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After two years of research, activities, international cooperation and learning, the AI4YE – Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurship project is reaching its final stage.

As the Turkish partner, Aydın Cultural Development Association (AKGD) has been involved in AI4YE from its first steps. During this journey, we worked with young people, entrepreneurs, students, teachers, companies, public institutions and other organisations. We carried out field research, organised workshops and meetings, visited companies and innovation centres, participated in international activities and helped develop practical resources about artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.

What started as a project about AI and young entrepreneurship gradually became a much wider learning journey covering AI ethics, regulations, education, future professions, drones, sustainability and the possible opportunities and risks of emerging technologies.

Starting with Young Entrepreneurs: Our Field Research

One of our first major activities was the AI4YE Field Research.

AKGD contributed to the preparation of the research questionnaire and carried out the Turkish field research involving more than 20 young entrepreneurs, using online surveys, face-to-face interviews, discussions and field visits. As part of the research, 20 young entrepreneurs participated in the survey.

We wanted to understand how young entrepreneurs see artificial intelligence, how they are already using it, what opportunities they see for their businesses and what difficulties they experience.

The results were analysed and visualised and contributed to the wider AI4YE Field Research, bringing together findings and good practices from Türkiye, Spain and Italy.

We also prepared the Field Research template in APA format to ensure that the research findings, data and analysis were presented in a clear and structured way.

But we did not want our research to remain only inside a report. We continued sharing its findings through presentations, meetings, our website, social media and dissemination activities. We also presented the research and its possible impact to around 20 vocational education teachers, administrators and technical staff.

Meeting Young People and Bringing AI into Education

Young people remained at the centre of our activities throughout AI4YE. From the Field Research at the beginning of the project to the final Multiplier Event, we organised a series of activities to involve young people, educators, entrepreneurs and local stakeholders.

At the beginning of the project, as part of our Field Research in Türkiye, 20 young entrepreneurs participated in the survey, while the wider field research process reached more than 20 young entrepreneurs through surveys, face-to-face interviews, discussions and field visits. This helped us better understand how young entrepreneurs were using AI, the challenges they experienced and the opportunities they saw for the future.

Following the Field Research, we started organising online information meetings and discussions with young people, introducing AI4YE, its objectives and the relationship between artificial intelligence and young entrepreneurship.

On 26 March 2026, we presented the results of our Field Research to approximately 20 vocational high school teachers, administrators and technicians. We shared the main findings and discussed the rapid development of AI and its possible effects on young people, education and future careers. The activity ended with a Q&A session.

We also carried out a series of official visits and stakeholder meetings with vocational high school principals, policymakers and association directors. Through these visits, we discussed the objectives, activities and results of AI4YE with approximately 15 administrators and representatives and explored how the project could reach more young people.

Our activities then continued with direct meetings with larger groups of young people, including activities reaching around 30 university students and around 40 university preparatory students. These meetings gave us the opportunity to introduce the project, discuss AI and entrepreneurship and exchange ideas directly with young people.

In June 2026, we brought AI4YE into local schools and reached around 90 students. During these activities, students learned about artificial intelligence, how it is already used in everyday life, how young people use AI tools and how these technologies may affect future professions and create new opportunities.

On 10 June 2026, we organised the AI4YE Artificial Intelligence and Young Entrepreneurship Workshop at the Efeler Digital Youth Center in Aydın. More than 30 young people participated in the workshop, exploring AI, entrepreneurship, digital tools and possible future applications of these technologies.

Finally, on 26 June 2026, we organised the AI4YE Multiplier Event and Final Dissemination Meeting in Aydın, bringing together 23 participants. During the event, we presented and shared the main results and outputs of the project, including the Field Research, Practical Guidance and our work on AI ethics, regulations and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The event also gave participants an opportunity to discuss the project results, exchange ideas and reflect on the future of AI and young entrepreneurship.

