Updated: 8 October 2026
Introduction
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a future prospect. It is already changing business productivity, service quality and competitiveness. From intelligent customer support to sales analysis and supply chain management, companies that start early with the right use cases can gain a meaningful advantage.
Türkiye has also made AI a national priority. Presidential Circular No. 2026/9, published in the Official Gazette on 18 August 2026, sets out the implementation framework for the Türkiye AI Action Plan (2026–2030). The plan provides a roadmap for government, industry, universities and the private sector.
In this article, VALA Business Academy draws on official Turkish sources to explain the opportunities for companies and foreign investors, alongside the legal considerations involved in using AI in Türkiye.
What is the Türkiye AI Action Plan?
Coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the plan was developed with contributions from public bodies, businesses, universities and civil society. It builds on the achievements of the National AI Strategy for 2021–2025.
Its ambition is for Türkiye to develop, produce, export and responsibly govern AI, as well as use it. The approach emphasises human wellbeing, trustworthiness, ethical responsibility, digital sovereignty and sustainable development.
The plan has four main pillars:
- Fark Et — Build awareness: Improve public AI literacy, train specialists, expand access to public datasets and develop a legal and ethical framework.
- İstifade Et — Put AI to use: Strengthen computing infrastructure and data centres, and support sustainable AI adoption in public services and businesses.
- Üret — Create: Finance startups and research, develop domestic models and turn ideas into marketable products.
- Yönet — Govern: Attract investment, strengthen international cooperation and improve AI security and governance.
The circular calls on the public bodies covered by the plan to fulfil their responsibilities. The Ministry of Industry and Technology provides the official publication address for the plan.
Opportunities for companies and foreign investors
For businesses, the plan provides a framework for following new support mechanisms and market opportunities. The main measures envisaged include:
- AI vouchers for SMEs: More affordable access to technology, particularly in healthcare, energy and smart manufacturing.
- The Herkes İçin GPU programme — GPU for Everyone: Easier access to advanced computing resources for startups, SMEs and researchers, without major upfront infrastructure investment.
- AI growth zones: Rapid prototyping environments for businesses and researchers, alongside campuses with energy and digital infrastructure prepared for investors.
- Funding mechanisms: The National AI Research Fund and AI Growth Fund are intended to support research and startup development.
- Government as an early customer: Public bodies are expected to become initial users and reference customers for successful domestic AI solutions, potentially opening new markets for companies operating in Türkiye.
These mechanisms may help foreign investors establishing companies in Türkiye reduce the cost of entering the market. However, incorporation alone does not create an entitlement to support. Implementation timelines, application requirements and the eligibility of foreign-owned companies must be checked against each responsible institution’s official call.
Legal requirements: Personal data protection under KVKK
One of the main legal foundations for using AI in Türkiye is Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698, commonly known as KVKK. The law is technology-neutral: processing personal data through AI systems also falls within its relevant provisions.
Türkiye’s Personal Data Protection Authority has published recommendations on personal data protection in AI and a guide to generative AI and personal data protection organised around 15 questions. Businesses should pay particular attention to:
- Establishing a lawful basis for processing before entering customer or employee information into AI tools.
- Reviewing international data transfers and the applicable transfer mechanism, since many AI services operate on servers outside Türkiye.
- Providing the required information to individuals whose data is processed and keeping processing activities transparent.
- Applying appropriate technical and organisational security measures, with contracts that clearly allocate data processing and security responsibilities to service providers.
Developing an AI-specific legal and ethical framework is also among the action plan’s objectives. Businesses should regularly monitor both existing requirements and new regulations.
Practical applications of AI in business
You do not need a large transformation project to get started. Many companies begin with one or two focused applications and expand as they assess the results:
- Customer service: Conversational assistants that answer common questions in multiple languages, including Turkish, Persian and English.
- Data analysis and forecasting: Examining sales trends, customer behaviour and inventory needs to support better decisions.
- Digital marketing: Drafting content, analysing campaigns and adapting messages to different audiences.
- Trade and supply chains: Assisting with import and export documentation, order tracking and supplier comparisons.
- Administrative and finance tasks: Summarising documents, translating correspondence and automating internal reporting.
In every use case, a person should review AI outputs before they are used. This is particularly important for legal, tax and customs matters.
How can VALA Business Academy help?
Drawing on experience in Turkish commercial and legal processes and international trade, VALA Business Academy supports your adoption of AI through:
- Needs assessment: Identifying the processes where AI could have the greatest impact on your business.
- Tool selection and implementation: Advising on suitable solutions and their integration into existing workflows.
- Legal compliance review: Assessing data use under KVKK in collaboration with the legal team.
- Guidance on public support: Monitoring official calls associated with the action plan and reviewing your company’s eligibility.
If you operate a company in Türkiye or are planning an investment, book a consultation with VALA to explore the options that fit your business.