The Future of Autonomous Driving Competes at Bilişim Vadisi

Bilişim Vadisi, Türkiye’s hub for technology and innovation, is once again hosting the technologies of the future in collaboration with TEKNOFEST, the world’s largest aerospace and technology festival. The Robotaxi–Passenger Autonomous Vehicle Competition, organized within the scope of TEKNOFEST Technology Competitions, has officially begun at Bilişim Vadisi following the announcement of the finalists in the ready-to-race vehicle category. Teams consisting of high school, associate, undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates are fiercely competing to develop autonomous driving algorithms.

In the ready-to-race category, the competing teams were first evaluated based on criteria such as the “Technical Proficiency Form,” “Critical Design Report,” and “Simulation Presentation.” Teams that successfully passed these stages are now integrating their autonomous driving software into the autonomous vehicles provided by Bilişim Vadisi and will attempt to complete the track.

Young Minds Shaping the Future of Autonomous Driving

The main goal of the competition is to encourage participants to develop original algorithms and systems in the field of autonomous vehicle technologies. Young people from various education levels—ranging from high school to post-graduation—can participate as teams. However, the participation of individuals from the private sector is not allowed. One key detail: high school teams compete in the same category as university-level teams.

Fierce Competition in Two Categories

The competition is structured into two main categories. In the Original Vehicle Category, teams design both the mechanical and software systems of their vehicles entirely on their own. In the Ready-to-Race Vehicle Category, teams run their custom software on autonomous vehicle platforms provided by Bilişim Vadisi. In both categories, teams are expected to successfully complete autonomous tasks in a real-track environment, with the primary focus being the performance of their autonomous driving algorithms.

Finalists Move Forward After Challenging Stages

In the Ready-to-Race Category, 25 teams out of 351 applications proceeded to the simulation phase, and 19 made it to the finals. In the Original Vehicle Category, out of 217 applications, 47 teams uploaded their Critical Design Reports, and 42 passed the threshold to advance to the next stage.

Training Support from Bilişim Vadisi

For teams competing in the Ready-to-Race category, BAG files were shared based on track measurements, and online technical training was provided through Bilişim Vadisi’s education platform Eduvence. This year, teams in the Ready-to-Race category had the opportunity to test their autonomous systems under real conditions during a total of 42 hours and 48 minutes of track time. Throughout the competition process, occupational health and safety training was given to ensure a safe working environment. In addition, entrepreneurship training and information on the support and infrastructure opportunities offered by Bilişim Vadisi will be provided to raise entrepreneurial awareness among young participants.

Dynamic Pedestrian Obstacle Added

This year, changes were made to the Bilişim Vadisi track. The course was designed to reflect real-world traffic conditions. A pedestrian crossing and a dynamic pedestrian obstacle were introduced into the course.

Finals Kick Off on August 10!

The Ready-to-Race camp period continued until August 1. Testing for all vehicles is being held between August 1–9. The final competitions will take place on August 10–13, 2025, at the Bilişim Vadisi tracks.

We Are Raising a Generation That Produces Technology Instead of Consuming It

Bilişim Vadisi CEO Erkam Tüzgen emphasized that the support provided to young people will contribute to Türkiye’s long-term technology production capacity, stating: “These competitions offer young people more than just vehicles or test environments. They also give them the courage to create, the motivation to develop, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Each lap on the track is not just a technical trial—it’s also the construction of self-confidence, dreams, and a future.
As Bilişim Vadisi, we provide infrastructure, training, and mentoring support to help young people transform their ideas beyond competitions into real technology development processes. These young people are not only the engineers, technology leaders, and entrepreneurs of today but also of tomorrow. They are the carriers and visionary implementers of the National Technology Initiative, growing right here on these competition tracks.”

Young Minds Contributing to Türkiye’s Technology March

The Robotaxi–Passenger Autonomous Vehicle Competition is more than just a race—it is a youth movement aligned with the vision of Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative. By developing innovative solutions in autonomous vehicle technologies, young participants are not only demonstrating their engineering skills but also shaping the future of mobility systems.

This major event, supported by the technological infrastructure and educational resources of Bilişim Vadisi, continues to make a strong impact on Türkiye’s technology ecosystem.