Learning from Real Businesses and Organisations

An important part of AI4YE was connecting our research and discussions with the real world and creating direct links with entrepreneurs, companies, innovation organisations and other stakeholders.

In Türkiye, we carried out company and field visits, including visits to OKT Trailer and the UNT Laser Cutting & UV Printing Studio. These visits helped us observe entrepreneurship, production, innovation and the use of digital technologies directly in working environments.

The transnational project meeting in İzmir also created an important opportunity to strengthen these connections. During the meeting, we visited and established contact with companies, innovation and entrepreneurship centres, incubation environments and other relevant organisations and institutions. These visits allowed us to see different examples of entrepreneurship and innovation, exchange experiences with people working in the field and introduce AI4YE to organisations outside the direct project partnership.

We also visited schools, public institutions and other organisations during the project and presented AI4YE, helping us build connections with different actors working in education, entrepreneurship, youth, innovation and local development.

These connections continued during the AI4YE Multiplier Event and Final Dissemination Meeting. The event brought together people with different levels of entrepreneurial experience, including young people interested in entrepreneurship, new entrepreneurs and more experienced entrepreneurs. This created an opportunity not only to present the project results, but also for participants with different backgrounds and experiences to meet, exchange ideas and learn from each other.

Through these activities, AI4YE went beyond research and written outputs and created opportunities for direct contact, practical learning, networking and exchange between young people, entrepreneurs, companies and organisations.

An International Journey Across Three Countries

AI4YE was built on cooperation between organisations from Spain, Italy and Türkiye.

During the project, we participated in transnational activities, regular online meetings and international exchanges where partners shared their experiences and worked together on the development of the project.

The first face-to-face transnational meeting was held in Reggio Calabria, Italy, on 26–28 March 2025. All three partner organisations came together to discuss project management, responsibilities, Field Research planning, dissemination, evaluation and the next stages of the project. The meeting also gave the partners their first opportunity to work together in person and establish the project roadmap.

The second transnational meeting was hosted by AKGD in İzmir on 10–12 November 2025. During the meeting, partners reviewed the Field Research and Practical Guidance, discussed dissemination and future project activities, and visited local entrepreneurship and innovation organisations.

The international journey continued with the third transnational meeting in Fuerteventura, Spain, on 2–4 March 2026. Partners continued working on the project results and explored different examples related to AI, innovation, education and entrepreneurship.

These three international meetings allowed us to follow the project together at different stages, compare approaches in Italy, Türkiye and Spain, exchange experiences and learn from different organisations, working cultures and local environments.

Our Main Project Results

One of the most important achievements of AI4YE was transforming the experience and information collected during the project into resources that can continue to be used by others.

Field Research Report

The Field Research Report brought together research, experiences and good practices related to AI and young entrepreneurship from the partner countries. It helped us understand the current situation, needs and experiences of young entrepreneurs and provided the basis for the other project outputs.

Practical Guidance on AI for Youth Entrepreneurship

The Practical Guidance on AI for Youth Entrepreneurship was developed as an accessible and practical resource for young people and entrepreneurs.

It includes AI tools, ideas, examples and possible applications across many areas, including business, education, health, tourism, environment, media, art, law and science. It also provides information about developing business ideas with AI, possible challenges and support opportunities.

Ethical Dilemmas, Regulations and Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence

As our work continued, it became clear that talking about the opportunities of AI was not enough. We also needed to discuss its responsibilities and possible risks.

For this reason, another major project output was “Ethical Dilemmas, Regulations and Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence.”

Through this work, we explored issues such as privacy, fairness, transparency, human rights, responsibility, regulation and the wider social impact of AI.

Partners also prepared supporting national resources, including ethical guidance, national drone rules and information related to the responsible use of AI and emerging technologies.

The project therefore developed from a discussion about AI and entrepreneurship into a wider exploration of AI ethics, the future of AI, drones, sustainability, education, regulation and responsible innovation.

