Teknopark Istanbul, as a center where advanced technologies for the defense industry are developed, startups grow, and strategic collaborations emerge, brought the full power of the national technology ecosystem to the field at IDEF 2025. With its multi-layered structure extending from R&D to exports, it connected not only its companies but also Türkiye's engineering expertise with the world.
IDEF 2025 International Defence Industry Fair, held at Istanbul Atatürk Airport between July 22–27, 2025, hosted 1,491 companies from 103 countries and over 120,000 visitors. On this strategic platform, where a total of $9 billion worth of agreements were signed, Teknopark Istanbul, one of the leading structures of Türkiye’s technology development capacity, presented a multidimensional presence.
With its broad ecosystem covering everything from R&D to production, from entrepreneurship to exports, Teknopark Istanbul created a strong showcase of current and future defense technologies together with its resident companies. Throughout the fair, it engaged directly with over 2,000 industry professionals and held numerous meetings focused on collaboration and technology.
From Startups to Strategic Systems
At IDEF 2025, companies based in Teknopark Istanbul such as Quark Optical, Edge Microwave, Uludoğan, Hyperever, Electra IC, Zeta Defence, and Alloy Additive showcased their products and capabilities across a wide spectrum—from sensor technologies to electromagnetic systems, from nano UAV solutions to robotic platforms, and from communication intelligence to advanced manufacturing technologies.
A variety of innovative solutions were presented to both national and international visitors, including post-earthquake search and rescue devices, AI-supported systems analyzing radio signals, robotic dogs with thermal cameras, and mini helicopters capable of operating without GPS.
During the fair, Teknopark Istanbul companies:
Engaged directly with over 2,000 industry professionals.
Planned post-fair meetings with more than 250 companies.
Completed 75 export transactions.
Conducted numerous collaboration meetings and signed NDAs.
Laid the foundation for long-term strategic relationships in addition to direct sales.
This clearly demonstrated once again that Teknopark Istanbul is not only a center for R&D and entrepreneurship but also one of the key platforms driving technology-based development in the defense industry.
Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Akyol: “IDEF Showed the World the Power of Turkish Engineering”
Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Akyol, General Manager of Teknopark Istanbul, shared the following remarks about the fair:
“IDEF is an organization where not only products are showcased, but also the infrastructures, talents, and human resources that make these products possible take the stage.
This year, once again, we introduced our comprehensive support system to all entrepreneurs who want to produce, develop, find funding, and commercialize.
In line with the dynamic nature of the defense industry, we operate with a model that ranges from micro-scale startups to strategic partnerships.
The unique solutions presented by our newly joined startups are a clear indication of how hopeful we are for the future.
We will continue to expand Türkiye's technology vision and crown it with exports.”
Laying the Foundations of a Strong Future
For Teknopark Istanbul, IDEF 2025 was not just a fair; it was a strategic milestone where the national technology ecosystem gained international visibility, collaborations matured, and innovative solutions met real-world needs.
The success stories that will be written after the fair will once again show that Teknopark Istanbul is not only shaping today but also designing the future.
