The world is changing. We see this every day in the news we read, the tools we use, the conversations we have, and the technologies that quietly become part of our daily lives. One day we are amazed that search engines can predict what we are going to type, and the next day we are discussing paintings created by artificial intelligence. Unmanned aerial vehicles fight wildfires, while rockets return to Earth by landing vertically. And we watch this exciting world with admiration.
Many of us do not just want to be spectators in this rapidly evolving world; we want to take part in it, to have a voice, and to contribute new discoveries. This desire has been one of the most natural characteristics of humanity since its existence. The urge to explore, to bring innovations into life, and to uncover the secrets hidden in every corner of the universe is the foundation of what we call civilization today. Having a say in world civilization passes through this journey of discovery.
I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
(Chinese proverb)
The most important compass of our journey of discovery is a high-quality, scientifically grounded education that is aware of global realities. Especially in technological fields, education should not be limited to sitting in classrooms, watching the board, listening, and memorizing. Real education is possible when students actively touch each stage of the process, solve problems they encounter using equations and methods, and approach seemingly unsolvable problems with entirely new perspectives.
Today, with new opportunities, it is possible for students in education to graduate from universities by developing their own technologies. It is possible to truly fulfill the meaning of the word “university” — “City of the Universe” — by producing tangible, visible outcomes that serve humanity in the process of understanding the universe. It is also possible to reflect the concept of development through value-added production by integrating these discoveries into the economy. And it is possible to experience this excitement through TEKNOFEST, the reflection of the National Technology Initiative in our country.
If you also want to add a new map to the atlas of discoveries, we are here as the TEKNOFEST Coordination Office of Konya Technical University to be the wind that fills your sails in this journey. The TEKNOFEST Coordination Office has been established to support the high-quality development of your projects, ensure they are expressed correctly, and help them achieve success. The responsibility of the National Technology Initiative is now yours. Let’s make an impact together.
“Science is the truest guide in life,” and “Wherever science, technology, and expertise exist, wherever industry exists, we must go and learn. Wherever science and technology are, we will take them and place them into the minds of everyone. There are no restrictions or conditions in science and technology.”
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