Sharing the Results

Dissemination was not treated as something to be done only at the end of the project. Throughout AI4YE, we continuously shared our activities, research findings, project results and developments related to artificial intelligence.

AKGD used its website, social media channels, the AI4YE project platforms, presentations, meetings and local media to reach different audiences. We prepared news articles, videos, visuals, presentations, leaflets, booklets and other dissemination materials.

Our activities and results were also covered by local online media, helping the project reach audiences beyond our direct participants.

Alongside project activities, we regularly shared information on subjects connected with AI, including AI ethics, drone regulations, AI in education, business applications, good practices and new developments in artificial intelligence.

In this way, dissemination became part of the whole project journey rather than only a final activity.

AI4YE Multiplier Event and Final Dissemination Meeting

On 26 June 2026, AKGD organised the AI4YE Multiplier Event and Final Dissemination Meeting in Aydın, bringing together 23 external participants.

During the event, we presented and shared the main results developed during the project, including the Field Research Report, Practical Guidance on AI for Youth Entrepreneurship, and the work on AI ethics, regulations and social impact.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the research, discuss the practical use of AI and explore questions related to entrepreneurship, ethics, regulation and the future of artificial intelligence.

The event was also an important opportunity to bring together the different parts of the project and share what had been learned during two years of work.

What Did We Learn?

AI4YE was not only about producing reports or organising activities.

During the project, we met young entrepreneurs with new ideas, students thinking about their future, educators trying to understand new technologies, companies already using digital solutions and organisations working with young people in very different environments.

We also saw how quickly artificial intelligence itself changed during the lifetime of the project. New tools, new opportunities and new questions continued to appear.

This meant that our learning also continued to develop. We started by asking how AI could help young entrepreneurs. Along the way, we also found ourselves discussing questions such as how AI should be used responsibly, how it may affect future jobs and education, what environmental impact it may have, how drones and AI can work together and what risks society needs to consider.

AI4YE Comes to Its Final Stage, but the Learning Continues

After two years, the formal project period is coming to an end, but the knowledge and resources created through AI4YE will remain available.

The project outputs can continue to be used by young people, entrepreneurs, educators, youth workers, organisations and anyone interested in understanding and using artificial intelligence in a practical and responsible way.

For AKGD, AI4YE has been a project full of research, activities, international experiences, new ideas, challenges and, most importantly, learning.

We would like to thank all the young people, entrepreneurs, students, teachers, administrators, companies, institutions, volunteers and project partners who participated in the activities, shared their experiences and contributed to this journey.

AI4YE is reaching its final stage, but our work and learning around artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and the future will continue.

Project Information

Project Title: AI4YE – Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurship
Project Reference: 2024-1-ES02-KA210-YOU-000254109
Programme: Erasmus+ KA210-YOU – Small-scale Partnerships in Youth
Project Period: 2024–2026
Countries: Spain, Italy and Türkiye

Coordinator – Spain
Asociación para la Cooperación al Desarrollo e Inclusión Social Amanay
Canary Islands, Spain

Partner – Italy
EUROFORMAZ
Reggio Calabria, Italy

Partner – Türkiye
Aydın Cultural Development Association (AKGD)
Aydın, Türkiye

Project Website: ai4ye.online

AI Transparency Note: This article was prepared by the AKGD project team with the support of ChatGPT (OpenAI)for text organisation and language editing. The final content was reviewed and approved by the project team.

The project’s Multiplier Event and Final Dissemination Meeting took place on 26 June 2026 at Emiliy Restaurantin Aydın, Türkiye. In addition to the project team, 23 external participants attended the event.

The partecepents was carefully selected to maximize the project’s impact and dissemination. Participants included young entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs planning to establish their own businesses, professionals interested in artificial intelligence, software developers, programmers, artists, game developers, Erasmus+ project coordinators, association managers, company owners and executives, and other professionals with the potential to disseminate the project’s results to wider audiences.

