Thesis of Üsküdar University’s artificial intelligence engineers showcased at ASELSAN!

In the SAYZEK-ATP (Defense Industry Artificial Intelligence Talent Cluster - Academic Thesis Program), organized in collaboration with the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the Council of Higher Education (CoHE) to bring together Türkiye's brightest minds with the defense sector, two master’s graduates of Üsküdar University have drawn significant attention. Hilal Öztemel and Melisa Güler stood out among 119 universities with their innovative theses, earning an invitation to the final event at ASELSAN, where they presented their projects to key figures in the sector.

Launched to discover Türkiye's artificial intelligence talents in the defense industry, SAYZEK-ATP (Defense Industry Artificial Intelligence Talent Cluster - Academic Thesis Program) achieved remarkable success in its very first year. In this prestigious program, Hilal Öztemel and Melisa Güler, graduates of Üsküdar University’s Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Artificial Intelligence Engineering, made a name for themselves with their theses.

They stood out among 119 universities and reached the finals

 Hilal Öztemel and Melisa Güler, who completed their theses under the supervision of Dr. Nuri Bingöl, Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence Engineering at Üsküdar University, were selected from among 356 applications and successfully ranked among 181 outstanding students nationwide, distinguishing themselves from 119 universities with their innovative theses. Completing the challenging three-stage reporting and evaluation process flawlessly, the students received high praise from a jury composed of defense industry representatives.

Their success opened the doors to the event “From Thesis to Technology: Final Meeting.” The final meeting of the SAYZEK-ATP 2024-2025 program was held on July 10 at the ASELSAN Gölbaşı Campus Event and Training Center.

They presented their work directly to ASELSAN executives

 At the final event, 45 thesis projects with an evaluation score above 75 were presented to the giants of the sector. Through their poster presentations, Hilal Öztemel and Melisa Güler had the opportunity to present their projects directly to ASELSAN executives, engineers, as well as human resources and R&D departments. This allowed them to receive direct feedback on their projects and build valuable connections for their future careers.

Dr. Nuri Bingöl: “A great pride for our university”

Dr. Nuri Bingöl, Head of the Master’s Program in Artificial Intelligence Engineering and advisor to the students, expressed his pride in their success: “It is extremely gratifying that our students, along with their advisors, have been invited to the finals in such a comprehensive and competitive program with the participation of 119 universities from all over Türkiye. This achievement highlights both the quality of education and the potential of our university in the field of artificial intelligence.”

They shared their experience through a vlog, inspiring others

 After the event, the successful graduates Hilal Öztemel and Melisa Güler immortalized their experience in a vlog, sharing their excitement and the valuable feedback they received via social media, inspiring other students who aim to build a career in artificial intelligence and the defense industry.

The SAYZEK-ATP program continues to serve as a critical bridge for young talents who will shape Türkiye's technological future by connecting academic output with the needs of the sector.

 

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)