TEKNOFEST Social Innovation Competition

TEKNOFEST Social Innovation Competition is a contest organized under TEKNOFEST and managed by TÜBİTAK. The competition is designed to encourage participants to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to social issues. It aims to enable individuals to act with a sense of social responsibility and produce projects that benefit all segments of society.

Objective of the Competition

The primary objective of the TEKNOFEST Social Innovation Competition is to encourage individuals to turn their original and innovative ideas into practical solutions for social problems. The competition seeks to empower individuals to apply their knowledge and skills for the benefit of society and to foster the development of projects grounded in social responsibility. Another key goal is to enhance social welfare, reduce social inequalities, improve individuals’ living conditions, and raise the overall well-being of society. The projects developed by participants are viewed as tools for social transformation and the improvement of quality of life.

Competition Themes and Scope

The TEKNOFEST Social Innovation Competition is conducted under three main themes:

1. Lifelong Learning: This theme embraces the idea that learning should continue throughout life. Participants can develop projects that facilitate access to learning, improve educational processes, and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to education.

2. Society: This theme addresses societal needs and challenges. Participants can design projects that improve the living conditions of disadvantaged groups, reduce social inequalities, and bring different segments of society closer together.

3. Security: In the field of security, projects are expected that enhance public peace and safety. These may include assistive technologies for disaster victims, digital security measures, or innovative solutions that strengthen community safety.

Eligibility Criteria

The TEKNOFEST Social Innovation Competition is open to all primary, middle, secondary, university students, and graduates from Türkiye, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Turkish students studying abroad. Participants may apply in teams of up to six members. Individual participation is also permitted. Teams at the primary, middle, and secondary school levels must have a project advisor. Advisors are not mandatory for university-level or higher teams.

Evaluation Process

The competition consists of three main stages:

1. Preliminary Project Evaluation Report: Participants submit a report outlining the initial phase of their project. This report includes the core idea, feasibility, and objectives of the project.

2. Project Presentation (Semifinal): Participants present detailed proposals to a designated jury. This stage allows participants to comprehensively introduce their projects and defend their ideas.

3. Prototype and Final Presentation: Participants advance to the final stage by developing a prototype of their project. Projects are evaluated in this stage based on the feasibility and functionality of their prototypes, and winners are selected.

Awards and Investor Meeting

Successful projects are awarded and given the opportunity to connect with investors. Additionally, support is provided to help bring these projects to life and reach a broader audience. This process enables participants to transform their ideas from abstract concepts into viable, actionable solutions.

In 2025, the TEKNOFEST Social Innovation Competition will be held exclusively under TEKNOFEST KKTC and will not take place under TEKNOFEST Istanbul. Participants must submit their applications accordingly.

Significance of the Competition

The TEKNOFEST Social Innovation Competition is a platform that supports projects generating solutions to social issues and enhancing public welfare. It encourages young entrepreneurs, students, and graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. By bringing together innovative thinking and social awareness, the competition aims to foster the construction of a more sustainable and equitable society.