TEKNOFEST Tourism Technologies Competition

TEKNOFEST is one of the largest events organizing technology-focused competitions in Türkiye. The Tourism Technologies Competition, held within this event, is a project aimed at enhancing Türkiye’s cultural heritage and tourism potential through digital technologies. Organized within the framework of the National Technology Initiative, this competition seeks to accelerate digital transformation in the tourism sector by leveraging technology. Participants are invited to present innovative solutions in tourism and culture through software-based projects in various fields, particularly mobile applications, web applications, prototypes, educational games, and simulations.

The primary goal of the Tourism Technologies Competition is to encourage the development of projects that enhance Türkiye’s cultural heritage, tourism potential, and cultural and tourism activities through intelligent and innovative information technologies. The competition aims to integrate technology specifically for the promotion, learning, and awareness of cultural assets. In line with this objective, projects are expected to support the promotion, accessibility, and digitization of cultural values.

^{TEKNOFEST Tourism Technologies Competition (Photo: T3 Foundation)}

Participation in the competition is open to high school and university students from Türkiye as well as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkish students studying abroad. Participants may be currently enrolled high school students, university students (including undergraduate, associate degree, master’s, doctoral, and distance learning programs), or graduates.

The competition accommodates various software-based projects, including the following:

• Mobil Applications: Applications developed for smartphones and tablets can be designed to address various needs in tourism and culture.

• Web Applications: Web-based projects can be used to promote cultural heritage, provide tourism information, or digitize the tourism experience.

• Prototypes: Physical devices or tools can be developed to offer innovative solutions for the tourism sector.

• Educational Games and Simulations: Digital games or simulations can be designed to teach cultural and tourism values in an educational format.

The competition follows a three-stage evaluation process:

1. Preliminary Evaluation Report: The initial assessment of projects is conducted based on the preliminary reports and project ideas submitted by participants. This stage evaluates the fundamental suitability of the projects.

2. Project Presentation and Video (Semifinal): In the semifinal stage, participants present their projects in greater detail. They may also be required to submit short promotional videos showcasing their projects.

3. Prototype and Final Presentation: In the final stage, participants’ project prototypes and final presentations are evaluated. This stage is crucial for assessing the feasibility and impact of the projects.

^{TEKNOFEST Tourism Technologies Competition (Photo: T3 Foundation)}

The TEKNOFEST Tourism Technologies Competition offers participants several opportunities. Students and professionals who participate aim to contribute to the local and international tourism and culture sectors by developing creative projects. The competition seeks to advance Türkiye’s cultural heritage and tourism potential in alignment with the vision of the National Technology Initiative.

The TEKNOFEST Tourism Technologies Competition supports projects that enable more efficient use of Türkiye’s cultural richness and tourism potential through technology. This competition helps young generations develop their ability to solve problems in culture and tourism using digital technologies, while aiming to enhance Türkiye’s cultural and touristic appeal on a global scale.