Vodafone Foundation Launches New Phase of ‘Artificial Intelligence Stars’ Project

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Vodafone Foundation’s Commitment to the Digital Future

Continuing its mission to lead social transformation and development, the Vodafone Foundation is steadfast in its efforts to prepare the next generation for a digital future. Last year, in partnership with the Habitat Association, the Foundation initiated the ‘Artificial Intelligence Stars’ digital education project. This initiative reached over 36,000 students, thanks to the dedication of 183 volunteer educators, across 58 locations in 12 provinces.

Every TL 1 invested in this program, aimed at providing artificial intelligence training to middle school students aged 11-14 and high school students aged 14-18 across Turkey’s 81 provinces, resulted in a social return of TL 5.34. As the project enters its next phase, the goal is to engage 55,000 students.

Project Goals and Achievements

At a recent event attended by Vodafone Turkey Foundation President Hasan Süel and Habitat Association Chief Executive Officer Bora Caldu, the targets for the new term were discussed.

Hasan Süel commented, “Artificial intelligence is poised to be a pivotal aspect of future digital technologies. According to the ‘Increasing Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education’ report by the Global Vodafone Foundation, 27% of students in our country feel they are lagging in AI utilization within educational settings. Our ‘Artificial Intelligence Stars’ project, developed in collaboration with Habitat Association, aims to arm young generations with technological skills, enabling them to fuse their creativity with cutting-edge technologies. Our first-year efforts exceeded expectations, reaching over 36,000 students. The social impact analysis revealed that each TL 1 invested yielded a social return of TL 5.34. Furthermore, we provided a platform for young participants to enter a global hackathon. Our aspiration for this new phase is to extend our reach to 55,000 students.”

He added, “We are also set to launch a new initiative: the Artificial Intelligence Startup Studio. This incubation program will empower high school students to transform their AI-centered ideas into startups. As the Vodafone Foundation, we remain committed to empowering the youth for a brighter future.”

Bora Caldu stated, “We are introducing young minds to the language of the future: artificial intelligence. Through the ‘Artificial Intelligence Stars’ project with Vodafone Foundation, we encourage middle and high school students to become creators rather than consumers of technology. We foster awareness among youth in areas such as AI, machine learning, virtual reality, and digital balance, guiding them on their digital transformation journey. Across Turkey, in technology classrooms, village schools, and mobile education tents, we unlock the potential of children and youth through AI. We aim to represent Turkey internationally in the hackathons we organize this year, building on our success in Romania. Furthermore, we plan to extend our mobile unit’s reach from 12 to 15 provinces, focusing especially on rural areas.”

Training and Future Plans

The ‘Artificial Intelligence Stars’ project introduces students to AI, enabling them to create AI content, understand the technology comprehensively, and develop their own projects. The program also offers various developmental opportunities through global content and events. Research with 744 student participants showed that 85% could define AI, 60.5% learned to write algorithm scripts, 79.5% found the training beneficial, and 64.2% immediately applied their new knowledge.

The project will continue with face-to-face, online, and website-based training, aiming to reach 55,000 students in the upcoming period. There will be an increase in trainers and volunteers, and the Mobile Technology Tent will facilitate science, technology, and AI-focused education in rural high schools and village schools across 15 provinces. The Village Technology Network will conduct activities in 45 technology classrooms. Coding and AI training will be offered in 4 provinces through Container Technology Classrooms. Hackathons on social benefit, sustainability, and technology for good will be organized.

The newly introduced Artificial Intelligence Startup Studio will incubate AI-focused ideas from high school students, guiding them to become startups. The 3-month program will include 20 startup training sessions, 10 accelerator programs, and 5 demo days, conducted in a hybrid format. Training will cover AI-focused idea development, technical skills, lean canvas, and product development processes. Successful completion of these components will lead to an accelerator program, offering mentorship in entrepreneurship, investment, and finance. The final demo day will involve a jury competition, with all teams receiving rewards. Successful candidates will attend the AI for Good event in Geneva and have opportunities to apply for global competitions like UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and the Entrepreneurship World Cup.