Our New Theme: "Software-Defined Vehicles"
Technology is constantly pushing boundaries with groundbreaking developments. From space exploration to energy, healthcare technologies to environmental planning, revolutionary innovations across various fields are raising new questions about how the future will take shape. This transformation is impacting all industries worldwide, and companies aiming to enhance their competitive edge are investing more than ever in the innovations and digital solutions offered by technology entrepreneurs.
The automotive industry is at the very heart of this transformation. Connected vehicle technologies, software-defined systems, and smart mobility solutions are no longer just trends; they have become the new industry standard. While innovative technologies are radically reshaping vehicle operations, startups that can rapidly adapt to these changes are playing a crucial role in the transformation.
At this turning point, we, as Turkey’s automotive industry, recognize our responsibility. We are determined to support entrepreneurs and expand the innovation ecosystem to remain at the center of global competition and develop innovative solutions that shape the mobility of the future.
With this vision, Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OİB)—the only coordinating body for Turkish automotive exports—has been organizing Turkey’s largest entrepreneurial event in the industry since 2012. Originally launched as the "R&D Project Market and Automotive Component Design Competition in the Turkish Automotive Sector," the event was renamed in 2019 as the "Automotive Future Design Competition" (OGTY). Our journey has always been driven by awareness and the goal of unlocking our potential.
Beyond Just an Idea: Turning Innovation into Reality
The design process is not just about generating an idea. Bringing an innovative idea to life requires long-term dedication, the right resources, and perseverance. Understanding this, we have been supporting successful projects not only during the competition but also afterward through various initiatives over the past 13 years.
Through OGTY, organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and coordinated by TİM (Turkish Exporters Assembly), we have reviewed over 5,000 applications to date, and 129 projects have been awarded. Additionally, 11 students who were selected as finalists received International Design Scholarships from the Ministry of Trade, allowing them to study in countries such as Italy, Australia, and the United States. Their education and living expenses were fully covered by OİB.
Winning project owners not only receive financial rewards but also gain access to the İTÜ Çekirdek Incubation Program at İTÜ ARI Teknokent, where they can further develop their projects. Within this framework, we provide full support—including office space for research, training programs, necessary materials for development, networking opportunities, and mentorship services.
Looking at the results so far:
• Over 60% of supported startups have successfully transformed into companies.
• The total number of jobs created exceeds 1,800.
• Their current market value is close to $400 million.
• Additionally, winners gain the opportunity to compete in the Big Bang Startup Challenge and benefit from the experience and extensive network of the automotive industry.
14th Automotive Future Design Competition: "Software-Defined Vehicles"
The 14th Automotive Future Design Competition will be held on October 23, 2025, under the theme "Software-Defined Vehicles". This year, the top five winning projects will be awarded a total of 3.6 million TL in cash prizes, along with Patent Registration Awards.
The prize distribution is as follows:
1st place : 1.000.000 TL
2nd place : 800.000 TL
3rd place : 650.000 TL
4th place : 600.000 TL
5th place : 550.000 TL
Building the Future Together
Every year, we work harder to transfer the transformation of the automotive sector to younger generations, combine their ideas with our expertise, and position Turkey as a leading nation in automotive innovation. The increasing recognition and interest in our growing and well-established event bring us great pride and motivation.
We extend our gratitude to all participants who share their ideas and creativity with us. We also sincerely thank:
• The Ministry of Trade and Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) for their invaluable support,
• İTÜ ARI Teknokent, our key partner in implementing this project,
• The OİB Board of Directors and the Project Steering Committee Members for their contributions,
• The esteemed jury members who evaluate and vote on the projects,
• And the entire project team for their dedication and efforts.
We look forward to another year of groundbreaking innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of mobility.
Best regards,
Ömer Burhanoğlu
Chairman of the Project Steering Committee