The Artificial Intelligence Summit '25, organized by BTK Academy in collaboration with Google Turkey and the Entrepreneurship Foundation, took place under the auspices of the Information Technologies and Communication Institution.
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 Institution Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, academics, sector representatives, entrepreneurs, and numerous students.
Speaking at the summit, Deputy Minister Sayan stated that humanity is experiencing one of the most exciting periods in history, saying, “We are in an era where machines learn, algorithms make decisions, and robots speak. Technology, the product of the human mind, is now building its own intelligence.”
Emphasizing that artificial intelligence is no longer confined to laboratories and plays an active role in every aspect of daily life, Sayan said, “From systems in Japan that detect stroke symptoms in seconds, to sensor technologies in the US that reduce chemical use in agriculture by 60%; from drones in Kenya protecting wildlife, to factories in China making production autonomous—artificial intelligence is everywhere now.”
Stating that artificial intelligence has evolved into a technology that learns human habits and predicts behaviors, Sayan remarked, “I believe artificial intelligence is now a new member of our family. Approximately 380 million people worldwide use AI-based tools. In Turkey, one in every five people actively uses generative AI tools, and 40% of them are young people.”
Highlighting the importance of developing artificial intelligence domestically and nationally, Sayan cited Kumru, the domestic large language model developed by Turkish engineers, saying, “We want to produce AIs that think in our language and understand our culture. This is not just technology; it is also a matter of culture.”
Deputy Minister Sayan: 5G and Artificial Intelligence Are Two Heroes of the Same Story
Stating that a strong communication infrastructure is essential for the development of artificial intelligence, Sayan emphasized that the 5G tender held on October 16, 2025, opened a new page in Turkey's digital transformation journey.
“As of April 1, 2026, we will bring 5G technology to our citizens. However, for us, transitioning to 5G is not just about speed; it is the goal of bringing technology developed with domestic and national capabilities to life,” he said.
Drawing attention to BTK Academy's pioneering role in this field, Sayan said, “BTK Academy has opened doors of employment for thousands of young people through its trainings. Don't wait for school desks; develop yourselves—learn coding, software, and artificial intelligence. Because those who use information and communication technologies get one step ahead; but those who produce it get a hundred steps ahead.”
Sayan concluded his speech by saying, “The 21st century will be the age of skills, not diplomas. Critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, productivity, and thinking together with artificial intelligence are now the language of this era. Our doors are wide open to everyone who wants to contribute to our country's digital future and says, 'I am here too.'”
Chairman Karagözoğlu: With BTK Academy, We Provide Thousands of Trainings to Our Youth in Every Field of Technology
Speaking at the program, Chairman of the Information Technologies and Communication Institution Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu also expressed that artificial intelligence increases efficiency in every sector, reduces errors, and unlocks new potential.
Stating that the youth should be the generation that not only uses technology but also shapes, manages, and sets ethical boundaries, Karagözoğlu said, “If you ask how to do this, the answer is clear: With BTK Academy. We established BTK Academy with exactly this vision. And we're glad we did. Through our BTK Academy, we provide thousands of trainings in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software, data science, and communication technologies so that you, the youth, can step into the future equipped, strong, and aware.”
Emphasizing that cybersecurity should be seen not only as a technical issue but as a matter of national consciousness, Karagözoğlu said, “Under the BTK umbrella, our National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) is building a broad defense network; we protect our country's digital borders 24/7.”
Stating that BTK aims to create a secure and national digital future, Karagözoğlu concluded his speech by saying, “With the Turkey Century vision, we are building the century of the digital, knowledge, and technology. One of the cornerstones of this vision, the National Technology Initiative, is today turning Turkey into a country that not only uses technology but produces, develops, and exports it.”
Following the speeches, awards were presented to the winners of the Datathon and Hackathon by protocol members.