One of the greatest strengths of the meeting was the diversity of participants. Experienced entrepreneurs and AI professionals had the opportunity to exchange ideas with young people who were just beginning their entrepreneurial journey or exploring artificial intelligence closer. This naturally created a dynamic environment for networking, knowledge sharing, and peer learning. It helps creating new ideas, projects and cooparations.

During the event, Türkiye Project Coordinator Emre Köksal Küçük presented the AI4YE project, introduced its objectives, activities, and main outputs,  findingincluding the Field Research Report, the Practical AI Guidebook, and the report on AI Ethics, Regulations and Social Impact. At the end of the presentation, every participant received a USB flash drive containing all project outputs and publications.

The meeting lasted approximately four hours and developed into an interactive discussion rather than a traditional presentation. Participants actively exchanged ideas on topics such as cybersecurity, the future of artificial intelligence, practical AI applications, opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs, ethical AI, and the impact of AI on business and society. Discussions also focused on future collaboration opportunities, new business ideas, Erasmus+ projects, and potential partnerships among participants.

The evaluation survey conducted at the end of the event revealed a very high level of satisfaction. Participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to meet professionals from different sectors and emphasized that similar networking and knowledge-sharing events should be organized more frequently. Many highlighted that bringing together experienced professionals and newcomers created an inspiring learning environment and encouraged future cooperation.

The event concluded with positive feedback, new connections, and best wishes for future collaborations, successfully marking the completion of the AI4YE – AI for Young Entrepreneurships project while strengthening local networks around responsible and innovative artificial intelligence.

AI4YE – AI for Young Entrepreneurships
Erasmus+ KA210-YOU Project
Project Reference: 2024-1-ES02-KA210-YOU-000254109

During June, the AI4YE project team visited local schools in İzmir Turkiye and introduced the project to young people. Around 90 students took part in these activities.

During the sessions, students learned about artificial intelligence, how AI is used in daily life, and how it may affect future jobs and careers. The team also discussed how young people currently use AI tools and what opportunities these technologies can offer.

Another important topic was entrepreneurship. Students learned what entrepreneurship means, why it is important, and how AI can help young people develop their own ideas and projects. The team also introduced the main outputs of the AI4YE project.

One of the most interesting findings was the strong interest students showed in artificial intelligence. Many young people were already using AI tools and wanted to learn more. However, it was also clear that some students had difficulty finding reliable information and understanding how to use AI correctly. For this reason, the team shared useful resources and practical recommendations.

The activities ended with questions, discussions, and ideas about the future. The students showed great curiosity and enthusiasm, proving once again how important AI education has become for young people today.

Efeler Digital Youth Center, Aydın – 10 June 2026

On 10 June 2026, the AI4YE – AI for Young Entrepreneurship Project organized a workshop called “Artificial Intelligence & Young Entrepreneurship” at the Efeler Digital Youth Center in Aydın, Türkiye.

The event brought together 30 young people interested in technology, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. Participants learned about how AI is changing education, business, and everyday life, and discussed how young people can benefit from these developments in the future.

The workshop was coordinated by Emre Köksal Küçük, Project Coordinator of AI4YE. He introduced the project, explained its goals, and shared information about the opportunities that artificial intelligence can offer to young entrepreneurs.

During the event, İbrahim Yönden delivered a session on 3D printing, robotics, coding, and new technologies. Participants learned how these technologies are being used today and how they can support creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Another session focused on “AI After Graduation”, where participants discussed future careers, new job opportunities, and the impact of artificial intelligence on working life. Young people actively shared their ideas and expectations about the future.

The workshop ended with a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to exchange ideas and reflect on the role of artificial intelligence in their personal and professional lives.

The activity supported the project’s aim of increasing young people’s awareness of artificial intelligence, improving digital skills, and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking.

Organized by:  Kültürel Gelişim Derneği

Project: AI4YE – AI for Young Entrepreneurship

KA2 Strategic Partnership Project

Project Reference No: 2024-1-ES02-KA210-YOU-000254109

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union

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.