Significant Success from the “AI EDIH Türkiye” Consortium Partnered by ITU

The “AI EDIH Türkiye” consortium, established through the partnership of stakeholders including ITU and 1773 ITU Technopark, was granted support and entitled to join the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) network with its project titled “AI EDIH Türkiye: AI-Enabled Manufacturing for Twin Transition” with a budget of nearly 2 million Euros.

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) plays a leading role in Türkiye’s digital and green transformation with projects that design the technologies of the future and highlights social contribution.

The “AI EDIH Türkiye” consortium, formed under the coordination of Turkish Employers’ Association of Metal Industries (MESS) through the cooperation of ITU, 1773 ITU Technopark, Bilkent, ICI, ICI IDP, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, and ISTKA, was granted support and entitled to join the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) network with its project titled “AI EDIH Türkiye: AI-Enabled Manufacturing for Twin Transition”. The total budget of the 48-month project is 1,999,519 Euros.

Support for the digital and green transformation of SMEs

The project primarily aims to establish a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) within the consortium and to support the digital and green transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Istanbul region. In line with the extensive educational experience, industrial know-how and expertise of the consortium members, one of the main objectives of the project is to accelerate the digital transformation processes of Turkish SMEs with low levels of digitalization using artificial intelligence (AI) and high performance computing (HPC).

Collaboration with 228 centers across Europe for 2030 targets

The project, for which ITU will coordinate training and skills development activities, will include service components such as the “One Stop Shop” system, testing and prototype development, training programs, creation of an innovation ecosystem, supporting SMEs’ ​​access to finance, and increasing the visibility of EDIH services. These services aim to increase the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital interaction among SMEs in line with the Digital Europe Program and Digital Decade Policy 2030 targets. This process will involve cooperation with 228 centers across Europe.

The project is supported by various ITU units, such as the National Center for High Performance Computing (UHeM). Our faculty members involved in the project are listed as follows:

Our Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak Ata
Prof. Dr. Hatice Köse (Project Coordinator at ITU, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Faik Boray Tek (Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering)
Lect. Tuğba Pamay Arslan (Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering)
Prof. Dr. İlhan Kocaarslan (Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research and Application Center, ITU ILATAM)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Onur Gülbahçe (Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research and Application Center, ITU ILATAM)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Fatih Küçüktezcan (Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research and Application Center, ITU ILATAM)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Alparslan Zehir (Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research and Application Center, ITU ILATAM)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazım Kemal Üre (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Research and Application Center, ITU AI Center)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tuncel (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Research and Application Center, ITU AI Center)
Prof. Dr. Bersam Sidal Bolat (Center for Excellence in Education, ITU CEE)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emrah Acar (Center for Excellence in Education, ITU CEE)

Goals of the consortium

The “One Stop Shop” system to be established under the project will be a comprehensive support center for EDIH services. A synergy for innovation will be realized in the infrastructure with testing and prototyping. A vibrant innovation ecosystem that supports innovation will be created.  Easy access to financial support will be provided for SMEs. The knowledge and skills of SME employees targeted by the project will be increased with Competency Development Programs. EDIH services will be announced throughout Türkiye via communication activities.