Türkiye-Greece Hackathon semi-finals begin at IT Valley

The semi-final stage of the “Türkiye-Greece Hackathon” has commenced at IT Valley, aiming to strengthen international cooperation, enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and deepen cultural and technological ties between the two countries.

Organized for the first time by IT Valley and THE Athens Startup Business Incubator, under the leadership of the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Greek Ministry of Industry and Trade, the competition brings together teams competing with their smart city projects at the IT Valley Kocaeli Campus.

The top six teams will advance to the finals in Athens on February 26-27, where they will compete for the grand prize.

The first-place team will receive €20,000, while the second and third-place teams will be awarded €10,000 and €5,000, respectively. Additionally, the top three teams will have the opportunity to benefit from a six-month incubation program at IT Valley or the Athens Startup Business Incubator.

The semi-finals will conclude tomorrow.

"We Are in a Crucial Era for Groundbreaking Ideas"
Speaking at the event, Turkish Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Zekeriya Coştu emphasized that the hackathon presents a great opportunity for bright minds.

"We are in a crucial era for the development of groundbreaking ideas, and what makes this hackathon even more significant is its role in strengthening cooperation between Türkiye and Greece," he said.

Coştu highlighted that international collaborations, such as this competition, demonstrate that even major global challenges can be tackled collectively. Addressing smart city challenges will contribute to the creation of more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive communities in the modern world, he noted.

He also stressed Türkiye’s growing technology ecosystem, mentioning the country’s 1,600 corporate R&D centers and numerous companies supporting global operations with technology solutions.

Türkiye’s young generation is highly engaged with technology. One example is TEKNOFEST, one of the world’s largest aerospace and technology festivals. Every year, young innovators submit their ideas and projects. This year, 1.6 million people participated, and the number is growing. I firmly believe Türkiye’s technological potential is on a strong trajectory," Coştu said.

He also pointed out that recent agreements between Turkish and Greek ministries will lead to new collaborations, involving institutions such as KOSGEB, TÜBİTAK, and TSE, working together with their Greek counterparts to address sustainable development challenges.

"With the Power of Technology, We Can Overcome Borders"
IT Valley General Manager Erkam Tüzgen echoed Coştu’s sentiments, stating that technology enables overcoming borders, and young entrepreneurs from both countries are working together to design the cities of the future.

"The projects developed here will take urban innovation to the next level. The goal of the hackathon is to foster innovative solutions to modern challenges," Tüzgen said.

Greek officials also praised the initiative. Dimosthenis Anagnostopoulos, Secretary-General for Information Systems at the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance, acknowledged Türkiye’s technological achievements.

"Türkiye is a country that stands out with its technological talent and industrial progress. Events like this hackathon prove that innovation thrives when we collaborate. Hosting this competition through Athens-Türkiye cooperation showcases the benefits of international partnerships," he stated.

Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary-General for International Economic Affairs at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the hackathon is not just a competition but also a reflection of the spirit of cooperation.

"Today, we are witnessing a collaborative effort between Türkiye and Greece in entrepreneurship, creativity, and problem-solving. Working together will lead us to success. You, with your talents and ambitions, will drive us forward and contribute to global industrial advancements," Skalkos said.

Following the speeches, Coştu, Anagnostopoulos, and Skalkos took part in a group photo session before visiting the competing teams to learn more about their projects.