The “Zonguldak Artificial Intelligence Summit,” organized by Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), was held at the Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center on the Farabi campus. By bringing together significant names, sector representatives, and academics in the field of artificial intelligence, the summit created a platform to strengthen university-industry collaboration.
BEUN Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, Zonguldak Provincial Director of Industry and Technology, Metin Vural, academics, founders and representatives of companies focused on AI, and students attended the opening ceremony. The program started with a moment of silence for our honored martyrs and singing of the National Anthem.
Ömer Faruk Demirci, a student at the Department of Computer Engineering at BEUN and the president of the Karaelmas Artificial Intelligence Club, gave the opening speech. Demirci stated, “We are glad to share our excitement for technology, innovation, and science with industry representatives.” After giving a short briefing on artificial intelligence, Demirci extended his gratitude particularly to the BEUN Rector, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who supported them in the organization of the program, and faculty members, club members, those who contributed to the program, and attendees.
The Collaboration between the University and Industry Will Strengthen
Research Assistant Murat Varol, faculty member of the BEUN Department of Computer Engineering and Advisor of Karaelmas Artificial Intelligence Club, stated that the summit hosted by Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University holds significance. Wishing that the industry representatives and academics would make collaborations, being together in this summit, Varol expressed his thanks to the BEUN Rector, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who contributed to the organization of the event, and the Zonguldak Provincial Directorate of Industry and Technology.
In his speech, Zonguldak Provincial Director of Industry and Technology, Metin Vural, stated that initiatives in the field of AI have a big potential for regional industry. Emphasizing the significance of new projects carried out in cooperation between the university and the industry, Vural said, “This summit is a new start for Zonguldak. It will open new doors to new fields from production to innovation.” Conveying his thanks to those who contributed to the organization of the event, Vural wished that this event would be beneficial for everyone.
Prof. Dr. Karasu: “Artificial Intelligence is A Source of Power That Shapes Our Future”
The last speaker of the opening program was Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu. Prof. Dr. Karasu emphasized that artificial intelligence is at the center of one of the most significant transformations of humanity as well as technology, and added:
“We are here to talk about how AI shapes the fast-evolving world. AI is not just a tool; it is a source of power that shapes our future. Highlighting that the summit provides a perspective from entrepreneurship and ethical discussions to data security and sectoral applications, Karasu said, “I hope this summit will provide us with new ideas and strong collaborations. I extend my thanks to the BEUN Rector, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who contributed to the organization of the event, and Zonguldak Provincial Director of Industry and Technology, Metin Vural, those who contributed to the program and all attendees.”
Following the opening speeches, contributing participants were presented with a certificate of appreciation. The program concluded with a commemorative photo.
