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(00)(Fourth edition — 2026)© 2026

Think. Build. Lead.

(01)(About)© 2026

About

(Fourth edition — 2026)

(Fintech and Artificial Intelligence)

TECHFEST, now in its fourth edition, focuses on Fintech and Artificial Intelligence, highlighting innovations driving the future of business and technology. Held under the auspices of His Excellency Mr. Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, TECHFEST provides a platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to connect, collaborate, and expand their impact. Founded in 2019, TECHFEST has grown into Iraq's leading youth-driven technology and innovation event, hosted annually at the Sulaymaniyah International Fairground.

(02)(Date & time)© 2026

(Date & time)

1 Sept 2026—3 Sept 2026

9 AM — 6 PM

Opens · 8 AM

Closes · 6 PM

(03)(Location)© 2026

Sulaymaniyah International Fairground

Sulaymaniyah International Fairground, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Open in Google Maps

(03)(TECHFEST in numbers)© 2026

TECHFEST in numbers

A snapshot of the scale and impact you can expect.

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(Attendees)

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(Speakers)

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(Workshops)

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(Innovations)

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(Exhibitors)

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(Startups)

(04)(Speakers)© 2026

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Speakers

Sara Ahmed

Sara Ahmed

Fintech researcher working on inclusive digital payments in Iraq.

(01)
Karwan Ali

Karwan Ali

AI engineer building Arabic and Kurdish language models.

(02)
Layla Hassan

Layla Hassan

Founder of a Sulaymaniyah startup in applied AI for SMEs.

(03)
Omar Nuri

Omar Nuri

Product lead helping banks ship safer digital services.

(04)

(05)(Our Sponsors)© 2026

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Our Sponsors

(07)(Agenda)© 2026

Agenda

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

  1. 09:00

    Opening ceremony

    Welcome remarks and the official opening of TECHFEST 2026. Dates are placeholders until the public announcement.

  2. 10:30

    Fintech keynote

    How digital payments and open banking can grow the regional economy.

  3. 13:00

    AI workshop

    Hands-on session building small language tools for Kurdish and Arabic.

Thursday, 16 April 2026

  1. 10:00

    Startup pitch hour

    Selected teams pitch projects to mentors and visitors.

  2. 16:00

    Networking close

    Meet exhibitors, speakers, and other builders before day two wraps.

(08)(Apply)© 2026

Have an idea?

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT

Got an idea or innovation? TECHFEST 2026 welcomes everyone. No matter your age, gender, location, nationality, or background. Showcase your project for free and connect with the world's brightest minds.

(10)(FAQ)© 2026

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FAQ

001Is TECHFEST free?

Yes. Entry is free and inclusive. Project submissions are also free.

002Where is the venue?

Sulaymaniyah International Fairground. ISU airport is a few minutes away.

003When is TECHFEST 2026?

The official date will be announced soon on this website.

004How do I submit a project?

Register, open the application form, and send your answers. Admins review submissions in the panel.

005Is parking available?

Yes. On-site parking is available. Taxis and ride apps also serve the fairground.

006Which languages are supported?

English, Kurdish (Sorani), and Arabic.