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Uber to invest $200 mln in Turkey technology centre, ministry says
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Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 6:20 GMT by reuters.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Uber Announces $200 Million Investment in Turkey’s New Technology Hub
On 31 October 2025, the Reuters‑reported news that Uber would pour $200 million into a technology centre in Turkey marked a significant milestone for both the ride‑hailing giant and the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The investment, announced by the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, is set to transform the region’s digital landscape, create jobs, and cement Turkey’s status as a regional innovation hub.
The Deal at a Glance
Uber’s new project will be housed in a sprawling technology centre located in Istanbul’s rapidly developing Akçakoca district, near the Istanbul Tech Park and the newly opened “Beyazıt Digital Hub.” The funding will support the construction of state‑of‑the‑art data‑centre infrastructure, research laboratories, and co‑working spaces designed to attract both local startups and international firms.
According to the Ministry, the $200 million will be allocated across several key initiatives:
- AI and Machine‑Learning Research – Development of predictive analytics for ridesharing logistics, dynamic pricing models, and autonomous vehicle testing.
- Cyber‑Security and Data Governance – Implementation of robust data‑protection protocols compliant with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK).
- Talent Development – Scholarships, internship programmes, and partnership with Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Koç University to create a pipeline of skilled engineers and data scientists.
- Local Startup Ecosystem – Incubation support and venture‑capital matchmaking for promising Turkish tech ventures.
Uber will also collaborate with Turkish telecommunications giant Turkcell and local hardware manufacturer Tüpraş Elektronik to build the physical infrastructure needed for high‑speed connectivity.
Voices from Both Sides
Uber’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Elena Ramirez, speaking at the press event, emphasised the company’s long‑term vision for Turkey. “Our commitment to investing in Turkey goes beyond expanding our rider base,” she said. “We want to build the foundation of the future of urban mobility, ensuring our platforms are powered by local talent and technology.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Industry and Technology Faruk Çelik praised Uber’s contribution. “This partnership is a testament to Turkey’s attractiveness as a technology destination. We are delighted to welcome Uber’s investment, which will strengthen our digital economy and foster innovation across the region,” Çelik told reporters.
Why Turkey Matters
Turkey’s strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, combined with a youthful, tech‑savvy population, has positioned it as a rising star in the global digital economy. In 2024, the country’s startup scene grew by 30 %, attracting over $500 million in venture‑capital funding. The government has also launched the “Digital Turkey” initiative, aiming to increase internet penetration to 95 % by 2030 and to expand cloud‑computing infrastructure.
Uber’s investment aligns with these national priorities by:
- Stimulating Employment – Project estimates predict the creation of roughly 1,200 new jobs in engineering, data science, and operations over a five‑year horizon.
- Enhancing Digital Literacy – Through university partnerships, the centre will offer workshops and coding bootcamps aimed at high‑school students and young professionals.
- Driving Sustainable Mobility – The research labs will test electric‑vehicle integration and energy‑efficient routing algorithms that could reduce Turkey’s transportation carbon footprint.
Complementary Efforts and Historical Context
Uber’s presence in Turkey began in 2013 with its ride‑hailing service, which quickly captured market share amid intense competition from local rivals such as BiTaksi. In 2018, Uber acquired a 24.9 % stake in local company Gett’s Turkish operations, further consolidating its position.
This latest $200 million push is part of a broader trend of multinational tech firms investing in Turkey. In 2023, Microsoft announced a $100 million investment in Istanbul’s “Microsoft Innovation Center,” while Google pledged $50 million for the “Google Data Lab” in Ankara. Together, these projects signal a regional shift toward localized innovation rather than reliance on off‑shore data centres.
The Broader Impact on the Gig Economy
While Uber’s primary focus is the technology centre, the investment carries implications for Turkey’s gig economy. By embedding advanced analytics and AI into its operational stack, Uber aims to improve safety, reduce wait times, and optimise driver earnings. This could set new industry standards for gig workers, who currently earn an average of 2 % less than their Western counterparts.
In addition, the partnership with Turkcell will allow Uber to pilot “5G‑enabled autonomous vehicle trials” on Turkish roads, potentially paving the way for a nationwide network of self‑driving taxis by the late 2030s.
Where to Find More
For readers interested in deeper technical details, Uber’s official press release on the investment can be accessed at https://www.uber.com/en-us/press/releases/uber-invest-200-mln-turkey-technology-centre/. The Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology has posted a comprehensive report detailing the project’s milestones and regulatory framework at https://www.ticaret.gov.tr/en/industry-technology/uber-tech-centre-2025.
The original Reuters article, providing the initial announcement and a snapshot of key quotes, remains available for reference: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uber-invest-200-mln-turkey-technology-centre-ministry-says-2025-10-31/.
Looking Ahead
Uber’s $200 million pledge is more than a headline; it represents a commitment to shaping Turkey’s digital future. By investing in talent, infrastructure, and research, Uber and the Turkish government are forging a partnership that could influence the trajectory of technology development for years to come. Whether the centre will become a magnet for global AI firms or a launchpad for domestic innovation remains to be seen, but the foundations have already been laid, signaling a new era of collaboration between a global tech giant and an ambitious nation.
Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uber-invest-200-mln-turkey-technology-centre-ministry-says-2025-10-31/ ]
