TEKNOFEST, the world's largest aviation, space and technology festival, was held in an atmosphere full of excitement at Ercan Airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus between May 1-4, 2025 this year. TÜBİTAK Rail Transportation Technologies Institute (RUTE) attracted great interest from visitors with its interesting activities and promotional areas throughout the festival.
Exhibition Devices and Workshops Attracted Great Interest
TÜBİTAK RUTE exhibited its unique products in the field of rail system technologies at its booth at the festival.
Equipped with the technologies developed by the Institute, the wooden model making workshop of Turkey's mainline locomotive Eskişehir5000 was brought together with the visitors at the event. Especially children showed great interest in the event and the participants were introduced to rail system engineering in a fun way. Through the model, the participants also had the opportunity to get to know the basic components of the project closely.
The TÜBİTAK RUTE stand also featured an "Energy Adventure Workshop". In this workshop, visitors were introduced to the details of lithium-ion battery technology, while participants also had the experience of creating their own batteries. This interactive workshop on energy technologies and efficiency attracted the attention of young visitors and raised awareness on renewable energy sources.
The Özgün Motor, which was exhibited with a 1/3 model in the static demonstration area of TÜBİTAK RUTE, was highly appreciated by industry professionals and technology enthusiasts. These products, which are a reflection of domestic design and engineering power, represent an important step towards Turkey's goal of reducing its foreign dependence in rail systems. Özgün Engine draws attention as the first diesel engine of Turkish origin to achieve the highest power from a one-liter cylinder volume.
TRNC President Visited TUBITAK Stand
Throughout the festival, TÜBİTAK and TÜBİTAK RUTE stand was the center of attention of many participants, from children to academics, from public administrators to the business world.
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar also visited the TÜBİTAK stand. Tatar was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, President of TÜBİTAK, and visited the stands. The TRNC President was also informed about the projects of TÜBİTAK RUTE and wished success, emphasizing the importance of the work carried out.
"Let TUBITAK Come Again"
Participants found TÜBİTAK RUTE's booth an inspiring space where they could see concrete examples of technological developments in the field, while children enjoyed a festival experience full of fun and educational activities. Children took plenty of souvenir photos with TÜBİTAK officials and had the opportunity to meet Turkey's astronauts Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever.
As TÜBİTAK RUTE, we are proud to contribute to our country's science and technology journey; we are happy to contribute to TEKNOFEST, which offers the opportunity to bring our national technologies to the public.