Council of Higher Education highlights Turkish AI and technology advancements

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has highlighted several significant academic and technological advancements in Turkey, focusing heavily on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and defense industries. Notable achievements include Başkent University students developing an AI-powered autonomous security patrol drone capable of real-time facial and object recognition. Additionally, Yıldız Technical University’s CASMarine team secured third place globally at the TAC Challenge 2026 in Norway with an autonomous underwater vehicle featuring 80% local content.

In the field of agriculture, Isparta Applied Sciences University developed a nanotechnology-based 'Nanorugose' biopreparation that significantly reduces the impact of the ToBRFV virus in tomato production. Furthermore, research from Boğaziçi University regarding brain motivation and emotional behavior was featured on the cover of the 'Journal of Neuroscience'.

To support these technological shifts, YÖK’s Strategic Technology Human Resources Program has allocated a significant portion of its 550-person quota to artificial intelligence and smart systems. This initiative aims to build the necessary human capital to compete in the global technological landscape, where AI is increasingly viewed as a driver of economic power and technological independence.