Champions of Innovation Honoured
On the third day of Türkiye Innovation Week, the champions of innovation were honoured. Chairman of the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM) Mustafa Gültepe stated, “Türkiye Innovation Week is more than an event limited to three days; it is an ecosystem that grows through collective wisdom and strengthens with new ideas throughout all 365 days of the year. We shall continue to nurture this ecosystem together.”
Organised for the 12th time this year under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and hosted by the Türkiye Exporters Assembly, the final day of Türkiye Innovation Week featured the InovaLIG Champions Award Ceremony. The event was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, and distinguished representatives from the business and political spheres. Awards were presented to pioneering firms in the field of innovation.
“A journey that began with a spark 12 years ago has become a powerful signature”
In his address at the ceremony, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe underlined that innovation has become one of the most dynamic forces shaping Türkiye's future. Gültepe said, “Our innovation journey, which began with a spark 12 years ago, has now evolved into one of the most powerful signatures of our nation's future. With ever-growing participation, increasing excitement, and bolder ambitions each year, this event stands as a declaration of Türkiye's determination to compete on the global stage. This year, that determination is captured in two words: Tomorrow: Now.” Emphasising that this vision rests upon three fundamental pillars, Gültepe continued, “Our roadmap is built on three principles: embracing the technologies of the future today, integrating innovation into every stage of production, and elevating Türkiye's young minds to the ranks of global pioneers.”
Pointing out that nations leading in high technology are rewriting the rules of global trade, Gültepe remarked, “Countries placing innovation at the core of production become decisive actors within global supply chains. Those preparing their young minds for the future assume the role of game changers in tomorrow's world. Türkiye continues its journey with determination in all three domains. And we believe that a Türkiye building its tomorrow today will always stand at the forefront of global competition.”
“We aim for sustainable and inclusive exports”
Touching upon the importance of sustainable growth in exports, Gültepe stated, “We aim to establish an export structure that grows by double digits each year, one that is inclusive and sustainable. To achieve this, we must regain our competitive edge, accelerate investments that enhance production capacity, and increase support mechanisms for our exporters.”
Gültepe concluded his remarks by saying, “Türkiye Innovation Week is not merely a three-day event; it is an ecosystem that thrives on collective intelligence and strengthens with new ideas throughout the year. Together, we shall continue to expand this ecosystem.”
“Türkiye Innovation Week has become a globally respected platform”
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, in his speech, referred to the main theme of Türkiye Innovation Week, Tomorrow: Now, saying, “The future is not a distant date yet to arrive. The future is defined by the steps taken today upon the firm ground of determined will.”
Vice President Yılmaz noted that Türkiye is the heir to a civilisation that has shaped eras through innovation and vision, adding, “As descendants of forebears who ended one age and began another, we carry, as in the past, the steadfast determination to be a nation shaping the future.”
Emphasising that innovation is among the most critical pillars of Türkiye's development journey, Yılmaz stated, “One of the most tangible reflections of this understanding is Türkiye Innovation Week, which unites the nation's innovation ecosystem. With its 12 years of accumulated experience bringing together entrepreneurs, academia, industry, and public institutions under one shared goal, this event has evolved into a globally respected platform.”
Yılmaz added that this year's theme, The Future: Now, imparts deeper significance by underscoring that the future is shaped today. He said, “Every idea developed and every step taken here today adds new momentum to our development journey and guides tomorrow from today. The Future: Now signifies that the time to act is now, and the place is here.”
“Innovation lies at the heart of transformation”
Highlighting the multifaceted transformation taking place today—from digitalisation to green transition, from smart manufacturing to sustainable supply chains—Yılmaz continued:
“At the heart of this transformation lies innovation. Enhancing flexibility in supply chains, promoting the digitalisation of SMEs, and investing in cutting-edge technologies will further strengthen Türkiye's competitiveness. The innovation ecosystem gains power only through the collective effort of all segments of society, not merely a single sector. Türkiye is assuming a leading position in this transformation. In this regard, the InovaLIG Champions Award Programme serves as a powerful testament that our companies have embraced innovation not as a subsidiary activity but as an intrinsic element of corporate culture. These awards reflect the vision, determination, and innovative capacity of Türkiye's globally competitive enterprises. I sincerely congratulate all the companies receiving awards this year and regard their success as the embodiment of a resolute will shaping our nation's future.”
“The greatest capital of our nation is its youth”
Addressing the business community and young people, Yılmaz concluded:
“On the occasion of Innovation Week, I wish to extend a strong call to our business world: invest resolutely in scalable business models, global branding, and qualified human capital. Strengthen the chain extending from R&D to commercialisation, from intellectual property to production efficiency. To our youth, I say this: you are the greatest capital of this nation. Be curious, take risks, create, learn, and try again. From laboratories to technoparks, opportunities abound for you. We expect our exporters to carry this grand innovation drive into all sectors. On behalf of our nation, I extend my gratitude to all who have supported our vision of a great and strong Türkiye through their investments, production, employment, and exports.”
Here are the InovaLIG Champions
Following the speeches, awards were presented to the InovaLIG Champions by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister of Labour and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, and TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe. The award-winning companies are as follows:
National Champion Firms:
- Innovation Strategy: Kurtsan İlaçları – Dr. Saltuk KARAYALÇIN
- Innovation Organisation and Culture: Tusaş Motor Sanayii (TEI) - Ahmet KAİN
- Innovation Cycle: Hayat Kimya– Dr. Fikret KOÇ
- Innovation Resources: Kırpart Otomotiv Parçaları – Uğur SAVAŞ
- Innovation Outcomes: Havelsan Hava Elektronik – Dr. Mehmet Akif NACAR
InovaLIG SME-Scale Champions:
- Innovation Strategy Champion: Barida Makina– Sinan BATIR
- Innovation Organisation and Culture Champion: UBC Kimya – Aslı TOPTAŞ TAĞ
- Innovation Cycle Champion: Asis Otomasyon ve Akaryakıt Sistemleri – Yusuf KAYA
- Innovation Resources Champion: Sanver Mühendislik – Nurşen SANVER
- Innovation Outcomes Champion: Milvus Robotics Teknoloji – Hasan ÖLMEZ
An award was also presented to the strategic partners that supported Türkiye Innovation Week 2025. The partners honoured are as follows:
- Trendyol – Sinan Cem ŞAHİN Main Strategic Partner of Türkiye Innovation Week i
- Türk Ekonomi Bankası – Ümit LEBLEBİCİ
- Turkcell – Murat AKGÜÇ
- Türk Ticaret Bankası – Prof. Dr. Yusuf BALCI
- Türkiye Halk Bankası – Olcay ATLIOĞLU
- Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası – Arif ÇOKÇETİN
- Ziraat Bankası – Mehmet Şükrü TAŞÇI
- İhracatı Geliştirme A.Ş. – Alpay ÇINAROĞLU
- Türkiye Sigorta – Eniz ÜNAL