Türkiye Set to Boost Investments in Biotechnology, Space, Industrial Robots, Automotive, and Data Centers in 2025
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir has announced that Türkiye is preparing for rapid investments in key high-tech sectors, including biotechnology, space, industrial robots, automotive, and data centers, in 2025. “We are at the stage of bringing nearly $7 billion in investments to Türkiye. Hopefully, next month, we will announce the first phase, which will exceed $2 billion,” said Kacir.
Türkiye’s High-Tech Leap in 2025
Discussing the country’s 2025 goals, Minister Kacir emphasized that 2024 was a year of achievements for Türkiye’s industrial and technological development. He highlighted groundbreaking projects under the National Technology Initiative, such as human space missions and the TÜRKSAT 6A satellite, as key indicators of Türkiye’s growing technological capabilities.
“Türkiye has broken its shell and has become a country capable of executing the most ambitious high-tech projects with its own resources and abilities,” Kacir stated.
This year, the focus will be on accelerating high-tech advancements, with new manufacturing investments and simultaneous growth of technology startups.
$7 Billion Investment Target for Türkiye
Kacir noted that Türkiye has led OECD countries in industrial production growth over the past 22 years. He elaborated:
“We are on the verge of attracting nearly $7 billion in investments to Türkiye. Next month, we will announce the first phase, exceeding $2 billion. In 2025, we will significantly boost Türkiye’s high-tech production and export capacity. Our goal is to elevate our manufacturing capabilities with high-value-added, high-tech investments. In 2025, Türkiye will witness rapid investments in electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, wind turbines, chip production, R&D centers, biotechnology, industrial robots, and hyperscale data centers.”
Encouraging Global Tech Leaders to Invest in Türkiye
Minister Kacir emphasized that Türkiye successfully secured BYD’s next-generation electric vehicle investment and closely monitors the investment process, set to begin production in 2026.
Regarding attracting more automotive investments, Kacir added:
“We are in the final stages of securing new investments and selecting locations. Bringing global investments to Türkiye is crucial. If these investments go elsewhere, we will face foreign-produced vehicles in our market. We want leading technology brands to choose Türkiye for their investments, R&D, production, and exports. We brought BYD to Türkiye with this vision and are in discussions with Chery and other brands with the same approach. Our priority is to ensure that these investments add value to Türkiye and drive R&D and innovation.”
Over 50,000 Togg Vehicles on the Road
Highlighting the success of Türkiye’s domestic electric car, Togg, Kacir stated that it has become the number one vehicle in its category in Türkiye. He also revealed that Togg’s “fastback” model will be launched this year.
Looking ahead, Kacir emphasized the importance of advancing electric, battery, and autonomous vehicle technologies to enhance Togg’s global competitiveness.
“Autonomous driving will dominate the future of mobility. Strengthening Togg in this area is crucial. Togg serves as a platform that fosters numerous technology startups in Türkiye’s mobility sector. Last year, the number of Togg vehicles on the road surpassed 50,000,” he said.
Türkiye Aims for a Global Position in Satellite Technology
Minister Kacir noted that while only 100-150 satellites were launched annually a decade ago, this number has surged to 2,500 today, presenting a massive opportunity for Türkiye.
Highlighting the country’s growing satellite development and manufacturing capabilities, Kacir said:
“Türkiye aims to be a global player in satellite technology, not only in communications and imaging but also in near-orbit satellite constellations. We have launched a pre-competition cooperation call and will continue to support this field through various programs. If we maintain long-term support for our existing capabilities, Türkiye will become one of the world’s leading producers of near-orbit satellite constellations.”
Türkiye’s Moon Mission: A Key Strategic Goal
Discussing Türkiye’s Moon Program, Kacir emphasized the nation’s ambition to reach the Moon with a domestically designed, manufactured, and launched spacecraft.
He pointed out that global superpowers like the U.S. and China are racing to return to the Moon, making Türkiye’s participation in this competition essential.
“Türkiye is among the world’s top four countries in hybrid rocket motor technology. If we successfully demonstrate this technology in space, we can develop and manufacture vehicles in Türkiye for inter-orbital satellite transfers. As the space economy approaches a $1 trillion valuation, every step Türkiye takes will yield immense benefits in the next 5-10 years. Our hybrid rocket motor has successfully passed all tests and is now in the production phase. We aim to complete production and launch it into space soon. The Moon Project will initially involve sending a satellite to orbit the Moon, collect data, and perform a soft-landing rehearsal. Türkiye is more prepared for the Moon Mission than ever before, and our goal is to execute it successfully.”
New “Turcorn” Startups on the Rise
Türkiye boasts a thriving ecosystem with over 11,000 technology companies and 1,600+ R&D and design centers.
Kacir noted that Türkiye currently has at least seven unicorns (Turcorns) and many other tech startups with billion-dollar potential.
“Many of our promising startups have not yet undergone share sales, meaning we could soon see new Turcorns emerging. Over the past five years, investments in Türkiye’s tech startups have reached $5 billion, and we aim to increase this further. We will continue launching new programs and initiatives to support this growth.”
Kacir also emphasized continued support for SMEs through KOSGEB and employment-focused programs in labor-intensive sectors, ensuring balanced growth across all industries.
“We cannot afford to neglect any sector. While pushing for high-tech advancements, we will also support all industries and ensure regional economic development across all cities and regions of Türkiye in 2025.”
Cities to Experience First-Time Innovations
Under the Local Development Initiative Program covering all 81 provinces, Türkiye will provide high-level investment incentives for specific projects tailored to each city’s resources and needs.
“Based on our feasibility studies, we will determine key investment areas that transform local raw materials into economic value. These investments will create a significant economic boost in our cities, and many will host groundbreaking industrial projects for the first time,” Kacir explained.
Türkiye to Continue Supporting Syria’s Development
Kacir highlighted that the Southeastern Anatolia Region will benefit from new economic opportunities as Syria regains stability.
Türkiye has announced GAP and KOP action plans with nearly $500 billion in investments planned until 2028, with further plans for the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions.
Emphasizing Türkiye and Syria’s historical ties, Kacir concluded:
“We will support Syria in embarking on a new path of economic development. We are eager to share our expertise and collaborate on industrial investments. Syria has immense potential, and we want to help it harness this for its own prosperity. We will continue standing by Syria, as we always have, supporting its infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and industrial transformation. Industrial investments will be key in turning these advancements into economic value, and we will share our capabilities in organized industrial zones and scientific research with our Syrian counterparts.”
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök