AI4YE – AI for Young Entrepreneurships

Tag: AI

AI4YE Project Conducts Field in İzmir, Türkiye: Key Findings on AI and Youth Entrepreneurship
As part of the AI4YE – Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurship project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, an extensive field research study was conducted in İzmir, Türkiye, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in youth entrepreneurship.

This research brought together with 20 young entrepreneurs aiming to better understand how AI is currently used, what challenges exist, and what opportunities lie ahead.

Why This Research Matters

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the entrepreneurial landscape. However, understanding how young entrepreneurs interact with these technologies is essential for designing effective support systems.

The AI4YE field research aimed to:
- Assess the level of AI adoption
- Identify barriers and challenges
- Explore opportunities for growth
- Provide practical recommendations for policy and education
Main Findings

1. AI is Already a Core Tool for Young Entrepreneurs
- 75% of participants actively use AI, while the remaining plan to adopt it soon
- No participant rejected the importance of AI
AI is no longer optional — it is becoming a standard business tool

2. AI is Seen as a Strong Advantage
- 100% of respondents stated that AI is beneficial
- Key benefits include:
  - Time-saving
  - Automation of repetitive tasks
  - Better decision-making
  - Improved marketing performance
AI is clearly perceived as a growth accelerator

3. Major Barriers Still Exist

The biggest challenges identified were:
- High implementation costs (65%)
- Lack of technical knowledge (50%)
- Data quality and legal uncertainty
These barriers show that access to AI is still uneven and limited

4. Strong Demand for Practical AI Training

Young entrepreneurs expressed the need for:
- AI-powered marketing training
- Technical knowledge (machine learning, data analytics)
- Legal and ethical guidance
There is a clear shift from theory to hands-on, practical learning needs

5. AI is Driving Business Growth

Participants highlighted that AI:
- Improves operational efficiency
- Enhances customer experience
- Supports data-driven decision-making
- Enables small businesses to compete with larger companies
AI is becoming a competitive equalizer in the market

6. Ethical and Sustainability Awareness is Still Developing
- Most participants are aware of AI’s impact
- However, only a small portion actively considers ethical and environmental implications
This highlights a critical need for responsible AI education

7. The Ecosystem is Growing — But Not Enough
- Majority opinion: “Growing, but not sufficient”
- Entrepreneurs call for:
  - Financial support
  - Better infrastructure
  - Public-private collaboration
  - Early-stage AI education
Türkiye is at a turning point in AI entrepreneurship

Field Activities and Real-Life Insights

The research included workshops with students and young entrepreneurs, interviews with AI experts and startup founders, company visits, surveys, and focus group discussions. These activities provided real-world insights into how AI is shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems in Türkiye.

Conclusion

The AI4YE field research in İzmir reveals a clear reality:

Young entrepreneurs are ready for AI, but they need support, training, and access.

With the right ecosystem, Türkiye has the potential to become a key player in AI-driven entrepreneurship, turning local innovation into global impact.

About the Project

AI4YE – Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurship is an Erasmus+ project aiming to empower young entrepreneurs with AI knowledge, tools, and practical skills across Europe.

Co-funded by the European Union

More Information

www.ai4ye.online
27/03/2026
Haddock: The AI partner that transforms restaurant management

On November 27, Asociación Amanay attended a talk at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) with Arnau Navarro, co-founder and CEO of Haddock, and Enric Chust, AI engineer. Under the title “Data that makes money (and feeds). Haddock: restaurant management software”, they shared his innovative vision for digitalization and automation in the restaurant sector.

What is Haddock?
Haddock is a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform designed to help restaurants and bars improve business management and control costs with the use of AI. The platform works through an app. By taking a picture of invoices and delivery notes, it automatically extracts information and provides real-time income and expense data. This allows managers to track price variations, detect errors, and have instant financial control without waiting for month-end accounting.

Fina: Their Digital Agent
At the core of Haddock is Fina, a virtual AI agent that automates administrative and financial tasks. Fina reviews invoices, cross-checks them with delivery notes, and detects discrepancies such as incorrect prices or duplicate charges, saving hours of work for the team. This enables restaurant professionals to focus on cuisine, service, and strategic decision-making, while Haddock handles repetitive and time-consuming processes.

Outcome
Haddock is not about replacing people—it’s about creating a synergy between humans and technology. Thanks to this innovation, restaurants can work more efficiently, reduce invisible losses, and better adapt to economic challenges such as inflation or managing multiple locations. Since its founding during the pandemic, Haddock has grown rapidly, gaining clients like Flax&Kale, Crep Nova, and Isabella’s, as well as acclaimed chefs who trust the platform to optimize their operations.

What’s next?

After joining the Y Combinator accelerator in 2022 and closing a €1 million funding round, Haddock has expanded in Spain and Portugal with the goal of becoming a European reference in restaurant management software. Its mission is to help restaurant owners make smarter decisions, save time, and improve the efficiency of their businesses.

It was inspiring to see firsthand how technology can free up restaurant teams’ time and help them make strategic decisions with real-time data.

09/12/2025
AI is Changing the World!

AI is Changing the World!
Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future, transforming industries, and enhancing creativity like never before. From AI-powered tools for businesses to concerns about privacy and authenticity, the conversation around AI is more vibrant than ever! Here are some news about AI.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the digital landscape, with significant developments impacting social media platforms. A recent investigation has uncovered a surge in AI-generated influencers on Instagram, where deepfake technology is used to create lifelike personas that monetize stolen content. This trend has adversely affected genuine creators, leading to decreased engagement and income.
WIRED

In response to the growing influence of AI, Meta Platforms has appointed Clara Shih, former AI chief at Salesforce, to lead its new Business AI group. This strategic move aims to make advanced AI accessible to businesses, enhancing platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

Additionally, Strava has updated its API terms to restrict third-party apps from displaying users’ activity data to others or using data for AI and machine learning purposes. This change, effective November 11, 2024, seeks to enhance user privacy and control.
THE VERGE

These developments highlight the dual-edged nature of AI in social media, offering innovative tools for businesses while raising concerns about privacy, authenticity, and the impact on genuine content creators.

What do you think about the growing role of AI in our lives? Share your thoughts below!

Explore the world of AI with us and stay updated on cutting-edge innovations.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share!

02/10/2025
Company Visit to Eurotransit Group Srl – Young People, AI, and Innovation in the Logistics of the Future

As part of the Erasmus+ AI4YE (Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurs) project, a company
visit was organized at Eurotransit Group Srl, a national and international container shipping company
based in San Ferdinando, near the port of Gioia Tauro, one of the main logistics hubs in the Mediterranean.

The visit provided an important opportunity to learn more about intelligent logistics and the practical application of artificial intelligence in freight transport and management. Eurotransit collaborates with major operators in the sector, including Ocean Network Express (ONE), the seventh-largest
shipping company in the world, which has initiated the large-scale adoption of smart containers equipped with IoT and AI technologies, real-time tracking systems, and advanced sensors developed in partnership with Sony Network Communications Europe.

Eurotransit Group is integrated into this technologically advanced supply chain, operating nationally and internationally with tracking and management systems that leverage data generated by these
technologies. This approach enables more transparent, efficient, and sustainable logistics, where artificial intelligence is central to predictive analytics, route optimization, and proactive shipment
management.

Another key aspect of the visit was the interaction with young entrepreneurs and professionals who actively contribute to the company’s growth, demonstrating how innovation is not only technological but also cultural and generational.
This experience strengthened the connection between technology and youth entrepreneurship, offering a concrete example of how artificial intelligence can create new economic and professional opportunities through the integration of intelligent systems in key sectors such as logistics, in line with global digital transformations, becoming role models for a modern, competitive, and forward-looking economy.

Full album here: Facebook

06/08/2025
Company Visit to Euronics in Gioia Tauro

As part of the Erasmus+ AI4YE project, a company visit was organized at the Euronics store in Gioia Tauro, to explore the concrete applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to innovate and improve business management.

