Author: AKGD

The AI4YE – Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurs Project, carried out under the European Union Erasmus+ programme, continues to support the active participation of young people in the digital transformation process. Within this framework, the project team visited the Efeler Municipality Digital Youth Center (DİGEM) in March and held important meetings.

During the visit, detailed information was obtained about the “Today’s Youth, Future Professions Project”, implemented with the financing of the European Union in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye. The main objective of the project is to enhance young people’s technology-oriented skills, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and support them in producing innovative ideas that contribute to smart city solutions.

It was observed that the training programmes offered within the Digital Youth Center largely align with the objectives of the AI4YE project. In particular, the trainings provided in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, software development, digital marketing play a significant role in preparing young entrepreneurs for the professions of the future.

As part of the visit, a meeting was held with Efeler Municipality Project Officer Onur Nazili, where comprehensive information was received regarding the training opportunities, certification processes, and the advantages offered to young people at the center. In addition, potential collaboration opportunities with such institutions, where young people can develop their digital skills, were also evaluated.

Within DİGEM, free training programmes are offered to young people aged 18–29, while robotics coding and Scratch courses for the 6–14 age group aim to build digital awareness at an early age. Participants who successfully complete the programme are awarded certificates approved by the European Union and UNDP.

The AI4YE project team stated that the knowledge and experience gained from this visit will contribute significantly to the development of content and guidance materials designed for young entrepreneurs. Within the scope of the project, it is considered highly important for young people to be aware of such opportunities and to actively benefit from them.

In this context, all young people who wish to improve their digital skills are invited to explore the training programmes offered by the Digital Youth Center.

The visibility of our AI4YE project continues to grow day by day. Our field research and international mobility have been featured in local media and published in three different newspapers, attracting significant attention.

Following these publications, many of our followers expressed their excitement and eagerness for one of our key project outputs, the Practical Guidance. This strong interest clearly shows that the project responds to a real and current need.

📌 You can access the news content and published articles via the links below:

🔗 https://www.haberinioku.com.tr/yapay-zeka-girisimciligi-donusturuyor/261691
🔗 https://www.egehurbakis.com/izmir-den-avrupa-ya-guclu-mesaj/209318/
🔗 https://www.egitimrotasi.com/izmir-den-avrupa-ya-yapay-zeka-raporu/7702/

Press Release

AI4YE projemizin görünürlüğü her geçen gün artmaya devam ediyor. Saha araştırmamız ve uluslararası hareketliliğimiz, yerel basında haber olarak yer aldı ve 3 farklı gazetede yayınlandı. Bu haberler beklediğimizin de ötesinde bir ilgi gördü.
Özellikle paylaşımlar sonrasında birçok takipçimiz, proje çıktılarımızdan biri olan Practical Guidance için sabırsızlandıklarını ifade etti. Bu durum, projenin gerçek bir ihtiyaca karşılık verdiğini bir kez daha ortaya koydu.
📌 Haber metnine ve yayınlanan içeriklere aşağıdaki linklerden ulaşabilirsiniz:
🔗 https://www.haberinioku.com.tr/yapay-zeka-girisimciligi-donusturuyor/261691
🔗 https://www.egehurbakis.com/izmir-den-avrupa-ya-guclu-mesaj/209318/
🔗 https://www.egitimrotasi.com/izmir-den-avrupa-ya-yapay-zeka-raporu/7702/

On 26 March 2026, we presented the results of our field research on young entrepreneurs and artificial intelligence to approximately 20 vocational high school teachers, administrators and technicians.
We presented the results to teachers who primarily work with final-year students on electrical and electronics programmes. The teachers found the results very interesting. They said that they had learned a lot and were surprised by how much AI had advanced. The presentation concluded with a Q&A session.

We are now sharing these results with other interested stakeholders. This research was conducted in Izmir through face-to-face interviews, online discussions and surveys with 20 young entrepreneurs.

AI4YE is an Erasmus+ KA210 Youth Project. And the research was conducted as part of the AI4YE Project.

You can see the results : https://www.akgd.org/ai4ye-projesi-izmirde-saha-arastirmasi or/and www.ai4ye.online

Between 2–4 March 2026, the 3rd international mobility of the AI4YE (Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurs) project was successfully carried out in Fuerteventura, Spain.

With the participation of project partners from Türkiye, Italy, and Spain, this mobility proved to be highly productive in terms of evaluating the project progress, reviewing field research, and planning future strategic steps.

International Collaboration & Intensive Program

Throughout the three-day program, partners came together to thoroughly discuss ongoing project activities. The first day started with teambuilding activities, allowing participants to connect and strengthen collaboration.

This was followed by partner presentations, where each organization shared its contributions and perspectives, providing a comprehensive overview of the project.

Evaluation of Project Process and Outputs

During the meetings:

• The current status and progress of the project were evaluated
• Field research findings were analyzed
• Project outputs were reviewed in detail
• Work was carried out on the Practical Guidance content

In addition, important decisions were taken regarding the project timeline and dissemination strategies.

Trainings & Workshops

A workshop titled “Innovation in NGOs” was conducted, offering participants new insights into the role of artificial intelligence and innovation in the non-profit sector.

Participants also had the opportunity to visit:

• Drone centers
• Schools
• Tourism-focused AI companies
• Innovation hubs

These activities enriched the learning experience and connected theory with real-life applications.

On-Site Learning & Study Visits

The institutional visits carried out during the mobility enabled participants to observe different practices on-site, strengthening the practical impact of the project outputs.

Strategic Planning & Next Steps

A significant part of the meetings focused on the future of the project:

• Budget reviews were conducted
• Coordination among partners was strengthened
• Clear decisions were made to define the roadmap for the upcoming period

Daily reflection sessions helped consolidate learning outcomes and align future goals.

