TEKNOFEST Unmanned Underwater Systems Competition

TEKNOFEST Unmanned Underwater Systems Competition is an engineering contest organized within the framework of TEKNOFEST, Türkiye’s largest technology festival, aiming to equip young people with expertise in sea technologies. First held in 2018, the competition is now in its eighth edition as of 2025 and will be conducted for the first time this year in an open sea environment. The competition challenges participants to design remotely operated or autonomous underwater vehicles capable of completing specific tasks.

Aim and Vision

The primary objective of the competition is to encourage the development of unmanned systems in underwater research, which holds a significant place in both civil and military domains, and to promote widespread adoption of knowledge and skills in this field among youth. In recent years, interest in unmanned systems has grown substantially due to their ability to conduct underwater operations without risking human life and reduce operational costs. In this context, the competition fosters the design of innovative, practical and deployable unmanned underwater vehicles.

Competition Format

The TEKNOFEST Unmanned Underwater Systems Competition features a task-based format that allows participants to demonstrate their technological proficiency. Competitors may participate using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The 2025 edition’s transition to an open sea environment represents a significant advancement, enabling participants to develop engineering solutions under realistic conditions.

The competition is open to students at the secondary school, associate degree, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Teams may consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of fifteen members, and each team may be supported by only one advisor.

Evaluation Process

Participants go through a multi-stage evaluation process in which their projects are assessed at various phases:

• Technical Competency Form
• Critical Design Report (CDR)
• Watertightness, Mobility and Mission Performance Video
• Final Stage (Field Missions and Presentations)

All report templates required from participants are published on the official TEKNOFEST website in accordance with the competition calendar.

Technological and Educational Contributions

This competition provides participants with hands-on experience in robotics, sensor systems, artificial intelligence, mechanical design, underwater communication, and autonomous software development across multiple disciplines. Teams gain the opportunity to apply real-world engineering practices by solving technical challenges encountered during their projects. The competition also contributes to nurturing skilled individuals who can advance Türkiye’s domestic and national technologies in line with the Technology Initiative vision.

Significance of the Competition

The TEKNOFEST Unmanned Underwater Systems Competition is a pioneering initiative that motivates young engineer to contribute to the advancement of underwater technologies by actively engaging them in the full cycle of research, design, production and testing. This technological journey into the mysterious depths of the ocean embodies not only engineering excellence but also the spirit of exploration. The competition provides a vital platform for Türkiye to build the capacity to lead in future underwater technologies.