BAU AI
Innovation Competition
A dynamic innovation program that turns data into high-value technology. From Kaggle-based global competitions to all-nighter hackathons on campus; we turn your AI ideas into concrete prototypes and support solutions with commercialization potential.
We reward the working solution, not the theory
A program that works with real data, produces with campus energy, and brings solutions to industry problems.
Not just ideas — live data
We don't stay in theory. You work with real datasets on the Kaggle platform and test the success of your models in real time on the Leaderboard.
Academic discipline & industry agility
Work in depth through thematic Cohorts announced at the start of each term, while producing instant solutions to the real problems of industry giants through term-independent Pop-up Challenges.
From behind the screen to campus spirit
The process runs digitally but draws its energy from campus. Through workshops, technical training and all-nighter hackathons (On-Campus), you become part of the AI community.
What opportunities do we provide?
The direct support participants receive from the ecosystem throughout the project.
Enterprise AI Sandbox access
Teams that pass the baseline score or whose TRL roadmap is approved are intended to receive institutional AI license support (e.g. ChatGPT Edu, Claude Edu) for use during development.
Mentorship and training support
One-on-one technical mentorship with expert academics and industry leaders; support in intellectual property and commercialization processes coordinated by BAUTTO.
Infrastructure and space
Uninterrupted computing-power guidance, workspaces and campus facilities during overnight hackathons.
Entrepreneurship support
BAU Hub and BUG Lab TEKMER support during the company-formation process.
How do we take applications?
Join the competition in three steps; the application is digital and fully open.
Follow the channels
Review the thematic Cohort or industry Pop-up calls announced on our website and social media channels at the start of each term.
Build your team
Apply on your own or with your interdisciplinary team; as different competencies come together, the solution grows stronger.
Sign up via Kaggle
Register on the Kaggle platform via the competition link, download the dataset, and start the journey by uploading your first baseline code.
How do we evaluate?
A transparent, data-driven and output-focused two-stage evaluation.
Algorithm performance — Kaggle score
The models you develop are scored automatically against the hidden test dataset on Kaggle, using fully objective mathematical metrics (F1-Score, Accuracy, etc.).
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
Our jury evaluates whether your models remain merely code or have the potential to become working prototypes and reach the target TRL maturity (TRL 4+).
How do we reward?
The program's ultimate output and reward mechanism.
BAU Technology and Solution Portfolio
Successfully completed projects that meet the TRL criteria are intended to be showcased — with their code and working demos — in our university's official showcase.
Industry and investor meetings
Projects that enter the portfolio are planned to be connected, through BAUTTO, with investors, venture developers and industry stakeholders.
Entrepreneurship and company-formation support
Company-formation support through BAU Hub programs; TÜBİTAK 1812 – BiGG Investment participation support for business ideas that meet the criteria.
Awards
Awards announced on a term basis, plus incubation and acceleration program opportunities (offered variably by term and theme).
Ready to turn your idea into a prototype?
For support, BAUTTO, BAU Hub and BUG Lab TEKMER are here; for tools and access, BAU AI Lab has your back.