Gazali Kepenç wins TEKNOFEST 2026 blockchain competition

Gazali Kepenç, a 24-year-old software engineer from Mardin, won first place in the Blockchain Competition at TEKNOFEST 2026. Working independently, Kepenç developed ‘VigilChain’, a system designed to allow patients to report medication side effects while protecting their personal privacy.

The VigilChain system uses blockchain technology to record notifications that can be monitored by the Ministry of Health, while keeping sensitive information such as identity, address, and doctor details confidential. Out of 32 competing teams, Kepenç secured both the first-place prize in the Blockchain Competition and the Commercialization Potential Award.

Kepenç, a graduate of Konya Technical University, received the first-place award from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the commercialization award from TEKNOFEST Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar during the festival held at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport.