TEKNOFEST Jet Engine Design Competition

TEKNOFEST Jet Engine Design Competition is an engineering-based contest held within the scope of TEKNOFEST, Türkiye’s largest technology event, which focuses on aviation, space and technology. The competition aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of university students and recent graduates in gas turbine engine technologies for aviation and to encourage them to develop original and innovative solutions in this field.

The primary objective of the competition is to increase participants’ interest in aviation gas turbine engine technologies, equip them with theoretical and practical competencies in this domain, and contribute to Türkiye’s vision of developing indigenous engine technologies. The competition targets both students currently studying engineering disciplines and recent graduates who have not yet entered the engineering profession. Participants may submit only one design per team. Applications are accepted annually through the official TEKNOFEST website during designated dates.

^{TEKNOFEST Jet Engine Design Competition (Photo: T3 Foundation)}

The competition follows a multi-stage evaluation process. Each team must successfully complete the following steps:

1. Conceptual Design Report (CDR): A report presenting initial design concepts, theoretical foundations and system configurations.
2. Detailed Design Report (DDR): A comprehensive report including system details, engineering analyses, material selections, control algorithms and production plans.
3. Final Presentation: Teams present their designs technically to the jury, explaining the logic and feasibility of their solutions.
4. Rig Test: The designed combustion chamber or control unit is physically tested under specified criteria to evaluate performance.

The technical tests of the competition are conducted using infrastructure provided by TUSAŞ Motor Sanayii A.Ş. (TEI), Türkiye’s leading aviation engine manufacturer. Designs of winning teams are tested on TEI’s turbojet test infrastructure and exhibited during the TEKNOFEST event. The first-place team is announced publicly during the festival and awards are presented.

Eligibility for participation is as follows:

• Engineering students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s or doctoral programs at universities in Türkiye and abroad.
• Recent graduates from engineering programs who have not yet commenced professional engineering activities.
• Teams may consist of at least one member and up to a specified maximum number of members.
• Each team may submit only one design.

^{TEKNOFEST Jet Engine Design Competition (Photo: T3 Foundation)}

The Jet Engine Design Competition supports Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative vision by reducing dependence on foreign technologies in defense and aviation industries and promoting the development of indigenous and original engine systems. The competition aims to equip participants with technical knowledge and empower them to become key contributors in the design of future engine systems.

The TEKNOFEST Jet Engine Design Competition offers a unique opportunity for young engineering candidates interested in aviation and engine technologies. It enables participants to apply theoretical engineering knowledge in practice and gain hands-on experience testing their designs under real-world conditions. This competition plays an important role in Türkiye’s goal of achieving indigenous and national engine technologies and continues to grow in popularity each year.