Özyeğin University convened a multi-stakeholder discussion on the ongoing transformation of the agricultural sector at the event “Agriculture and Artificial Intelligence: Is Türkiye Ready?”, organized under the OzU AI Platform. Bringing together representatives from academia, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the private sector, the event offered a comprehensive perspective on current applications of artificial intelligence in agriculture and its potential future impact.
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Gökhan Özertan, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the session featured Gökhan Gürses, CEO of Tarla.io; Hasan İmge Çelik, Co-founder of FarmLabs; and Ömer Faruk Koç, Founder and CEO of Move On. Drawing on field-based examples, the speakers provided valuable insights into the digitalization of agriculture and the emergence of data-driven production models.
One of the central themes of the event was the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in agriculture. With the integration of satellite data, sensor technologies, and AI-supported analytics into production processes, it was emphasized that farmers can make more predictable and optimized decisions across all stages, from planting to harvest. This transformation was described not only as a driver of productivity gains, but also as a means of improving cost management and resource efficiency.
Sustainability constituted another key focus of the discussion. Global dynamics such as climate change, diminishing water resources, and increasing food demand are intensifying the need for more adaptive and intelligent agricultural systems. In this context, artificial intelligence was highlighted as playing a critical role in anticipating risks, enabling adaptation to changing climate conditions, and optimizing the use of resources.
The speakers also reflected on Türkiye’s potential for digital transformation in agriculture. It was noted that the country is well positioned to build momentum in this area, supported by a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, the expansion of locally developed technological solutions, and improvements in data infrastructure. At the same time, the importance of sustained collaboration among the public sector, private industry, and academia was underlined as a prerequisite for ensuring the long-term success of this transformation.
Reflecting the core approach of the OzU AI Platform, the event demonstrated once again the value of collective insight shaped by the convergence of knowledge and experience from different disciplines. The opportunities offered by artificial intelligence are not only enhancing agricultural efficiency, but also paving the way for a transition toward more resilient, sustainable, and data-driven production models.
Through the OzU AI Platform, Özyeğin University will continue to explore the impact of artificial intelligence across sectors, promote knowledge exchange, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, with agriculture remaining a key area of focus.
