Istanbul hosts landmark AI exhibition, drawing crowds and would-be investors

GITEX AI Türkiye opened in Istanbul on Wednesday, bringing the international technology exhibition network to the country for the first time.

According to organisers, 350 companies – including 120 start-ups – are being represented at the two-day event at the Istanbul Expo Centre, with participants arriving from more than 70 countries.

Artificial intelligence is the exhibition’s main focus, alongside cybersecurity, financial technology, cloud computing, data centres, telecommunications, e-commerce and gaming.

Bilal Al-Rais, Gitex AI Vice President for Portfolio Growth Tech and Digital, described Türkiye as an “important centre” for industrial AI, citing the country’s extensive manufacturing base, growing start-up ecosystem and network of technology parks.

Speaking to AnewZ, Al-Rais said Türkiye’s large and diverse consumer market made it an effective testing ground for products that could later be introduced elsewhere.

“If something works here, it will work in multiple big cities and countries,” he said.

He added that solutions developed in Türkiye – particularly those serving manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce – had considerable potential in international markets.

Establishing a tech hub

Türkiye has sought to position Istanbul as a regional technology and investment hub linking Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.

Government officials have also stressed the importance of attracting more foreign capital with a view to helping Turkish technology firms expand internationally.

The exhibition includes meetings between investors and local start-ups, along with discussions covering AI regulation, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and the various obstacles companies face when entering overseas markets.

Growing demand for tech innovation

Several globally recognised tech firms were represented at the event, where they showcased aspects of the computing infrastructure needed to train and operate increasingly powerful AI systems.

Cihan Cinte, a product manager for ASUS Türkiye, said turnout on the event’s opening day – which drew large crowds – had exceeded the company’s expectations.

“There’s a huge demand,” Cinte told AnewZ. “We were surprised that so many people are here and showed interest in our solutions and products.”

GITEX began in Dubai more than four decades ago as a regional technology exhibition.

Since then, it has developed into an international network of events bringing together governments, investors, established companies, and emerging tech businesses.

The Istanbul exhibition continues through Thursday, with organisers hoping it will lead to new investment commitments, technology partnerships and overseas opportunities for Turkish start-ups.

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