TRNC hosted its first innovative IT project competition for students

For the first time in the TRNC, the European University of Lefke hosted the "New Ideas for Young Minds" (GBYF CYPRUS) project competition, organized with the support of the Information Technologies and Communication Authority and the Turkish Informatics Association. Students from ten universities participated in the event, presenting developments in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and engineering technologies.

The competition, which has been held in Turkey for 15 years, aims to develop innovative thinking among youth and strengthen ties between universities and the technology sector. Throughout the day, participants presented their projects, after which the jury determined the winners through online voting.

The ceremony was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Ali Murat Başçeri, Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı, representatives of the academic community, and the industry. Speakers emphasized the importance of supporting young professionals and developing the technological ecosystem of Northern Cyprus.

In the "Software, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Platforms" category, the European University of Lefke took first place with an AI-based skin analysis system project. Second place was awarded to the Eastern Mediterranean University team for an AI-powered educational platform, and third place went to the Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus team with a secure online voting system.

In the engineering category, the Middle East University was the winner with a monitoring and analysis system project, second place went to the development of a biosensor for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and third place was awarded to an AI-based navigation system for people with visual impairments.

Winners received cash prizes of 10, 20, and 40 thousand Turkish Liras, and the organizers announced their intention to make the competition annual and expand its scale in the future.