The Artificial Intelligence Summit 24 was organized by BTK Academy in collaboration with Google Turkey and the Entrepreneurship Foundation.
The program, which addressed the future of artificial intelligence, its sectoral applications, and innovative solutions, was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Chairman of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, academics, sector representatives, entrepreneurs, and numerous students.
In his speech, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan stated that artificial intelligence technologies are shaping the future of humanity.
Noting that artificial intelligence has become visible in the last 15-20 years but its foundations date back much further, Sayan said, “The history of artificial intelligence goes back to Alan Turing, who is considered the father of computer science. Conceptually, the term ‘artificial intelligence’ was first used at a workshop attended by important scientists in 1956. The history of automation, which lies at the core of artificial intelligence, extends back to Ford and the Industrial Revolution.”
Pointing out that Chat GPT, one of the most popular artificial intelligence applications, reached 1 million users in 5 days, which is a record, Sayan stated, “AI-based technologies will turn into a 16 trillion dollar pie worldwide by 2030, which is 14 times our country's 2023 GDP. The ultimate goal of artificial intelligence is to reach consciousness at or above human level. The most recent estimate in this regard is that there is a 50% chance of reaching human-level intelligent AI within two years. The parameters used by artificial intelligence are increasing, making it smarter every moment."
Deputy Minister Sayan: It's Now the Era of Those Who Use Artificial Intelligence
Emphasizing that, like every technology, human beings are at the core of artificial intelligence technology, Sayan said, “It's now the era of those who use artificial intelligence, no matter what their job is. In this sense, BTK Academy, which was established during my tenure as chairman and is progressing very well with the support of our BTK Chairman Mr. Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, is successfully fulfilling a great mission with the trainings it provides. There are friends who have become professionals under the roof of BTK Academy with the trainings offered. Go in, look, choose a training suitable for you, and develop yourself.”
Also touching on the importance of domestic and national technologies, Sayan concluded his speech by saying, “In line with the vision drawn by our President as ‘Century of Turkey’, ‘Digital Turkey’, and ‘National Technology Initiative’, there are targets to produce, develop, and use all technologies, including artificial intelligence. On the public side, we are making every effort and work in terms of regulation.”
Chairman Karagözoğlu: We Continue to Increase Our AI-Supported Projects
BTK Chairman Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu also drew attention to the rapid growth of the global artificial intelligence sector in his speech.
Karagözoğlu said, “It is projected that the global AI sector, expected to reach 250 billion USD by 2024, will reach an economic size of 1.8 trillion dollars by 2030. Today, artificial intelligence is used across a wide range from health services to customer services, marketing and sales to high-tech production, enabling the transformation of sectors.”
Noting that the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence technologies have the potential to transform the future of public services as well, Karagözoğlu said, “According to TÜİK's 2023 data, 18.5% of businesses with 250 or more employees in our country benefit from artificial intelligence technologies. In addition, 17 projects supported by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM make significant contributions to the artificial intelligence ecosystem. In the 2023 Government AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insight, Turkey ranks 47th among 193 countries and 2nd among South and Central Asian countries.”
Stating that the rapid advancement of technology affects every area of life and brings new security risks with it, Karagözoğlu said that artificial intelligence and cybersecurity have become two integrated fundamental elements.
Chairman Karagözoğlu: USOM Detected Over 97 Thousand Malicious Links
Stating that as the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, they prefer domestic and national solutions in cybersecurity, Karagözoğlu said, "AI-supported software such as AVCI, AZAD, KASIRGA, and ATMACA used in our National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) successfully conduct real-time threat monitoring and response processes. This year, USOM has detected over 97 thousand malicious links, intervened, and informed relevant institutions regarding over 12 thousand cybersecurity notifications. These efforts have positioned Turkey as a 'role model' country in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index and written a success story with a perfect score of 100." He concluded his speech with these words.
At the summit, awards were presented to the participants who ranked in the Datathon and Hackathon competitions.