The seventh annual Türkiye AI Summit, organized by the Türkiye AI Initiative (TRAI), took place in Istanbul, gathering 1,300 participants from 280 institutions under the theme "AI: More real than ever." The summit highlighted the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence from a theoretical concept to a practical reality, significantly impacting various sectors.

Key Highlights from the Summit

Halil Aksu, founder of TRAI, opened the summit by emphasizing the transformative effects of AI technologies across different industries. He asserted that AI's integration into everyday life is as essential now as electricity and the internet once were.

The event garnered support from major tech companies including Meta, Yandex, AWS, Google, and Microsoft. Discussions centered around critical topics such as:

• Large Language Models: Exploring advancements and applications of language processing technologies.
• Open-Source AI: Evaluating the benefits and challenges of open-source solutions in AI development.
• Industrial Applications: Discussing how AI is being applied in various industries to enhance productivity and innovation.
• AI Startups: Showcasing innovative solutions and ideas emerging from the startup ecosystem.

Aksu stressed the importance of developing AI models that cater specifically to the Turkish language, positioning TRAI as a central hub for Türkiye's growing AI ecosystem.

Panel Discussions and Future Prospects

The summit featured several panel discussions that addressed AI's potential impact on:

• Innovation: How AI can drive creative solutions and new business models.
• E-commerce: The role of AI in transforming online shopping experiences.
• Digital Transformation: Leveraging AI technologies to accelerate digital change in organizations.
• Startup Ecosystems: Fostering a supportive environment for AI-driven startups to thrive.

While the first day of the summit was held in person, the second day transitioned to a virtual format, allowing for broader participation and engagement from interested parties.

Türkiye's Position in the Global AI Landscape

The gathering comes as Türkiye intensifies its efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global AI arena. By focusing on developing AI solutions that are relevant to local contexts and encouraging innovation within the field, the summit aimed to inspire collaboration and drive forward the national AI agenda.

In summary, the Türkiye AI Summit served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among key stakeholders in the AI ecosystem, paving the way for future advancements and initiatives in artificial intelligence.