Türkiye-Greece Hackathon 2025
Semi-Final Excitement in Bilişim Vadisi!
Bilişim Vadisi Hosts Türkiye-Greece Hackathon 2025 Semi-Final!
The most talented developers from Türkiye and Greece are experiencing the semi-final excitement with their innovative projects at Bilişim Vadisi. In this thrilling competition where technology and collaboration meet, 10 teams will fiercely compete. The 6 winning teams will earn the right to travel to Greece for the grand final.
The Hackathon, initiated under the leadership of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye and Greece, is organized in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye; in collaboration with Türkiye’s Technology and Innovation Hub, Bilişim Vadisi, and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Athens Startup Business Incubation Center (Th.E.A).
The Türkiye-Greece Hackathon, launched under the theme of Smart Cities, aims to support the development of technology and entrepreneurship ecosystems, encourage innovative projects, and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
At the semi-final held at Bilişim Vadisi, 10 teams will present their projects to the jury and compete fiercely for the chance to compete in the grand final. Projects developed under topics such as sustainable urban mobility, smart cities, information and transportation systems, disaster management, and solutions that ease daily life will be evaluated by a jury consisting of leading names from the technology and entrepreneurship world.
Türkiye-Greece Hackathon: A Unique Opportunity for a Better Future
The opening of the Hackathon took place with the attendance of Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Mr. Zekeriya Çoştu. In his opening speech, Zekeriya Çoştu emphasized how technology creates a leverage effect through global collaborations and highlighted Türkiye’s strong role in the innovation ecosystem, saying, “We see this hackathon as a unique opportunity for young people from Türkiye and Greece to come together, collaborate, and produce solutions for a better future. The Smart Cities theme, which is the key to building more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive communities, adds special meaning to this Hackathon. By integrating advanced technologies and innovative urban planning, we can transform the way cities operate. Additionally, we can enhance our ability to cope with threats such as environmental crises or natural disasters and improve the quality of life for millions of people. In this context, we are determined to support our youth who value unity, innovation, and a shared purpose in building a better world by providing the resources and opportunities they need to turn their ideas into reality.” Lastly, Zekeriya Çoştu encouraged the youth to participate in TEKNOFEST Competitions and expressed that they would be happy to host the Greek delegation at TEKNOFEST.
Strengthening Cooperation Between Greece and Türkiye
Emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries, Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “Although it is very cold outside, I see very warm hearts here. I believe this competition offers much more than just rivalry. This is not just a competition, but a demonstration of collaboration among individuals from different backgrounds, a reflection of innovation and the spirit of cooperation. We are living in an age where quality is secured not only in research but also in relationships, economies, and how nations collaborate. The combination of innovative technology and leadership is what drives economic growth. Today, we are not just neighbors but supporters standing side by side. This collaboration will lead us to success. You will push us forward with your talents and dreams. The culture of innovation will be the precursor to social development and will enable everyone to live a better life. Today, we are in Türkiye for the semi-finals, and the final is ahead. Through this hackathon, we will reward and celebrate the leading minds. What is important here is advancing the relationship between Greece and Türkiye positively and strengthening the cooperation between the two countries.” he said.
Türkiye: A Country Standing Out with its Talents
Highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two countries, Prof. Dimosthenis Anagnostopoulos, Secretary General of Information Systems and Digital Governance, stated, “We know how digital transformation is changing the world. The new challenges that come with the changing world require vision, creativity, and collaboration. The Türkiye-Greece Hackathon will present great examples of how technology brings people together. Brilliant minds in Türkiye will come from different backgrounds and take the future to a different dimension. We believe that participants in this hackathon can generate new solutions and offer these solutions to public services. Türkiye is a country that stands out not only geographically but also with its talents. Events like the Türkiye-Greece Hackathon prove to us that innovation can go further if we work together. It shows us how beneficial cross-border cooperation can be.” he said.
Smart Cities are a Human-Centered Transformation
Sophia Kounenaki Efraimoglou, Vice President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, participated in the opening program via video conference and emphasized the impact of such joint projects on innovation ecosystems and the importance of technological collaborations between the two countries, stating, “The ‘Smart Cities’ theme is not just about technology. It is a human-centered transformation. It is about designing cities that value their people, their environment, and their future. Innovation is not just a tool, but a bridge that connects us to better opportunities, stronger communities, and a brighter future. Here, we are doing much more than bringing together brilliant minds. Today, we are not just creating solutions, we are also building strong bonds that transcend borders, cultures, and differences. By bringing innovative young people together, we are creating an environment where ideas flow freely, creativity knows no bounds, and collaboration is the foundation of sustainable progress.” she said.
Projects Developed in the Hackathon Will Be a New Step in Designing Future Cities
Emphasizing that the hackathon is not just a competition but a journey into the technologies of the future, Erkam Tüzgen, General Manager of Bilişim Vadisi, stated, “This organization shows us that with the power of technology, we can break down boundaries and that its impact is societal, not just individual. Because innovation and entrepreneurship are not just about individual successes; they drive the development of societies, build bridges between countries, and contribute to building a shared future. The projects developed here today will be a new step in designing the cities of the future. The purpose of this hackathon is to find progressive and innovative solutions to problems. Today, teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills will be emphasized. We are not just holding a competition here, we are also undertaking a journey to develop the future with technology. This is certainly not just a competition, but the winning teams will receive significant awards. The biggest reward here will be participating in this process and gaining experience that will help them find their place in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.” he said.
10 Teams Will Compete, 6 Winning Teams Will Earn a Place in the Final
On the second day of the two-day event, 10 teams will fiercely compete for the semi-finals. The 6 winning teams will proceed to the final program in Greece.
