Turkey's AI Data Hub: 20 Million Compute-Hour Demand Sparks Investment Surge

The Ministry of Industry and Technology’s new Everyone for GPU program has stirred the sector by guaranteeing 20 million compute hours to Turkish data centers.

Rising Wave of Public Demand

■2026 launch: First call to be opened within six months.

■2028 target: Annual allocation to reach at least 20 million compute hours.

■Initial contracts with five data centers aim to achieve 1 gigawatt installed capacity by 2030.

Cost Barrier and Solution

■67.4 % of businesses cite cost as a barrier.

■The program offers compute‑hour credits to lower expenses.

■AI adoption rates: 7.5 % overall, 24.1 % for firms with 250+ employees.

The Accreditation Game

■Only accredited local data centers will join the pool.

■Criteria not yet disclosed; likely to focus on security, energy efficiency and intellectual property.

■Final criteria will determine the breadth of public demand access and capacity agreements.

Energy and Carbon Targets

■10 terawatt‑hours low‑carbon electricity procurement goal.

■Offers long‑term contracts to renewable and nuclear producers.

■Program aims to mobilize $10 billion in private‑sector investment.

Investment Appeal and Predictability

■Supported by HIT‑30 high‑tech investment calls.

■Incentive packages for data‑center and AI initiatives will be announced.

■Broad accreditation could open market to more players; narrow criteria could limit participation.

Market Reactions and Future Outlook

■The program was published in the Official Gazette on 18 August 2026 under the Turkey AI Action Plan.

■With the strengthening of AI infrastructure, related technology stocks on Borsa İstanbul may see increased activity.

■Low‑carbon contracts could positively impact the financial performance of renewable energy firms.

Turkey’s digital infrastructure strategy, by combining data‑center and AI investments, reduces cost barriers for entrepreneurs while providing a predictable revenue stream to the public sector. As accreditation criteria become clear, competition will intensify and new opportunities will emerge for investors.