Azerbaijan, Türkiye eye deeper cooperation in AI and data infrastructure

Azerbaijan and Türkiye could together become a digital hub supported by data infrastructure, Turkish Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü said.

According to Report, Gönüllü made the remarks during a panel discussion at the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026) in Baku.

He said Azerbaijan brings together its energy expertise, digital capabilities and strategic position connecting the South Caucasus with Central Asia.

"We need to bring together manufacturers, energy and logistics companies, researchers and technology entrepreneurs from both countries. Joint pilot projects could focus on predictive maintenance, quality infrastructure and energy efficiency, with clear targets for productivity and cost savings," he said.

Gönüllü noted that the presence of Bilişim Vadisi in Baku provides a practical foundation for such cooperation.

"We are also developing our national large language model, Bilge. Cooperation on AI-based Turkish and Azerbaijani language technologies could make digital services more useful and accessible for our peoples," he said.

Turning to regional digital infrastructure, Gönüllü highlighted the two countries' combined potential.

"Together, we can explore how Azerbaijan's energy capabilities and our complementary technological strengths can support regional digital infrastructure. Better digital connectivity along the Middle Corridor could help our companies serve customers in the South Caucasus, Central Asia and other regions," he said.

"Just as Azerbaijan and Türkiye are crossroads for energy and transport, together we can also become a digital hub through fiber-optic networks and data infrastructure. Our common goal should be to jointly develop solutions, demonstrate their value in our industries and take them to wider markets," he added.

Gönüllü also highlighted Türkiye's investment in high technology.

"Our HIT-30 program envisages $30 billion in support for high-tech investments, including artificial intelligence and data infrastructure. By 2030, we aim to quadruple our data center capacity from 250 MW to at least 1 GW," he said.

He added that Türkiye has also allocated $150 million to AI-focused venture capital funds to support the growth of technology ventures.