AI Startup Studio invites students to develop AI projects for digital wellbeing

Digital wellbeing is this year’s theme

Vodafone Foundation and Habitat Association have announced AI Startup Studio under their Artificial Intelligence Stars project. The programme invites secondary-school students aged 14–16 to develop AI-supported ideas addressing the effects of digital life on individuals and society.

This year’s theme is Digital Wellbeing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Teams are expected to identify a problem within that theme and propose an innovative, practical solution with a social-benefit focus. Advanced coding knowledge is not a requirement at the application stage.

Three stages from an idea to a demonstration

The programme will begin with 25 teams taking part in AI and entrepreneurship training and practical workshops. Ten teams will advance to the second stage, receiving mentoring and coaching as they refine solutions, develop prototypes and test feasibility.

Five finalist teams will present their projects at Demo Day to industry representatives and investors. The winning team will receive TRY 150,000. The organisers describe the process as covering idea development, prototyping, business-model preparation and presentation skills.

Teams need two or three students and an adviser

Applications are open to teams of at least two and no more than three students aged 14–16. Each team must have an adviser to guide it throughout the programme. Applicants should describe the digital-wellbeing problem they have selected and the AI-based project they intend to develop.

The deadline given in the announcement is 14 November 2026. Further information and the application route are available through the Artificial Intelligence Stars programme website.

Social benefit alongside technical skills

Türkiye Vodafone Foundation President Hasan Süel said the programme aims to make young people active participants in the digital transition. He emphasised conscious technology use, safer digital experiences and the translation of technical capability into social benefit.

Habitat Association Executive Committee President Bora Caldu highlighted critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and entrepreneurship as outcomes alongside the projects themselves. The wider Artificial Intelligence Stars project aims to develop AI literacy and digital skills across Türkiye’s 81 provinces. AI Startup Studio adds an entrepreneurship pathway for students who want to turn their ideas into practical solutions.