The final of the ‘Ideathon Idea Competition’, organized for the 4th time this year by Kuveyt Türk and participated by university projects from all over Turkey, has been held. Yener Can Taş, a 3rd-year Software Engineering student from Üsküdar University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, participated in the competition with his team named ‘Genç-Z’. Taş and his team won first place with their project titled ‘Finans Z Genç Mentör’.
Üsküdar University student Yener Can Taş and his team won first place with their project named ‘Finans Z Genç Mentör’ at the Ideathon Bootcamp, which was held for university students at the Lonca Entrepreneurship Center and continued uninterrupted for 36 hours over two days.
Our biggest goal was to increase the financial literacy of young people…
Yener Can Taş, a 3rd-year Software Engineering student from Üsküdar University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, highlighted the aims of their project. Taş stated; “Our biggest goal within the scope of the project was to increase the financial literacy of young people by creating AI-supported personalized scenarios. For this, we preferred to use gamification techniques that include dynamic reward systems and personalized narratives. This strategy was the right choice for us, as our research indicated that young people grow up with a culture of instant gratification and reward.”
“Following the current developments in our field paves the way for us”
Yener Can Taş, who mentioned that they aimed to build a win-win cycle for both the bank and young people, said; “This project was one we developed from scratch. First, we examined innovative developments both domestically and internationally on the internet. We embarked on a comprehensive analysis and research process to understand the current situation in financial technologies and the needs in the sector. At this stage, we evaluated factors such as market needs, competitor solutions, and target audience analysis. Within this scope, we reviewed research reports. It was important for us that it was compatible in terms of target audience and market fit. We wanted to build a cycle where both the bank and young people would achieve a win-win. Networking and pursuing such competitions and events are very important because, generally, keeping up with the current developments in our field paves the way for us.”
8 teams made it to the final from 160 projects
Taş, noting that standing out among competent competitors required constant work discipline, said: “Innovative ideas were expected from us. Capturing originality here was crucial, and we were persistent about it. The teams in the competition were challenging and competent in their fields. Competing with them was both enjoyable and demanding. Maintaining a continuous work discipline without becoming complacent while competing with these teams was also decisive. 8 teams out of 160 projects made it to the final. Subsequently, during the final stage, we engaged in intense work and collaboration during the 36-hour camp at the Lonca Entrepreneurship Center. This was an interactive, lively, and challenging training. This training covered innovation, storytelling, and presentation techniques. We worked with very valuable mentors. Furthermore, our communication with the bank regarding our ‘FinansZ’ project continues after the competition. As a team, we will also be present in meetings during the process of transforming the idea into a business model. I believe that SAAS will increasingly gain importance in the future and will become one of the dominant business models. Looking at the near future, I will be working on AI-supported SAAS projects where we focus on micro-problems in different business areas.”
“We must take on plenty of responsibility and step out of our comfort zones”
Taş, emphasizing the value of actively using the university period socially, said; “Shaping our environment correctly is of great importance in this context. I participate in many events and workshops organized both within and outside our university, and sometimes take on their organization. These also had significant effects on the competition. Being active is critically important for discovering areas we are passionate about, being able to communicate with competent individuals in these fields, developing our soft skills, expanding our network, and building our personal brand. We must take on plenty of responsibility and step out of our comfort zones. We have a lot to learn and a lot to do. We must learn from our own mistakes and the mistakes of others, and always continue to work by increasing our efficiency. In addition to these, our university, with its own culture, has contributed very important values to us. We should both embrace these values and add our unique perspective to this culture to pass it on to our friends who come after us. I recommend that those who want to start their own business or initiative follow such competitions because these types of competitions contribute greatly to personal development.”
News: Ayşenur Özdemir- Sevde Korkut