A Strong Step Forward

This third mobility of the AI4YE project further reinforced cooperation among partners and enabled joint decision-making on key aspects of the project.

The meeting marked an important step forward in exploring new opportunities in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.

• This project is co-funded by the European Union.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept — it is already shaping how businesses operate, how students learn and how new ideas are developed. Around the world, AI tools are being integrated into daily work processes, strategic decision-making and entrepreneurship education.

Recent data shows that more than 80% of enterprise leaders now use generative AI tools regularly in their organizations. This indicates that AI is no longer experimental — it is becoming a core business instrument.

Research in entrepreneurship education also highlights that AI tools significantly enhance creative problem-solving, idea generation and self-confidence among learners. In other words, AI does not replace entrepreneurial thinking — it strengthens it.

For young entrepreneurs, this transformation creates both opportunities and responsibilities.

That is why AI4YE integrates Artificial Intelligence into its project activities. Our aim is not simply to introduce AI tools, but to help young people understand how these tools can help them.

To respond to this need, AI4YE:

• Conducts current situation analyses on AI and entrepreneurship
• Researches best practices and successful international examples
• Organizes workshops and information sessions
• Carries out field research with students and young entrepreneurs
• Develops a Practical Guidance for Young Entrepreneurs on AI

Our Practical Guidance aims to translate complex AI developments into clear, applicable and understandable steps. At the same time, AI4YE integrates discussions on responsible and ethical AI use. Topics such as data privacy, transparency and fairness are part of our workshops and materials. We believe innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility.

By combining research, field work, workshops and practical resources, AI4YE builds a bridge between AI developments and youth entrepreneurship.

Our goal is simple:

To ensure that young entrepreneurs are not left behind in the AI transformation — but become active participants in it.

Company Visit to OKT Trailer within the Scope of the AI4YE Project

As part of the AI4YE Erasmus+ project, a field visit was carried out to OKT Trailer, a manufacturing company based in Aydın. Founded in 1981 as a small workshop, the company now operates with over 250 employees and combines decades of experience with innovative, tech-driven approaches to reach international markets.

During the visit, it was observed that the company actively integrates AI-based systems into its production and decision-making processes. These systems ensure that critical information—such as technical documentation, regulations, and procedures—can be accessed quickly and summarized efficiently, significantly improving operational performance.

AI-supported data is verified through multiple sources before decisions are made, increasing the accuracy, safety, and reliability of operations. By using advanced AI tools for analysis, modeling, and recommendations, the company not only accelerates its reporting processes but also enhances the quality and depth of its strategic insights.

Rather than treating AI as a secondary tool, OKT Trailer adopts it as a core component of its production and management philosophy. This forward-thinking integration of AI serves as a powerful example for young entrepreneurs looking to embrace digital transformation and intelligent innovation.

AI4YE Project Company Visit: UNT Laser Cutting & UV Printing Studio

As part of the AI4YE Erasmus+ project, a field visit was conducted to UNT Laser Cutting & UV Printing Studio, a local business based in İzmir.

The company actively integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into various stages of its workflow, from production to online sales. During the design process, AI-powered tools are used to generate original and creative products. On digital sales platforms, the business leverages AI for data analysis and content suggestions, which helps boost product visibility and appeal.

The products photographed during the visit were all designed with the support of AI and are currently available for purchase. By adopting AI technologies, the company saves time and strengthens its position in the competitive digital market.

This visit highlights an inspiring example of how young entrepreneurs can utilize AI to enhance business processes and drive innovation.

#AI4YE #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #DigitalTransformation #ErasmusPlus #YoungEntrepreneurs #SmartManufacturing #IzmirStartups #AIinBusiness #TechForYouth #AIDrivenDesign #UVPrinting #LaserCutting

AI4YE Information Session Held!

On September 24th, we held an online meeting where we provided information to 11 young entrepreneurs about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship. The session focused on AI applications in data analysis, advertising, technology, and social media. We also introduced several AI tools and collected insights from the participants.

Our project continues to inspire young entrepreneurs to integrate AI more effectively into the digital world.

www.ai4ye.com

#AI4YE#YoungEntrepreneurs#ArtificialIntelligence#ErasmusPlus

@cultural_development_assoc @ai_for_young_entrepreneurship_ @amanayasociacion @euroformaz @asociacionamanay

A Meeting Was Held Under the AI4YE Project

On January 14, 2026, an informative and interactive meeting was held with the participation of 40 university preparatory students.

The meeting covered future careers, entrepreneurship, and the impact of artificial intelligence on careers. Participants were provided with comprehensive information on how artificial intelligence is transforming the business world and professions in the digital transformation process.

In addition, the AI4YE (AI for Young Entrepreneurship) Project, focused on young entrepreneurs and artificial intelligence, was introduced, and assessments were made on how young people can position themselves in the age of artificial intelligence, what skills they will need, and how they can play an active role in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

This meeting raised awareness among students and contributed to helping them consciously shape their future career plans.

Preparing for the future starts with the right information.

On December 7, 2025, a productive and inspiring meeting was held with the participation of 30 university students.

The meeting provided information on youth entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the AI4YE (AI for Young Entrepreneurs) Project. Together with the participants, the discussion covered how artificial intelligence can be turned into an opportunity for young people, the future of innovative ideas, and the role of young people in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

This meeting provided an interactive environment where students could ask questions, share their ideas, and gain awareness about AI-based entrepreneurship. The meeting emphasized the importance of empowering young people with knowledge, vision, and skills in the age of digital transformation.

Empowering young people means building the future together.