R.T. Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül, President of TÜBİTAK Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, Rector of Marmara University Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, and representatives from the public sector, local government, university, and business world.

Emphasis on the National Technology Initiative from  Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that the National Technology Initiative lies at the center of Türkiye’s development vision. He noted that significant progress has been achieved in recent years in the fields of R&D, innovation, and high technology, emphasizing that university–industry cooperation has been strengthened throughout this process.

Highlighting that technology is reshaping global power balances, Minister Kacır remarked that despite missed opportunities in the past, Türkiye has now become a country capable of producing its own solutions in many areas, ranging from the defense industry to space technologies. He underlined the critical role of youth in this transformation, stating that the TEKNOFEST generation is being raised as a confident and productive cohort.

Minister Kacır also noted that National Technology Workshops, established with TÜBİTAK support, enable students to transform theoretical knowledge into practice. He emphasized that the workshop at Marmara University is a concrete example of this vision and will contribute to the national and international achievements of young people.

At the end of his speech, Minister Kacır thanked the academics, institutions, and stakeholders contributing to the project and expressed his wishes for the workshop to be beneficial for the university and its students.

Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül: “Istanbul is a University City”

In his speech at the program, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that the National Technology Initiative has spread across all segments of society and represents a critical vision for Türkiye’s future.

Drawing attention to Istanbul’s strong university infrastructure, Gül noted that the city hosts approximately 60 universities and more than one million students. He emphasized that numerous projects have been realized with TÜBİTAK support and described the newly opened National Technology Workshop as a concrete example of these efforts. He also thanked the ministry officials, TÜBİTAK administrators, and academics who contributed to the project.

Great Support for Youth from TÜBİTAK

TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın stated that the National Technology Workshop opened at Marmara University represents an important step for Türkiye’s technological vision. In his speech, he emphasized that National Technology Workshops are among the fundamental components of the National Technology Initiative and noted that young people are introduced to science from an early age through competitions, scholarships, and research support.

President Aydın also pointed out that significant work is being carried out in close cooperation with universities, particularly encouraging undergraduate students to participate more actively in research processes. He added that Marmara University academics have made important contributions in this regard and that the workshop will host new projects.

Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur: “National Industry Has Been Our Century-Long Cause”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur emphasized that the National Industry and National Technology move is one of Turkey’s long-standing goals and expressed that the implemented projects are concrete reflections of these goals. Pointing out that the National Technology Workshop is an important part of this vision, Rector Okur said, “Turkey experienced many impossibilities in the past. For this reason, we can say that it makes the point reached today from impossibilities more meaningful. Previous stages of the industrial revolution were lagged, but a significant opportunity has been seized in the new period. My belief is full that we will be strongly involved in the Industry 5.0 process.”

Rector Okur noted that the workshop will be open 24 hours a day and will serve as an active space for students and researchers. He also emphasized the decisive role of knowledge and technology in global power balances, pointing out that technology can be used either for destruction or for development, depending on its purpose. He concluded by underlining that global competition is becoming increasingly intense and is shaped by different centers of power.

The program continued with a commemorative photo session with students and the presentation of a gift to the Minister. It concluded with a visit to the National Technology Workshop, where participants were informed about the ongoing activities.