AI Sector Aims for 10 Turcorns

Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank stated: "We want to build an artificial intelligence ecosystem that creates value on a global scale. We will work with determination to ensure our country ranks among the top 20 in international artificial intelligence indices. We aim to reach 10 Turcorns in 2023. I even believe that some of these Turcorns will be companies working in the field of artificial intelligence." Minister of Industry and Technology Mustafa Varank spoke at the 1st Artificial Intelligence Summit "AI [Tomorrow Summit]" event organized online by the Artificial Intelligence Policies Association (AIPA). At the summit where Minister Varank participated via video message, he said: "We are providing every opportunity for the development of technology-based entrepreneurship through incubation centers and venture capital funds. Turkey's first unicorn came from a technology park. Currently we have 6 Turcorns. We aim to reach 10 Turcorns in 2023." Pointing out that artificial intelligence is spreading rapidly to all areas of life, Varank stated: "We are in a transformation process where developed technologies are reshaping human life, the economy and society. In lists ranking the world's most valuable brands, we now see companies using innovative technologies and artificial intelligence platforms. Artificial intelligence is at the forefront of leading technologies affecting the public, business, economy and society as a whole. Health, education, transportation, communications, cybersecurity, finance, smart cities and gaming are the areas most fed by artificial intelligence technologies," he said. Continuing with the TOGG example, Varank said: "When TOGG took to the world stage at the Consumer Electronics Fair in the USA, it brought together technology and art in accordance with its brand DNA. It presented its brand objectives and vision by using the technique of visualizing words with artificial intelligence algorithms and a new rhythmic and tonal melody created from 2500 classical Turkish music pieces through machine learning. Artificial intelligence has the potential to directly impact international power balances. More than 60 countries have announced their national artificial intelligence strategies. Serious steps are being taken in this area and investments are being made," he said. Emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence technologies in line with the vision of 'Digital Turkey' and 'National Technology Initiative', Varank stated: "Accordingly, last year we prepared our National Artificial Intelligence Strategy with the Presidential Digital Transformation Office and all relevant stakeholders. In accordance with our identified strategic priorities, we focused on support for human capital, R&D and entrepreneurship, access to infrastructure and quality data, legal regulations to accelerate socioeconomic alignment and international cooperation," he said.

"We want to build an artificial intelligence ecosystem that creates value on a global scale"

Varank continued his speech as follows: "With the competitive technologies we have put forward, we want to build an artificial intelligence ecosystem that creates value on a global scale. We will work with determination to ensure our country ranks among the top 20 in international artificial intelligence indices. Achieving this requires having qualified human resources to guide artificial intelligence technologies." Mentioning the support given to entrepreneurs, Varank said: "During the 2021-2027 period, Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programs offer important financing opportunities for our businesses and researchers. Please apply to these programs. We are ready to provide all kinds of support and consultancy in the application processes. Again, through the incubation centers and venture capital funds we have established, we are providing every opportunity for the development of technology-based entrepreneurship," he said.

"We aim to reach 10 Turcorns in 2023"

Varank said: "As you know, Turkey's first unicorn came from a technology park. Currently we have 6 unicorns, or as we call them, 6 Turcorns. We will reach our 2023 goal of 10 Turcorns. I believe in this wholeheartedly. In fact, I believe that some of these Turcorns will be companies working in the field of artificial intelligence," he said.   Source