Applications open today for the Samsung’s Innovation Campus program, which offers 25 talented young people a chance to learn how to apply artificial intelligence to development challenges

Istanbul, 7 December 2021 - Samsung Electronics today opened the application process for the third iteration of Innovation Campus, a training program implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Middle East Technical University (METU) and the Turkish Informatics Foundation (TBV). In line with Samsung’s global corporate citizenship vision, Innovation Campus aims to enable the next-generation labor force to work with future-shaping technologies, provide young people with the technical skills they need to thrive in and lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and accelerate Turkey’s digital transformation. Participants will also learn how to apply problem-solving skills to real-life challenges.

Artificial intelligence is the focus

The newest iteration of the program focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and is open to young people aged 18-29. The selection process includes technical tests and a competency-based assessment. The 25 successful applicants will receive five months of training, including Samsung's global curriculum on AI, from METU professors. Building on the classroom training, participants will design projects to showcase their skills and, at the end of the program, compete for further financial and coaching support to translate their ideas into real-world application. Successful participants will be awarded a certificate at the end of the program.

Projects will tackle development challenges

The theme of the competition will be on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with awards going to the projects that have the most potential to deliver progress against the SDGs. Participants will receive guidance from UNDP experts on the SDGs and how to translate their new skills into development projects. Senior human resources specialists will also provide training in the life skills needed for professional success. Mentors and role models from the technology sector will share their experiences with program participants.

Applications for the Innovation Campus program should be submitted at [https://toptalent.co/samsung-innovation-campus] by 15 January 2022.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. inspires the world with transformative ideas and technologies and shapes the future. Samsung Electronics redefines the world of televisions, smartphones, wearables, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, network systems, memory, semiconductor and LED solutions. Visit “Samsung Newsroom” on http://news.samsung.com for the latest news about Samsung

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. Visit our website at tr.undp.org.

About Middle East Technical University

METU is a university celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and breaking new ground in every field, with more than 140,000 graduates. METU has weight in the education, research, social service and business world in Turkey and in more than 140 countries worldwide. With more than 27 thousand students and over 2500 academicians, 41 undergraduate programs in five faculties and 108 graduate programs, 69 doctoral programs in five institutes, 43 research centers, 430 education and research laboratories, METU offers high-quality education both on national and international scale. METU is the leading research university in Turkey with its increasing scientific impact. METU has a mission to do research, provide education and serve the society at the level of excellence by nurturing creative and critical thinking, innovation and leadership for society, humanity and nature, within the framework of universal values. Find out more about METU at https://www.metu.edu.tr/tr.

About Turkish Informatics Foundation

Turkish Informatics Foundation (TBV) was founded in April 1995. Faruk Eczacıbaşı is its founder and current Chairperson of the Board. Its main purpose is to contribute to the creation of an information and technology-based infrastructure for Turkey's transformation into an information society. Striving for a developed Turkey that competes with the world by following the new business and life models brought by technology, TBV has 437 members, consisting of 186 institutions and 251 real persons. To increase the share of information, communication and telecom sectors in national economy, TBV continues with its operations in many leading areas including scientific research and development activities, economic and social studies, projects and their implementation, information society, education, games, digital transformation, smart cities, European Union digital agenda, public regulation, civil society cooperation.