“Cybershield Innovators: Building the Future of Digital Security” Project Final Meeting Successfully Held

The final meeting of “Cybershield Innovators: Building the Future of Digital Security,” Türkiye’s first EIT-supported cybersecurity project coordinated by Istanbul Gelisim University, was held at the university’s campus. The project was carried out in partnership with the Proficiency Institute (PRO) in Germany and supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). The meeting was attended by IGU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Abdülkadir Gayretli, Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, Vice Rectors Prof. Arda Öztürkcan, Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı, and Prof. Nuri Kuruoğlu.

National and International Participation Record Broken

The project aimed to train cybersecurity professionals who not only possess technical expertise but also innovative problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate and neutralize digital threats. A total of 1,205 students participated in the project—exceeding the initial target of 600—from 47 universities across 22 European countries and 141 universities in Turkey. This resulted in the creation of a broad and inclusive digital security education ecosystem.

The female participation rate surpassed the 30% target, reaching 37%, marking a significant success in terms of inclusivity. Students from Romania, Hungary, Albania, Georgia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, and Lithuania took part. Within Turkey, students from over 60 cities were included in the program.

Officials Emphasized the Project’s Contributions to Turkey and Europe

The opening speech of the meeting was delivered by IGU International Exchange and Cooperation Coordinator and Project Administrative Coordinator Alisa Usubova.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Abdulkadir Gayretli emphasized that by hosting Turkey's first EIT-supported cybersecurity education project, students not only enhanced their technical skills but also positioned the university as a pioneer in digital transformation in both Europe and globally.
Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin stated that the project, carried out with students from 141 universities in Turkey and 47 universities across Europe, made a strong contribution to both Türkiye’s and IGU’s international mission.

Vice Rector Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı highlighted that the project was not only a technical training program but also a comprehensive intercultural dialogue and cooperation initiative involving students from diverse cultural backgrounds. He underlined that this diversity made the project more accessible and trustworthy.

Project details were presented by Alisa Usubova, and the educational component was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Serkan Gönen, Head of the Software Engineering Department and Project Education Coordinator at IGU. Alper Ece, Administrative Coordinator from Germany's Proficiency Institute, also joined online to share his insights. The final meeting concluded with closing remarks.

An Exemplary International Collaboration Model

With this project, coordinated by Istanbul Gelişim University, Turkey took a pioneering step in EIT-supported cybersecurity education. The university not only provided technical training but also highlighted intercultural interaction and inclusivity, presenting an exemplary model of international collaboration.

Participants received internationally recognized EIT-approved and ECTS-compatible certificates. The project also strengthened female participation in STEM fields and reinforced regional inclusivity. Additionally, a strong collaboration network was established between Europe and Türkiye, and the project was featured among model practices within the Deep Tech Talent Initiative (DTTI).

This achievement stands out as a major milestone that demonstrates Istanbul Gelisim University’s international vision and leadership in the field of digital security.