The training program aimed at enhancing individuals’ competencies in the field of artificial intelligence, supported by the Western Black Sea Development Agency (BAKKA), was successfully completed. Organized in cooperation with Bartın University Continuing Education Application and Research Center (BÜNSEM) and BAKKA, the program consisted of a comprehensive training process covering the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence, its areas of application, and implementation processes. The closing ceremony of the “Artificial Intelligence Applications Training,” held within the scope of “Qualification Development Studies in Digital Technologies,” took place at BARÜ.

“Our students turned what they learned into practice”

Speaking at the opening of the program, BÜNSEM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Kaygın stated:
“Our participants not only gained knowledge but also imagined, designed, and produced tangible outputs. I believe that the knowledge and skills they acquired in this training will form the foundation of studies that will contribute to the development of our country.”

“We aim to make our youth producers of digital transformation”

BAKKA Secretary General Mehmet Çetinkaya said:
“Our aim throughout this process was to transform young people in our region into active producers of digital transformation rather than mere observers. We provided both theoretical and practical training in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and data analytics. Under the guidance of our academics, our youth formed teams and developed AI-based solutions to real-world problems. This program is also a part of our regional innovation ecosystem. We believe that participants will achieve success in national and international competitions and take part in new entrepreneurial initiatives in the future.”

Rector Akkaya: “We prioritize intelligent systems, software, and artificial intelligence studies”

Emphasizing that giving correct commands in artificial intelligence depends on effective language use, BARÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akkaya stated:
“As a university, we act with the awareness that artificial intelligence is a transformative force in all areas of life. Our specialization area, ‘Smart Logistics and Integrated Regional Applications,’ covers many fields from intelligent systems to robotic coding and software. When working with artificial intelligence, we should not forget that the commands must be clear and accurate, and we must take care to use our Turkish language effectively and properly. I believe that this training program will make significant contributions to the development of Bartın and our region.”

Governor Arslan: “Bartın is progressing towards becoming a technology-producing city”

Bartın Governor Dr. Nurtaç Arslan stated in her speech:
“Artificial intelligence is not only a matter of engineering or software; it is a comprehensive field of transformation that must be addressed with a perspective of ethics, sustainability, and human-centered development. The efforts of Bartın University and BAKKA in this direction create a great opportunity for our youth. Within the program, our students gained knowledge and skills in the fundamental areas of artificial intelligence and developed project ideas through teamwork. These outcomes demonstrate that Bartın is steadily progressing towards becoming not only a city of industry, nature, and culture but also a technology-producing city.”

The program concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants who successfully completed the training delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Evrim Güler and Dr. Lecturer Ümit Demirbaga from the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Design at BARÜ.