StartupIstanbul is a networking event that hosts more than 1,000 attendees including founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors from all around the region and Europe. Organized by Turkish startup accelerator Etohum, the conference is taking place beginning today at Lutfi Kirdar Congress Center, in Istanbul.

A mentorship and training program for startups called Startup Challenge was held last week, where 100 selected startups will gather in Istanbul and meet mentors from US and Europe to receive intensive training at Microsoft's Istanbul offices. Yesterday, startups pitched to the jury and 20 of them will have a place on stage at the Startup Istanbul event today to all VCs and angel investors.

To learn more about the competition check out their website.