During the meeting, it was possible to observe how AI is already used in various areas of business management, demonstrating its versatility and ability to support multiple business functions. From resource planning and optimization to logistics and warehouse management to marketing and sales data analysis, artificial intelligence allows for faster decisions based on precise information, thus improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. This integrated approach also promotes a greater ability to adapt to market changes and specific consumer needs.

In particular, the following aspects were explored in depth:

• Intelligent warehouse management, with systems capable of monitoring stocks in real time and forecasting demand, optimizing reorders and reducing waste;

• Advanced analysis of sales data, thanks to software capable of identifying consumer trends, customer behavior, and product performance;

• Personalization of offers, through algorithms that suggest targeted promotions based on the preferences and purchasing history of each customer;

• Customer loyalty, through more engaging purchasing experiences, proactive assistanc,e and predictive marketing tools.

During the visit, it was possible to see how artificial intelligence is integrated into the technological products sold by Euronics. In particular, the effectiveness of smart appliances was shown — such as refrigerators and washing machines — which adapt their operation to the user’s habits to save energy and optimize performance. Furthermore, the technology present in televisions with integrated voice assistants, capable of responding to voice commands and personalizing the viewing experience, and in PCs that use artificial intelligence systems to improve security and processing speed, was presented.

This visit highlighted how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing business management in major companies such as Euronics, significantly improving key processes and increasing competitiveness. Furthermore, the fundamental role of AI in the technology sector has emerged, both in optimizing business activities and in the development of intelligent products that improve the daily experience of consumers.

Check out our company visit video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1456278695573922/?s=single_unit

28/07/2025
AI for Sustainability: How Technology is Fighting Climate Change 🌍💚

AI is also becoming a powerful ally in the fight against climate change and for global sustainability. With AI optimizing resources and processes, the future could be greener and more sustainable.

Here are some of the most interesting news on how AI is helping to safeguard our planet:

1. AI for Renewable Energy: Optimizing Consumption and Production 🌞⚡

Renewable energy, such as solar and wind, is essential to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, but their production is variable. AI helps to predict the availability of renewable energy, optimize resource management and improve grid efficiency. Companies like Google and Microsoft are using AI to reduce the energy consumption of their data centers.

2. AI and waste management: A step towards the circular economy ♻️

AI is improving waste management, optimizing recycling processes and reducing waste. Machine learning algorithms can improve the separation of recyclable materials and monitor waste flows, making the process more efficient and less polluting.

3. Smart Agriculture: AI for more sustainable food production 🌾🌍

Artificial intelligence is transforming agriculture, optimizing the use of resources such as water and fertilizers, and monitoring soil health. Predictive analysis techniques allow farmers to obtain better crops, minimizing environmental impact.

4. AI and monitoring natural resources: Protecting the environment in real time 🌳🌍

AI is being used to monitor natural resources and prevent environmental damage. AI-powered drones and satellites can detect threats such as illegal deforestation or marine pollution, allowing timely interventions.

5. AI and Sustainable Transport: Low-Emission Mobility 🚗💨

AI is also contributing to the transition to electric vehicles and sustainable fleet management. It optimizes urban traffic, improving the efficiency of public transport and reducing traffic pollution.

6. AI in Smart Cities: Smarter and More Sustainable Cities 🏙️💡

Smart cities are emerging as models of sustainable urbanization, where artificial intelligence plays a fundamental role in the management and optimization of urban services. From water and energy management to reducing air pollution, smart cities use sensors, real-time data and AI to improve quality of life, reduce costs and optimize transportation. Advanced AI systems can efficiently manage urban mobility, improve waste management and reduce energy consumption, making cities more livable and sustainable.

What do you think about the growing role of AI in sustainability? What other areas do you think could benefit from these innovations? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 🌱✨

#ArtificialIntelligence #Sustainability #GreenTech# AI# ClimateChange# SmartCities #RenewableEnergy #TechForGood

03/07/2025
AI and mental health: Focus Group
The impact of digitalisation of our daily life is not yet visible. However, it is linked to a decline in mental health, especially among young people. Even though anyone exposed to social media or online platforms can experience changes in behavior, young adults are the main consumers of the digital industry that has rapidly integrated in our routines.

