Turkey is facing one of its most destructive wildfire seasons in history—with provinces like İzmir, Bursa, Karabük, and Hatay ravaged by flames. But this time, artificial intelligence is part of the frontline defense.
In this episode of AI-Ignited, host Elif Baser speaks with Aden Emre Ünal to unpack how Türkiye is using AI to detect, predict, and fight wildfires in real time. From smart towers and drones scanning the skies to a nationally awarded Fire Decision Support System guiding firefighting strategies, this isn’t the future—it’s happening now.
Learn how tech giants like Firefly Aerospace, IBM, and Palantir are accelerating emergency response times, and how cutting-edge research from arXiv and Oxford Insights is helping Turkey lead the Mediterranean in climate-tech innovation.

How is artificial intelligence transforming global business—and where is it just hype?

In this episode of AI Ignited, host Elif Baser is joined by innovation strategist Duru Özen to unpack insights from the New York Times feature “AI Will Transform the Global Economy — if Humans Let It.” They explore how AI is reshaping workforce strategies, redefining data ownership, and leveling global talent markets. From Salesforce's AI “agents” to the global rise of AI-augmented freelancers, learn what top business minds like Reid Hoffman, Marc Benioff, Richard Baldwin, and Xiaolan Fu say about the future of AI in the global economy.
If you're a business leader, strategist, or just curious where AI is headed next—this is your boardroom briefing.

Today on AI Ignited, host Elif Baser chats with guest Duru Ozen, who brings firsthand insights from her time in the marketing department at NAOS Turkey—the company behind skincare giants like Bioderma, Institut Esthederm, and Etat Pur.
From managing influencer campaigns and crafting content on TikTok and Trendyol, to learning about lab formulations and branding strategies, Duru shares how AI is quietly revolutionizing the skincare industry. Discover how AI-driven consumer behavior analysis, smart product development, and data-powered marketing personalization are shaping the future of beauty.
Whether you're a tech lover, skincare fanatic, or curious about how marketing is evolving, this episode dives into where algorithms meet aesthetics—and why the next big skincare innovation might come from a line of code. Smart beauty starts here.

In this episode of AI Ignited, host Elif Baser is joined by neurodiversity advocate and researcher Ozum Erdem to explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming support systems for individuals on the autism spectrum and those who are neurodivergent.
From AI-powered facial recognition tools that decode emotional cues, to voice-assisted companions that structure daily routines, we unpack how machine learning is making life more accessible and empowering. Ozum dives into real-world innovations like MIT's Autism Glass Project, Stanford's HART Lab, and the use of natural language processing for personalized communication aids.
We also discuss ethical considerations, data privacy concerns, and the need for inclusive design in tech. How can developers ensure these tools truly serve neurodivergent communities? What role do caregivers, therapists, and educators play in this digital revolution?
Whether you’re a psychologist, parent, technologist, or just curious about the intersection of empathy and innovation—this episode breaks down complex science into thoughtful, hopeful dialogue.

Today on AI Ignited, host Elif Baser is joined by cognitive psychology researcher and tech ethicist Ozum Erdem to explore one of AI’s thorniest challenges: morality. When a machine makes a life-or-death decision, whose values does it follow—and who gets to decide?
From MIT’s Moral Machine experiment to the biases hidden in algorithms, this episode uncovers how our cultural norms, psychological biases, and emotional instincts are quietly shaping AI ethics. Featuring insights from top researchers at Stanford, MIT, NYU, and the AI Now Institute, we dive into the growing field of human-centered AI and why philosophers, psychologists, and technologists must collaborate to keep AI accountable.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on empathy, fairness, and the moral complexity we’re coding into our machines.

Today on AI Ignited, host Elif Baser talks with architecture enthusiast Beyza Altan about the
powerful intersection of AI and building design. They dive into how AI optimizes energy use in
smart buildings and predicts maintenance needs — making our built environments more
efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly. They explore real-world examples and university-led
research, highlighting how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing modern architecture.

Today on AI-Ignited, host Elif Baser is joined by Busenaz Gunduz, to explore the fascinating role of AI as a diagnosis partner in healthcare. From breast cancer detection to heart disease and neurological disorders, they dive into how machine learning is transforming disease detection, improving early diagnosis, and ultimately optimizing health outcomes.
Learn about cutting-edge tools like Google Health’s breast cancer AI and how AI-powered tools are reducing false positives, improving accuracy, and saving lives. Plus, discover the ethical considerations and regulatory steps being taken to ensure AI is used responsibly in medicine.
If you're interested in the intersection of AI, healthcare, and optimization, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for expert insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of healthcare.

In this episode of AI Ignited, host Elif Baser and guest Busenaz Gunduz explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing protein folding and drug discovery. Learn how DeepMind’s AlphaFold cracked a 50-year-old problem in biology and how research centers like MIT’s Computational Biology Group, Stanford, and the University of Washington are using AI to accelerate the creation of new medicines. From deep learning to molecular modeling, this conversation unpacks how AI is reshaping biomedical research and paving the way for personalized, precision medicine.

In this episode of AI Ignited, host Elif Baser and guest Ada Ozturkmen, explore the cutting-edge world of AI-powered mental health diagnostics. As mental health concerns continue to rise, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, AI is stepping in as a game-changer. From detecting depression and anxiety through voice tone and facial expressions to predicting suicidal ideation with up to 85% accuracy, AI is making rapid, early detection a reality.
Ada and Elif discuss how AI is enhancing traditional mental health care by analyzing multi-modal data like speech patterns, social media language, and brain scans. Real-world case studies, including a breakthrough study from MIT’s Media Lab, show how AI is saving lives by flagging high-risk individuals and connecting them with timely support.
With expert opinions from leaders like Professor Rosalind Picard at MIT and Professor Matthew Hotopf at King’s College London, this episode dives into how AI tools are not replacing therapists but enhancing the reach and efficiency of mental health care. Tune in to discover how AI is revolutionizing the way we approach emotional well-being and how it could be the lifeline we need in today’s fast-paced world.