Teknopark Istanbul Export Goal: $1B by 2026 | Growth Plan

Teknopark Istanbul Targets $1 Billion in Exports by 2026

ISTANBUL — Teknopark Istanbul aims to boost its exports to nearly $1 billion in 2026, according to General Manager Abdurrahman Akyol.

Akyol stated that the technopark's exports have already reached $750 million in 2024, and with a target of 20% annual growth, the hub is positioned to hit the $1 billion milestone next year.

Located next to Sabiha Gökçen Airport and spanning 2 million square meters, Teknopark Istanbul continues to expand its role as one of Europe's largest technology and entrepreneurship centers. The number of companies hosted within the technopark has grown to nearly 580, with 100 new firms added this year.

Akyol announced plans to triple this number to 1,500 companies in the coming years, including 1,000 R&D-focused firms and 500 incubation-stage enterprises.

The technopark's workforce — currently 11,000 employees — is also expected to grow significantly. "We foresee reaching 40,000 employees by 2035, supported by our expanding innovation ecosystem," Akyol said.

So far, Teknopark Istanbul has launched 5,300 national projects, with 4,000 completed and 1,300 ongoing. Major defense and tech companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, TEI and STM also operate within the technopark, though their export figures are reported separately. "In reality, our total export impact is even higher," Akyol noted.

He emphasized that accessibility and proximity to major defense foundations are among the main reasons companies choose Teknopark Istanbul. Accelerator and investment programs also play a central role in attracting entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, Teknopark Istanbul plans to expand globally, strengthening its connections with entrepreneurs from the U.S., Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2026.