Amanay held a focus group with youth professionals during the project Poder TIC, which aimed to exchange experiences and best practices in youth mental health. Our team members led a workshop on mental health tools available on the Island.

The geographical barriers are part of the reality of living in Fuerteventura, therefore young people have less access to in person mental health services. This leaves options like:
- Telephone help line
- Videocall psychological therapy
- Online psychological help programs
- Emotional management apps
- Public Health Services (when available)
- Private Foundation Services
- Youth Center as safe spaces.
This happened during June of 2025 and we noticed something striking: we didn’t know enough about AI based mental health tools in general. And we knew even less about tools directed to younger collectives. Nevertheless, we agreed on the fact that healthy use of ITC tools can influence wellbeing. Example of healthy ITC use include a positive approach towards tech consumption:
- Creativity: participating in online initiatives that promote well being
- Emotional awareness: which means talking about what and how technology affects us.
- Simplicity: be very mindful of who we follow online, what we share just as the app we download.
Mental health is not the absence of problems but the presence of coping mechanisms to manage emotions, go through experiences and seek help when needed.

We can’t deny a great option to tackle mental wellbeing lack of services and professionals are digital mental health services. Access to mental health services is limited in general but has seen an ally in digital platforms when it comes to prevention. On the other side of the coin, mainstreaming the use of AI turned out to be dangerous for even very general health doubts. So a study exploring societal implications of digital mental health technologies highlights interesting insights. Some examples of AI based tool are: specific mobile apps, chatbots and mental health monitoring or risk prediction algorithms

These tools are not magical, they are fed with active and passive sources of information. Active sources of information will be provided to the app or platform by the user, like for example your personal data. But passive sources of information don’t need the user to do any specific action, just give permission, for example general mobile phone, internet and social media usage, voice/keystroke characteristics, sleep patterns, location information.

Data related ethical issues arise and we will definitely go back to them: AI objectivity, algorithm bias, the opaqueness of algorithmic inferences and issues of false positives .

For now, the review of scientific literature identified the following challenges:

1) changes to mental healthcare

2) the effect of population-based monitoring including algorithm-triggered interventions and surveillance.

(3) commodification (this essentially means something becomes a commodity or something that can be bought and sold even though they were not originally a product)

Reference: Stein, O. A., & Prost, A. (2024). Exploring the societal implications of digital mental health technologies: A critical review. SSM – Mental Health, 6, 100373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2024.100373
24/06/2025
AI in Medicine: The Latest Breakthroughs in Healthcare 🩺🤖

Latest: AI for Early Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases 🧠

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare, improving diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. Here’s how AI is changing the game:

A groundbreaking study published in Lancet Digital Health reveals that AI can identify early signs of Alzheimer’s in brain scans with greater accuracy than expert neurologists. Using deep learning algorithms, AI analyzes MRI scans to detect subtle changes that precede clinical symptoms, enabling earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.

Other Advanced Applications of AI in Medicine:

Early and Personalized Diagnosis 🩻

AI detects diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions at early stages, analyzing medical images and clinical data with high precision.

Surgical Robotics 🤖🛠️

AI-assisted surgical robots are enhancing precision in operations, allowing for less invasive procedures, shorter recovery times, and better outcomes.

Predictive Medicine and Remote Monitoring 💡

AI analyzes data from wearable devices to predict diseases and intervene before symptoms appear, transforming patient monitoring.

Personalized Treatments 💉

AI is enabling tailored treatments by analyzing patients’ genetic profiles and biological behavior, optimizing therapies. AI is revolutionizing healthcare by accelerating diagnosis and enabling personalized, precise treatments. What’s your take on its impact on health?

Stay updated on AI’s role in healthcare! Like, comment, and share!

#AIinMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #NeurodegenerativeDiseases #AI #HealthTech #MedTech #MachineLearning

Link facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JG1F2emh1/?

02/06/2025