Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) Software Student Community and OSB Technopark organized Turkey’s first Artificial Intelligence and Generative Engineering Hackathon: “PROMPT HACKATHON’23” over the weekend with intense participation. The marathon, lasting for 48 uninterrupted hours, brought together 80 software developers. The event began with a special panel for participants on Friday at 17:00 and continued as a continuous 48-hour marathon with the participation of 14 teams, concluding with the announcement of results on Sunday at 17:00.
Productive and Creative as its Name Suggests
At the end of the 48-hour marathon, artificial intelligence-based software that could contribute to the export ecosystem was developed. Within the scope of the project named “Artificial Intelligence Quality Consultant,” an artificial intelligence-based quality control and management system was developed for medical device manufacturers. The project “KNGL AI TOOL” offered the opportunity to reduce advertising costs and create low-cost and unique advertising videos for exporters. “EcoVerse” aimed to provide sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The “Rivendell” project stood out as another artificial intelligence assistant capable of conducting effective analyses in export processes.
HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, in his speech at the award ceremony, emphasized the correct and responsible use of artificial intelligence, stating, “It is evident that the effective use of generative artificial intelligence has the potential to provide a competitive advantage to businesses. This event, organized to create awareness, attracted attention and received intense interest. It was productive and creative, just like its name suggests. Artificial intelligence and generative engineering will become even more important in all sectors in the future. It is crucial that our youth can use and even develop this tool effectively. We thank OSB Technopark, mentors, jury members, stakeholders, and all participants for their support.”
Winning Project: Personalization of Export Advertisements
The winner of the Hackathon was the project developed by Mertcan Altun, titled “Personalization of Export Advertisements with the Help of Artificial Intelligence.” The project aims to personalize export advertisements using artificial intelligence technologies, creating visual and video content from text input to produce attention-grabbing and effective advertisements tailored to the target markets of exporting companies. Receiving the first-place award from Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, HKU Faculty of Communication student Mertcan Altun delivered powerful messages about the role of generative artificial intelligence in overcoming barriers, stating, “As a physically disabled student, I am very happy to receive this award on such an important event that coincides with December 3, World Disabled Day. I believe that generative artificial intelligence technologies can help us all overcome societal barriers.”
Export-Themed Solutions and Expert Panelists
The theme of the event was determined as “export/Export.” At the beginning of the event, expert panelists, under the moderation of OSB Technopark Director Ekrem Tekin, shared information and experiences about export processes with software developer participants. Software developers participating in the Hackathon competed to produce generative artificial intelligence-based solutions to improve export processes under the guidance of this information. Uğur Kocamaz (OSB Technopark), İpek Yardım (OSB Technopark), Ahmet Vural (Çağan Tech), Uğur Doğan (Fikir Yazılım), and Murat Anlaş (Syskod Yazılım) enriched the event as mentors. In addition, Ali İslam (Archaeologist Engineer), Burhan İnal (Novabem Technology), Hatice Kübra Kılınç (Asil Group), and Metehan Gültekin (Merkez Yazılım) guided and supported the participants throughout the competition. The meticulous guidance of the jury members and mentors made the event both an instructive and competitive experience, raising the standards of the Hackathon in terms of education and competition. Şahinbey Municipality, Thebluered Digital Transformation, Commercial and Social Ventures Academy, and Varil Çorba were among the event partners.
To showcase the potential of artificial intelligence in generativity and communication, the event’s logo, visuals, and this press release were prepared or supported by artificial intelligence tools.
