The Most Promising Industries in Turkey in 2025

Thanks to several different factors, one of the most significant being the country’s central location, Turkey is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for startups. The country boasts an ever-growing economy and significant business support, making it a highly conducive environment for new companies.

Indeed, as of 2025, several industries are standing out as particularly promising for entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures in Turkey. With strong government backing, increasing foreign investment and a young, tech-savvy population, Turkey offers a plethora of opportunities for innovative businesses.

From the booming tech sector to the thriving renewable energy market, startups are finding success in industries that align with Turkey’s economic strengths and future ambitions. The country’s established manufacturing base, expanding tourism industry and evolving financial landscape further contribute to its appeal for entrepreneurs.

Five industries in particular stand out from all the rest, teeming with opportunity and exciting innovation – they are tourism and hospitality; artificial intelligence; tech and innovation; defence and aerospace; and renewable energy.

 

Tourism and Hospitality 

 

• Top Company: Otelz.com
• Best City: Antalya

 

Turkey’s tourism sector is thriving, with over 21,000 hotels ready to welcome visitors as of 2024. One of the most significant factors about Turkey that makes it an excellent hub for turism and hospitality is that thre’s an incredible amount of diversity among the different locations around the country.

For instance, Istanbul is a beloved central European city, full to the brim with ancient history, a wonderful culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.

Cappadoccia, on the other hand, is located further inland and is renowned for its far more relaxed atmosphere and focus on the many ancient underground tunnels located in different parts of the region. More recently, this picturesque location has become one of the most popular destinations in the world for hot air ballooning.

Antalya, located on the southern Mediterranean coast, is famed for its stunning beaches and historical sites, making it a major tourist destination and a growing hub for the real estate industry.

Indeed, just by looking at these three cities, it’s clear tha Turkey has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, allowing visitors to experience what feels like completely different worlds from one place to the nex

But Antalya in particular boasts a vibrant atmosphere, rich cultural heritage and strong support for innovation, making it an attractive option for starting a business in tourism and hospitality.

The government’s investment in infrastructure and marketing has further bolstered the sector, attracting millions of tourists annually. The future looks promising, with continued growth expected as Turkey enhances its global tourism appeal.

 

 

Artificial Intelligence

 

• Top Company: Insider
• Best City: Istanbul

 

Turkey’s AI industry is gaining momentum, driven by a young, digitally-savvy population and supportive government policies. Istanbul, as the country’s financial and technological hub, offers a conducive environment for AI startups.

The city’s access to a large talent pool, investors and accelerators has facilitated the growth of companies like Insider, which enables marketers to connect customer data across channels and predict behavior with AI.

The future of AI in Turkey is bright, with increasing applications across various sectors, including finance, healthcare and manufacturing.

 

Tech and Innovation 

 

• Top Company: Pera Labs
• Best City: Istanbul

 

Turkey’s focus on technology and innovation has led to the emergence of startups like Pera Labs, a fertility technology company that offers artificial intelligence and lab-on-chip technology for detecting reproductive health problems.

Istanbul’s vibrant ecosystem, with numerous technoparks and research and development (R&D) centers, provides an ideal setting for tech startups.

The city’s strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, coupled with government incentives, has attracted entrepreneurs and investors alike. The sector’s success is expected to continue, with advancements in areas like fintech, e-commerce and biotechnology.

 

Defence and Aerospace

 

• Top Company: Baykar
• Best City: Ankara

 

Turkey’s defence and aerospace industry has seen significant growth, with companies like Baykar leading in drone manufacturing. The recent partnership between Italy’s Leonardo and Baykar to produce unmanned aerial vehicles highlights the sector’s advancement.

Ankara, being the political capital (not Istanbul, as many people expect), hosts numerous defence institutions and companies, making it the ideal city for such ventures.

Government support, strategic investments, and a focus on indigenous production have propelled the industry forward. The future holds potential for Turkey to become a key player in global defence exports.

 

Renewable Energy

 

• Top Company: Akfen Renewable Energy
• Best City: Izmir

 

Much like many other countries around the world, Turkey’s renewable energy sector is on the rise, with a focus on sustainability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Izmir, with its strategic location on the West coast of the Med and developed infrastructure, has become a hub for renewable energy projects. The city’s emphasis on green energy initiatives has attracted startups like Akfen Renewable Energy, which provides artificial intelligence as a service for home energy management.

Supportive policies, abundant natural resources, and a growing awareness of environmental issues contribute to the sector’s success. The future looks bright, with Turkey aiming to increase its renewable energy capacity substantially in the coming years.