Europe’s Creative Ecosystems Come Together in Istanbul for the EIT Culture & Creativity Regional Hub South Open Day, Hosted at Bilişim Vadisi with DIGIAGE

Bilişim Vadisi, Türkiye’s technology and innovation hub, and DIGIAGE, Türkiye’s most comprehensive game and animation cluster within Bilişim Vadisi, hosted the Regional Hub South Open Day 2025 of EIT Culture & Creativity, the institutional partnership for Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

Türkiye’s Creative Technology Vision Reaches an International Stage

Held on 17 November 2025 at GO Bilişim Vadisi Istanbul, the event brought together key actors from Europe’s southern region operating in the cultural and creative sectors, creating a high-impact platform for international engagement. Leaders from cultural and creative industries, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and public stakeholders convened to explore new partnership opportunities across Europe while showcasing Türkiye’s creative technology vision on an international stage.

Bilişim Vadisi CEO Erkam Tüzgen quotation

“The future of technology does not emerge from algorithms alone, but from the moment they intersect with creativity. Our partnership with EIT Culture & Creativity embeds Türkiye’s creative technology ecosystem into Europe’s innovation framework. Through our DIGIAGE program, we have built one of Türkiye’s most dynamic creative-tech communities and enabled young talents to reach global markets. Now, we are expanding this experience into new domains. At Bilişim Vadisi, our goal is to become a global hub at the intersection of culture, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship — serving as a bridge between Europe and the regions of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Central Asia.”

“At EIT Culture & Creativity, we’re committed to helping the cultural and creative sectors and industries grow — here in Türkiye, across the Mediterranean, and throughout Europe — connecting local talent with global opportunities. Bilişim Vadisi’s and DIGIAGE’s focus on combining design, creativity, and advanced technology fits perfectly with our mission. Through this partnership, aim to support Türkiye’s creative-tech scene in expanding internationally while bringing fresh energy and ideas to Europe,”, stated Angelica Monaco, Director of EIT Culture & Creativity Regional Hub South.

DIGIAGE Director Emre Yıldız delivered a presentation outlining DIGIAGE’s long-term vision.

“DIGIAGE was established to build the sustainable structure that the game ecosystem needs most. Our engagement with EIT Culture & Creativity has created a strong foundation that connects local talent with global networks. An ecosystem cannot be purchased; it is built step by step through mentorship, production culture, community, and international partnerships. Today, DIGIAGE is scaling this structure under the umbrella of Bilişim Vadisi.”

Creative Technology Startups Meet Investors

Throughout the day, experts discussed the transformation of gaming, digital culture, media, and creative industries, new business models, global opportunities, and public support mechanisms. Selected creative technology startups from Türkiye and Europe had the opportunity to meet investors, present their projects, and directly connect with European funding and investment networks. The event also featured a special program including performing arts and digital showcases, offering participants a rich cultural experience.

Strategic Integration into the International Ecosystem

One of the event’s key highlights was the announcement that DIGIAGE, Bilişim Vadisi’s game and animation-focused cluster, officially joined the EIT Culture & Creativity community as a “Collaboration Partner.” This strategic membership represents an important step in strengthening the integration of Türkiye’s gaming, animation, and creative technology startups with Europe’s creative economy, enhancing access to international markets, and increasing visibility for Türkiye-based innovative projects.

Türkiye’s Creative Industries Meet Europe’s Innovation Network

DIGIAGE, Türkiye’s largest game entrepreneurship community, already reaches thousands of young founders through its development camps, accelerator programs, mentorship, and technical support. Through its collaboration with EIT Culture & Creativity, DIGIAGE is now positioning itself as a platform with stronger ties to international networks. This integration connects Türkiye’s creative industries potential with Europe’s innovation-driven approach, opening new opportunities for both sides.

Bilişim Vadisi to Expand Türkiye’s Creative Technology and Gaming Ecosystem Globally

The EIT Culture & Creativity Regional Hub South Open Day 2025 plays a strategic role in showcasing Türkiye’s creative economy vision on a global scale, increasing Türkiye’s visibility within Europe’s cultural and creative industries ecosystem, and strengthening Bilişim Vadisi’s position as a regional center for cultural and creative innovation. Through this strong collaboration with Europe, Bilişim Vadisi aims to expand the global impact of Türkiye’s creative technology and gaming ecosystem.