Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Previously held twice under different names in the fields of agriculture and water—which align with the United Nations’ global goals—the competition had served as an inspiration to empower many young women in the tech world. Launched under the theme of “Accessible Energy” within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the competition aims to support innovative projects by women entrepreneurs.

At the ceremony, Up-techlabs—which impressed the jury with its project aimed at reducing energy costs in agriculture following a competitive process in which Türkiye’s female entrepreneurs presented technological solutions in the energy sector—won the grand prize of 600,000 Turkish lira.

The ceremony was attended by TOBB Board Member Seyit Ardıç, TOBB Deputy General Secretary Cengiz Delibaş, Enerjisa Energy Retail Sales Companies General Manager Ersin Esentürk, Women in Technology Association President Zehra Öney, and numerous guests.

- TOBB Board Member Seyit Ardıç

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Seyit Ardıç, a member of the TOBB Board of Directors, noted that the TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Council, established in 2007, and the TOBB Young Entrepreneurs Council, established in 2009, have always served as role models and guides in encouraging and developing entrepreneurship, and “Approximately 15,000 women and young entrepreneurs from various sectors who are members of our councils are actively working toward this goal in the field. Women’s and youth entrepreneurship are among the top priorities of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye. As TOBB, we always prioritize entrepreneurship. Because the path to the prosperity of nations and peoples lies here,” he said.

Noting that the Councils in all 81 provinces have become one of the largest entrepreneurial networks not only in Türkiye but also in Europe through their exemplary work and projects, Ardıç said, “Our Councils are increasing women’s economic participation through joint projects with the largest companies in our country and around the world.”

Seyit Ardıç said: “When the number of women entrepreneurs in a country increases, that country’s economy grows, its society becomes stronger, and its future becomes more secure. Women entrepreneurs are the most beautiful face of Türkiye’s productive power, innovation, and courage. You are not just growing your own businesses. You are also serving as a source of inspiration, encouraging the women around you to say, ‘I can do it too.’ Each of you is a pioneer of the transformation shaping this country’s future. As our Union President emphasizes in every speech, women must be present in every aspect of life. This is what befits us.”

- Ersin Esentürk, General Manager of Enerjisa Energy Retail Sales Companies

Speaking at the ceremony, Ersin Esentürk, General Manager of Enerjisa Energy Retail Sales Companies, noted that Enerjisa has been guided by the vision of a “better future” since 2023, stating, “There are two key elements we focus on here. One is the technological aspect of the business, and the other is the human aspect. On the technology side, while we are listening to solutions aimed at promoting sustainability and benefiting this planet, we are also observing that the entrepreneurs on these platforms are carrying out these activities with female representation. Therefore, we expect not only technological solutions here but also for women to actively play a role in this process,” he said.

- Zehra Öney, President of the Women in Technology Association

Zehra Öney, President of the Women in Technology Association, stated that the organization’s goals are to cultivate individuals in Türkiye who are experts, competent, productive in the age of artificial intelligence, capable of developing systems that will make a global impact, and able to compete with systems developed worldwide.