Turkey

Published by Daniel at May 1, 2023

Turkey's AI efforts aim to become a global AI leader, facing various challenges and seizing opportunities...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a programming process involving techniques enabling computers to mimic human behavior. Research confirms that AI can be implemented through various methods, including rule-based systems, decision trees, genetic algorithms, artificial neural networks, and fuzzy logic systems. There are several benefits to using artificial intelligence, such as automating repetitive tasks and making informed decisions by considering multiple factors. Many countries, including Turkey, have been actively working to enhance AI in various sectors. (1)

Turkey has been at the forefront of AI research and development, making significant investments to become a global leader in the field. In recent years, Turkey has established several AI-focused initiatives, including creating an AI task force and launching a national AI strategy. These efforts have resulted in a thriving AI ecosystem in Turkey. This country’s AI journey began in the early 2000s with the establishment of the Turkish AI Society (TRAIS), a non-profit organization that promotes AI research and development in the country. TRAIS has played a key role in advancing AI in Turkey and has been instrumental in developing several AI-related initiatives.

In 2017, Turkey’s government announced the creation of an AI task force, which comprises experts from academia and industry and is responsible for developing a national AI strategy. The strategy, launched in 2018, aims to make Turkey a world leader in AI by 2025, focusing on five key areas: investment, talent, infrastructure, data, and regulation. (1,2,3) In terms of investment, the government has provided funding for several AI-related projects, including establishing an AI research center at Istanbul Technical University. Regarding talent, Turkey has produced several world-class AI researchers working on cutting-edge projects at leading universities and research institutes. Turkey has built a state-of-the-art infrastructure, such as a data center for storing and processing big data. In terms of regulation, the government has implemented policies to support the development of AI in the country. These efforts have resulted in a thriving AI ecosystem in Turkey, with several startups and tech companies working on innovative AI-based solutions. Turkey has also successfully attracted international talent and investment, with foreign companies setting up AI research centers locally. Turkey is well-positioned to become a global leader in AI with its robust ecosystem and commitment to investment and innovation. (1,2)

This country’s AI journey began in the early 2000s with the establishment of the Turkish AI Society (TRAIS), a non-profit organization that promotes AI research and development in the country. TRAIS has played a key role in advancing AI in Turkey and has been instrumental in developing several AI-related initiatives. In 2017, Turkey’s government announced the creation of an AI task force, which comprises experts from academia and industry and is responsible for developing a national AI strategy. The strategy, launched in 2018, aims to make Turkey a world leader in AI by 2025, focusing on five key areas: investment, talent, infrastructure, data, and regulation. (1,2,3) In terms of investment, the government has provided funding for several AI-related projects, including establishing an AI research center at Istanbul Technical University. Regarding talent, Turkey has produced several world-class AI researchers working on cutting-edge projects at leading universities and research institutes. Turkey has built a state-of-the-art infrastructure, such as a data center for storing and processing big data. In terms of regulation, the government has implemented policies to support the development of AI in the country. These efforts have resulted in a thriving AI ecosystem in Turkey, with several startups and tech companies working on innovative AI-based solutions. Turkey has also successfully attracted international talent and investment, with foreign companies setting up AI research centers locally. Turkey is well-positioned to become a global leader in AI with its robust ecosystem and commitment to investment and innovation. (1,2)

According to research, several companies in Turkey are active in the AI field. Some of the most prominent companies include Smarttech, Neurala, Aylien, and Insight. Smarttech was the first of the four, founded in 2014, and proposed using AI in medical diagnosis, specifically in ophthalmology. They have developed an AI system that accurately diagnoses various eye diseases and have continuously improved their system.

They have developed an AI system that accurately diagnoses various eye diseases and have continuously improved their system.

Neurala, founded in 2015, focused on neurology and proposed using AI to diagnose neurological diseases. Like Smarttech, their proposal was well-received, and they have been working on further developing their system.

Aylien, founded in 2017, uses AI not only in medical diagnosis but also in treatment. Their AI system diagnoses various diseases and recommends treatment options. Insight, the most recent of the four, founded in 2018, uses AI in medical research. Their AI system collects and analyzes data from various sources to help researchers gain insights and make informed decisions in their studies, particularly in genetics and genomics.

These are just a few examples of companies in Turkey actively involved in AI. Many other startups and companies are working on different applications of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, agriculture, transportation, and more. (1,2,4,5,6,7 ) While Turkey has made significant progress in enhancing its AI ecosystem, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the challenges is the need for more skilled AI talent. While Turkey has produced many talented AI researchers, there is a growing demand for AI professionals in the industry, and efforts need to be made to attract and retain talent in the country. Another challenge is the need for more data and improved data quality for training AI models. Access to quality data is critical for developing accurate and reliable AI solutions, and efforts should be made to improve data collection, storage, and sharing practices. (1)

Despite these challenges, the future outlook for AI in Turkey is promising. The government’s commitment to investment, talent development, and infrastructure, along with the active participation of academia, industry, and startups, is driving the growth of the AI ecosystem in the country. There are opportunities for AI to be applied in various sectors to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and contribute to economic growth. Additionally, Turkey’s strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia and its growing reputation as a hub for technology and innovation make it well-positioned to attract international investment and collaboration in the AI field. (3)

Turkey has made significant progress in enhancing its AI ecosystem, with efforts focused on investment, talent, infrastructure, data, and regulation. The establishment of AI-focused initiatives, the participation of academia, industry, and startups, and the government’s commitment to AI development have contributed to the growth of the AI field in Turkey. While challenges remain, the outlook for AI in Turkey is promising, with opportunities for applying AI in various sectors and attracting international investment and collaboration. Turkey has the potential to become a global leader in AI and contribute to advancements in the field, benefiting its economy and society as a whole.

Their AI system collects and analyzes data from various sources to help researchers gain insights and make informed decisions in their studies, particularly in genetics and genomics. These are just a few examples of companies in Turkey actively involved in AI. Many other startups and companies are working on different applications of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, agriculture, transportation, and more. (1,2,4,5,6,7 ) While Turkey has made significant progress in enhancing its AI ecosystem, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the challenges is the need for more skilled AI talent. While Turkey has produced many talented AI researchers, there is a growing demand for AI professionals in the industry, and efforts need to be made to attract and retain talent in the country. Another challenge is the need for more data and improved data quality for training AI models. Access to quality data is critical for developing accurate and reliable AI solutions, and efforts should be made to improve data collection, storage, and sharing practices. (1)