StartupBlink Announces Ankara as the Recipient of the Fastest Growing Startup Ecosystem in Türkiye’s Top 3 Award

Ankara Development Agency receives the award on behalf of the Ankara startup ecosystem

30 September 2026 — StartupBlink, a global innovation economy platform and research center, announces that Ankara, Türkiye, has received the Fastest Growing Startup Ecosystem in Türkiye’s Top 3 Award at the Startup Ecosystem Awards 2026 online event.

Ankara recorded ecosystem growth of 69.8% in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the highest rate among Türkiye’s three highest-ranked startup ecosystems. The city also climbed 38 places to 206th globally. Ankara is the only startup ecosystem in Türkiye to receive this recognition as part of the 2026 Startup Ecosystem Awards.

Ankara grew faster than İzmir, at 61.5%, and Istanbul, at 28.2%. The award recognizes Ankara’s momentum among the country’s leading startup ecosystems.

The Startup Ecosystem Awards recognize the achievements of startup ecosystems worldwide through StartupBlink’s research. The 2026 program featured an on-site ceremony at ICT Week Uzbekistan in Tashkent on 23 September, followed by the online awards event on 30 September.

About StartupBlink

StartupBlink is a global innovation economy platform and research center mapping and analyzing startup ecosystems worldwide. Its research helps governments, investors and ecosystem developers understand ecosystem performance, identify strengths and make informed decisions. Learn more at startupblink.com.