Everything people ask before their first deep dive

The community

What is The Turquoise Dot?

The Turquoise Dot is Singapore's Turkish and Turkic tech and research community. It was founded in Singapore in December 2025 and runs free, in-person deep-tech events roughly every quarter, each on a single topic, at a different venue across the city.

Is it only for Turkish people?

No. Events are open to everyone. Turkish and Turkic students, researchers, academics, founders and professionals are the core of the community, and the local deep-tech ecosystem around them is equally welcome. Nobody is asked where they are from at the door.

Do I need to speak Turkish?

No. All talks and Q&A are in English. Turkish is spoken over tea afterwards by those who want to.

Is there a membership? Do I need to join?

There is no formal membership and nothing to sign up for beyond registering for an event you want to attend. Following the community on LinkedIn or subscribing on Luma is enough to hear about everything.

Is The Turquoise Dot a registered organisation?

Registration as a Society in Singapore is under way as of 2026. Until it completes, the community operates informally and is run by volunteers, and the sponsors page collects expressions of interest rather than formal agreements.

Attending

Is it free?

Yes. Every event is free to attend, including refreshments. There is no membership fee and nothing to pay at the door. Events will stay free for attendees even once the community takes on partners and sponsors.

How often are events held?

Roughly every quarter, so about four a year. Each one goes deep on a single deep-tech topic rather than covering several.

Where are the events held?

Venues rotate across Singapore on purpose: universities, research institutes and startup offices. So far the community has met at SMU Connexion, at Illinois ARCS in CREATE Tower, and at Infuse Theatre in Fusionopolis.

How do I register?

Registration for every event runs through Luma at luma.com/TurquoiseDot. Seats are limited by the venue, and popular events have sold out, so registering early helps.

What actually happens at a deep dive?

Refreshments and introductions first, then a main talk from a researcher, a second or lightning talk from industry, and open Q&A. Afterwards there is networking over Turkish tea. The whole evening runs about two and a half hours and starts in the early evening so people can come after work.

Who has spoken at past events?

Speakers have come from A*STAR, Illinois ARCS, Dyson, the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, dConstruct Robotics, OmniVision and Tosba Tech. The second event opened with remarks by H.E. Sadık Arslan, Ambassador of Türkiye to Singapore. Every event has its own page with the full programme.

How do I hear about the next event?

Events are announced on LinkedIn first, then opened for registration on Luma, then posted on X. Subscribing to the Luma calendar at luma.com/TurquoiseDot is the most reliable way to be notified.

Are photos taken at events?

Yes, photos and occasionally short video clips are taken and published on this site and on social media. Anyone who does not want to appear can say so at the door or write afterwards and the image will be removed. The privacy notice sets out how this works.

Taking part

Can I propose a talk?

Yes. Write to turquoisedotsg@gmail.com with the topic, roughly what you would argue, and which of your results or field experience it draws on. Talks from researchers and from practitioners are equally welcome.

Can my university, institute or company host an event?

Yes, and hosts are actively sought. A host provides a room for an evening and, ideally, one speaker. Write to turquoisedotsg@gmail.com. Past hosts include the SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Illinois ARCS and A*STAR.

Can my company sponsor the community?

Partnership interest for 2027 is being gathered now. There are four routes in: annual partner, event sponsor, venue host, or in-kind support such as catering, speaker travel or printing. Details are on the sponsors page.

Can I help run the community?

Yes. The core team is small and expanding. Write to turquoisedotsg@gmail.com with a line about what you would like to take on.