Türkiye Launches Programme To Train 3,000 Young Technology Researchers

Türkiye is launching a programme to strengthen its science and technology workforce by initially selecting 550 doctoral students in AI, cybersecurity, chip technologies and advanced computing. The initiative aims to train 3,000 young researchers within five years and supports Türkiye's 2026–2030 AI Action Plan, which targets 10,000 advanced AI experts, 100,000 AI professionals and $10 billion in private investment in AI and data centres.

Türkiye is launching a new initiative aimed at strengthening its science and technology workforce, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announcing plans to train thousands of young researchers in strategic fields.
Erdoğan said 550 doctoral students will initially be selected through a centralised examination and trained at 20 research universities.
The programme is expected to bring around 3,000 young researchers into Türkiye's science and technology ecosystem over the next five years.

FOCUS ON STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGIES

The initiative will focus on areas considered critical to Türkiye's technological development, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductor and chip technologies, and advanced computer systems.
Erdoğan said the programme would help Türkiye develop the expertise needed to create and produce future technologies domestically.
He described the initiative as part of efforts to build a stronger and more technologically independent Türkiye.

NEW AI ACTION PLAN

The programme follows the launch of Türkiye's 2026–2030 Artificial Intelligence Action Plan, which is designed to strengthen the country's technological independence and position it as a global centre for AI development.
Under the roadmap, Türkiye aims to train 10,000 highly skilled AI experts and 100,000 AI application professionals.
The government also plans to provide AI literacy training to five million people across all 81 provinces within two years.

BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN INVESTMENT

The AI strategy also seeks to attract at least $10 billion in private-sector investment in artificial intelligence and data-centre infrastructure.
Pilot programmes are expected to be developed across key sectors, including healthcare, energy and smart manufacturing.
These investments are intended to expand Türkiye's digital infrastructure while encouraging businesses and researchers to develop locally produced technologies.

BUILDING A TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN FUTURE

The government says developing a highly skilled workforce will be essential to achieving Türkiye's long-term technology ambitions.
By combining doctoral education, research funding, AI training and private-sector investment, Ankara hopes to create a larger pool of specialists capable of developing advanced technologies and competing in the global market.
The initiative reflects Türkiye's broader push to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen its position in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and semiconductor technology.