Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) proudly hosted another high-profile event that made waves across the country in the fields of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology. The AI Summit’25, was held on Saturday, 31 May 2025, with the main sponsorship of by Döveç Group of Companies and, communication sponsorship from North Cyprus Turkcell. The event was organized in collaboration with EMU’s Directorate of Social and Cultural Activities and the EMU Software and Artificial Intelligence Development Club. Taking place at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Cultural and Congress Center from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the summit attracted a large and engaged audience.
The opening ceremony of the event was attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Faculty of Engineering, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering Prof. Dr. Zeki Bayram, administrative and academic staff, technology lovers and many students.
Delivering a speech at the opening of the event, Software and AI Development Club’s Chair Mehmet Oktar Önder welcomed everyone to the AI Summit’25, referring it as the biggest artificial intelligence event of Cyprus. Önder provided information about the activities and mission of the club. Önder highlighted that the success of the event resulted from strong teamwork and expressed his appreciation to all contributors. He remarked that artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future but a defining element of today’s technology, and conveyed his wishes for a productive and meaningful summit.
“Our Aim is to Inspire Young Entrepreneurs”
Making an address on behalf of the Döveç Group of Companies, the main sponsor of the event, Advertising, Sales and Marketing Director İzgün Günsal expressed his pleasure to be participating in the event which also hosted prominent technology leaders from Türkiye. Günsal underlined that genuine success is measured not merely by industry expansion, but by guiding digital transformation in a manner that serves the greater good and advances the vision of a sustainable future. He also shared insights on the initiatives aligned with this mission and expressed their intention to motivate and empower aspiring young entrepreneurs.
The Head of Department of Computer Engineering at EMU Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Zeki Bayram thanked everyone who have contributed to the realization of the event and, provided extensive information on EMU Department of Computer Engineering. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Bayram touched on the history of Artificial Intelligence and the developments in this field. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Bayram mentioned about the opportunities offered by the Artificial Intelligence, as well as inherent dangers. He also highlighted various risks linked to AI and engaged the audience with real-life cases demonstrating its effects in practical contexts.
“Everyone Holds the Power to Shape the Future”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç shared his excitement about participating in an event where knowledge meets technology, academia collaborates with industry, and students engage with the future. Prof. Dr. Kılıç emphasized that the summit marks a joint step into the digital age and is not merely about technology, but also about reinforcing vision and shared dreams. Noting that the summit represents a powerful move toward strengthening the country’s position in the tech sector, while also promoting innovative thinking, entrepreneurship, collaboration, and achievement, Prof. Dr. Kılıç added that attendees would gain insights from leading experts on the latest advancements in AI and have the chance to connect directly with prominent technology companies to exchange ideas and experiences.
Prof. Dr. Kılıç highlighted that artificial intelligence is not just a technology of the future but a vital strategic asset of the present. Prof. Dr. Kılıç underlined EMU’s ambition to lead this field by embedding AI into all its academic programs, and noted that all graduates, regardless of their discipline, will receive instruction in artificial intelligence. Alongside the existing AI Engineering program, EMU plans to introduce 12 additional programs aimed at equipping students with advanced skills to become leaders in the digital age. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Kılıç announced the upcoming establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at EMU, which will facilitate practical, hands-on training for both undergraduate and graduate students. This lab will also function as a key center for academic research and partnerships with industry. Prof. Dr. Kılıç referred to the summit as not just an event also a call for everyone and said; “This call encourages moving beyond memorized facts to embrace curiosity and boldness. It calls for becoming a generation that creates instead of merely consuming. It urges not just using technology, but leading and shaping it. It invites you to dream big. Remember, everyone here holds the power to change the future. We have faith in you and trust your capabilities”.
Following the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Kılıç presented plaques of appreciation to the participants of the summit. On the other hand, Software and AI Development Club presented Prof. Dr. Kılıç a plaque.
Renowned Experts Convened at EMU
After the opening remarks, a group of nationally and internationally renowned experts in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies convened at EMU. The event featured presentations by Dr. İlay Kurt, ASELSAN Country Manager; Kıvanç Uslu, Solution Architecture Group Manager at Amazon Web Services; Volkan Ak, Chief Solution Architect at Mercedes; Dr. Çağrı Yeşil, Engineering Manager at Huawei; Dr. Halit Örenbaş, Head of AI Department at Novus; İzzet Sancaklı, Project Manager from Turkish Airlines - Turkish Technology; and Tekant Gündoğan, Engineering Manager at Neuronic. Throughout the event, these specialists shared valuable insights and experiences. Interactive sessions were interspersed with prize giveaways organized by the club, rewarding participants with various gifts.
Booths Set at the AI Summit attracted Great Interest
During the AI Summit held at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center, numerous booths set up at the foyer area of the building attracted great interest throughout the day. In addition to exhibits showcasing student projects, organizations like Türkiye IsBank, Netonline, North Cyprus Turkcell, and Döveç Group of Companies engaged students in career-oriented discussions. Visitors also had the opportunity to hold one-on-one career talks with the summit’s expert speakers who made appearances in the foyer area. At the Software and Artificial Intelligence Development Club’s booth, attendees enjoyed capturing memorable photos using an AI-based application.