TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland, which carries Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative to the seas, will once again bring together technology and defence industry enthusiasts in 2026. The maritime-focused special event of TEKNOFEST, the world’s largest aviation, space and technology festival, will be held at Gölcük Shipyard Command between August 20 and 23 under the theme of the Blue Homeland.

The event aims to showcase Türkiye’s domestic and national technological capabilities in the maritime domain while inspiring young generations to take part in future naval technology projects. After being held for the first time in Istanbul last year, TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland attracted strong interest with domestic naval platforms, underwater technologies, competitions and broad public participation.

This year’s organization will be carried out under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Ministry of National Defence and the Türkiye Technology Team Foundation. Hosted by Gölcük Shipyard Command, the event will bring together maritime culture, defence technologies and advanced engineering in a unique setting. The location also carries symbolic importance due to Gölcük’s historic role in Türkiye’s naval industry and shipbuilding capabilities.

TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland 2026 will include major competitions for young engineers, entrepreneurs and technology teams. The Unmanned Underwater Systems Competition, Underwater Rocket Competition and Unmanned Surface Vehicle Competition will be among the main highlights of the event. These competitions will allow young participants to present projects covering different areas, from underwater missions to surface operations.

Throughout the event, TEKNOFEST stakeholder institutions will also take part in exhibition areas. Visitors will have the opportunity to examine the activities of institutions working in maritime, defence, technology and engineering fields. In this respect, TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland will serve not only as a festival but also as a broad technology meeting point where young people can interact directly with sector representatives and explore future project and career opportunities.

The special program will also include exhibitions where visitors can tour important naval vessels. Participants will be able to see Turkish Naval Forces platforms up close, while virtual reality game areas will add an interactive dimension to the event. Experience zones reflecting maritime history, conferences, exhibitions, photo areas and competitions designed to promote maritime culture will also be part of the program.

One of the most notable parts of the event will be the demonstrations by SAT and SAS Command personnel. These demonstrations will introduce visitors to naval security, special operations capabilities and the importance of underwater missions. Such activities are expected to increase public awareness of the Turkish Naval Forces’ operational roles and the strategic importance of maritime security.

TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland 2026 aims to transfer Türkiye’s maritime technology vision to younger generations and strengthen awareness of domestic and national production. As unmanned naval vehicles, underwater systems and maritime technologies become increasingly important in modern defence, the event will create a strong bridge between the defence industry and young technology communities.

By bringing together competitions, exhibitions, naval platforms and interactive experiences, TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland will showcase not only today’s maritime capabilities but also the engineers, ideas and projects that will shape the future of the Blue Homeland.