DIGITAL ANGEL INVESTMENT AWARD FOR ISTE STUDENT'S 'GUIDERVERSE' INITIATIVE
Serkan Işıklı, who completed his studies, which he started when he was a student at the Department of Management Information Systems at the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences of Iskenderun Technical University (ISTE), in the year he graduated, was entitled to be supported in the Digital Angel Investing Programme with his "Artificial Intelligence Based Smart Glasses ("GUIDERVERSE")" initiative for visually impaired individuals.
Serkan Işıklı, a recent graduate of the Management Information Systems Department at Iskenderun Technical University's (ISTE) Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, has achieved a significant milestone. His project, "GUIDERVERSE," an AI-Powered Smart Glasses designed for visually impaired individuals, has been awarded support through the Digital Angel Investment Program. The GUIDERVERSE project was one of only three to receive a 1,880,000 TL award out of 1,200 applications in the program's 6th term.
The AI-Powered Smart Glasses Project, meticulously evaluated based on criteria such as benefit, originality, and digital growth potential, went through a rigorous two-stage elimination process. It culminated in a one-on-one interview and presentation on July 1, 2024, where it was invited to the Digital Angel Investment Program. This program offers investment in digital marketing across SEO, UX, Social Media Management, Google Ads, and technical hardware without requiring any fee or equity. It provides projects with services and mentorship to strengthen their digital presence.
The GUIDERVERSE Smart Glasses, specially designed for visually impaired individuals, incorporate several innovative features. These include an object recognition system to notify the wearer of surrounding objects (such as doors, cups, laptops, windows, stairs, tables, and chairs), a facial recognition system to inform the wearer of individuals saved in their personal database, and a color recognition system to identify colors presented before the glasses. Additionally, the glasses aim to address difficulties in distinguishing paper money through a money recognition system and support shopping activities with a barcode reading system. A text reading system is also included to ensure access to information, a fundamental human right. Furthermore, distance sensors and a range meter will help prevent accidents by alerting the wearer to potential hazards.
Serkan Işıklı expressed the unique privilege of receiving his university education at ISTE. Despite being a recent graduate, he continues to benefit from the guidance and support of ISTE academics. He shared, “During my first year at Iskenderun Technical University’s Management Information Systems Department, under the mentorship of ISTE Academician Emine Uçar, we became finalists in the Teknofest 2021 Technology for Humanity Category, where this project idea was conceived. The Start-up and Entrepreneurship courses at our department helped mature the project idea, and subsequently, we established our company in Mersin Technopark. Thus, the Management Information Systems department at ISTE greatly contributed to the conception, development, and marketing of this project.”
ISTE Rector Prof. Dr. Tolga Depci shared his pride in receiving another support award, stating, “We are honoured to undertake projects that benefit humanity and to nurture bright young individuals who contribute to these projects. The recognition of projects supported by programs like Digital Angel Investment is invaluable, as it raises awareness among our students of these opportunities. We are especially pleased to be part of a project that removes barriers and promotes equality for visually impaired individuals. I congratulate our esteemed student, Serkan Işıklı, who deserves great respect for his significant contribution to humanity, and I wish him continued success in the future.”.
