Leading Voices in AI and Innovation at CMU Artificial Intelligence Applications Panel

The convergence of R&D, innovation, and the pursuit of continuous development took center stage at the recent CMU Artificial Intelligence Applications Panel, hosted in Türkiye’s capital. The event was organized by the Community of Mediterranean Universities (CMU) a nonprofit consortium representing 160 universities from 20 Mediterranean countries in collaboration with İTÜ ARI Teknokent A.Ş. and Ostim Teknopark.

Held under the theme of how science and technology are transforming the way we live, think, and innovate, the panel welcomed industry experts, university leaders, and startup founders to discuss the real-time impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation across sectors.

Bridging Research and Real-World Impact

One of the most striking features of the panel was the level of interdisciplinary collaboration. From academic insights to practical applications, the conversation underscored how emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are no longer distant concepts. They are here, actively reshaping industries and human behavior.

Notable speakers included Prof. Dr. Attila Dikbaş, a highly respected figure in Türkiye’s innovation landscape and the current CEO of İTÜ ARI Teknokent, and Derya Çağlar, the trailblazing CEO of Ostim Teknopark and Türkiye’s first and only female technopark leader. Their experiences and perspectives offered invaluable insight into the strategic importance of technology hubs in accelerating national innovation.

A Platform to Share Our Mission

As WearTechClub, a deep-tech startup founded by Turkish entrepreneur Özgül Dalkılıç, we were proud to be invited to share our journey and vision during the panel. We presented how our sensor-integrated, AI-powered wearable technologies are revolutionizing health, performance, and sustainability blending science, design, and purpose into everyday life.

“Being part of a conversation that brings together education, technology, and entrepreneurship is not only a great honor, but a validation of the work we do every day,” said the WearTechClub team.

“As a women-led venture, representing our country’s talent in wearable innovation on such a platform reinforces our commitment to building technology that serves people, not just markets.”

Shared Vision, Shared Future

Throughout the panel, participants exchanged their experiences, explored collaborative opportunities, and showcased groundbreaking projects already in motion. The event was a reminder of the role universities, technoparks, and agile startups play in designing a future that is both innovative and inclusive.

We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers of the CMU AI Applications Panel for creating such an insightful, forward-thinking space for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The spirit of the event grounded in science, openness, and shared growth  reflects the exact values we champion at WearTechClub.

As we continue our journey to shape the future of human-centered health and performance technologies, we carry this momentum forward strengthened by every stage we take part in and every story we get to tell.

The power of R&D, innovation, and the ambition for continuous development came together with science and technology at a special panel. At the CMU Artificial Intelligence Applications Panel, organized by the nonprofit Community of Mediterranean Universities, which includes 160 member universities from 20 Mediterranean countries, and in collaboration with İTÜ ARI Teknokent A.Ş. and Ostim Teknopark we explored how science and technology are rapidly changing our lives, that will never be the same again!

We had the chance to gain insights from one of our country’s respected scientists Prof. Dr. Attila Dikbas CEO of İTÜ ARI Teknokent, and Turkey's first and only woman technopark CEO Derya CAGLAR, CEO of Ostim Teknopark.

Together, we discovered cutting-edge projects and provided each other with valuable contributions by sharing our experiences. As WearTechClub, a startup founded by a Turkish woman entrepreneur, we were proud to be invited to this panel, where we shared our vision for a health, sports, and tech-focused venture and explained how our game-changing technology is shaping the future. We share this pride with all startups that have the spirit and courage to pursue great ideas.

A big thank you to everyone who made this inspiring panel possible, perfectly matching the spirit of our capital and our vision for the future.