The Korean Consulate in Erbil convened its third artificial intelligence brainstorming session on February 17. This ongoing AI collaboration initiative brought together key stakeholders from across the Kurdistan Region. Consequently, participants mapped concrete steps to strengthen the local AI ecosystem.
Universities, organizations, and leading technology companies participated in the discussions. Representatives from the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr demonstrated strong interest in collaboration. The Rwanga foundation and Vision Education expressed eagerness to support program development. Therefore, the session attracted diverse institutional commitment.
Vision Education CEO Dr. Dana Mawlood made a significant pledge during the meeting. He promised Vision Education’s participation wherever the program expands. This commitment ensures continuity and institutional backing for future AI collaboration initiatives.
Technology company OVANYA emerged as a crucial implementation partner. The firm will host upcoming AI programs and provide infrastructure support. OVANYA plans to launch a three-month bootcamp running from June through September 2026. Consequently, aspiring AI enthusiasts will gain intensive training opportunities.
The bootcamp will accept applications from interested individuals across the region. Organizers will then shortlist applicants to select one hundred final participants. This competitive selection ensures motivated and capable cohort formation. Therefore, the program emphasizes quality over quantity.
During the bootcamp, organizers will present participants with a specific problem. Teams will work throughout the three-month period to develop AI-powered solutions. Training and supervision will accompany the entire development process. Consequently, participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical application experience.
The session also produced plans for a larger AI Olympiad in the near future. This competition will involve universities, companies, and relevant institutions throughout Kurdistan. The Olympiad aims to promote teamwork across academia, private sector, and civil society. Therefore, the initiative deliberately breaks down institutional silos.
Mixed teams composed of participants from different sectors will develop innovative AI solutions. This structure ensures diverse perspectives inform the development process. It also builds professional networks that extend beyond the competition itself. Consequently, the Olympiad serves multiple developmental purposes simultaneously.
The Korean Consulate’s sustained engagement reflects diplomatic commitment to technology transfer. South Korea has emerged as a global leader in AI development and application. Sharing this expertise with Kurdistan strengthens bilateral relations and regional capacity. Therefore, AI collaboration serves both practical and diplomatic objectives.
Kurdistan Region’s higher education institutions recognize AI’s transformative potential. Universities increasingly integrate technology training across disciplinary boundaries. Partnering with experienced international actors accelerates this educational evolution. Consequently, the consulate’s initiative complements existing regional development efforts.
The private sector’s enthusiastic participation signals commercial interest in AI applications. Local companies recognize competitive advantages available through AI adoption. Training programs will produce skilled workers capable of driving business innovation. Therefore, AI collaboration directly addresses workforce development needs.
Civil society organizations bring community perspectives to technology development. Their participation ensures AI applications address genuine local needs. It also builds public trust in technological change. Consequently, inclusive program design produces more relevant and acceptable outcomes.
The three-month bootcamp timeline provides sufficient depth for meaningful skill development. Participants will progress from foundational concepts to advanced application. Regular supervision ensures steady progress and addresses learning challenges. Therefore, the program design maximizes participant outcomes.
The Olympiad competition format adds motivational elements to the learning process. Recognition and awards incentivize exceptional performance. Public visibility attracts additional interest to AI career paths. Consequently, the initiative serves both training and promotional functions.
Looking ahead, successful programs could expand to include additional cohorts. Participant outcomes will inform future curriculum and structure decisions. Strong results may attract additional international partners. Therefore, this initial AI collaboration could seed sustained regional development.
The Korean Consulate’s role as convener demonstrates soft power application through technology cooperation. Rather than direct aid, this approach builds indigenous capacity. It positions Korea as a partner in regional development. Consequently, AI collaboration yields diplomatic returns alongside programmatic outcomes.
In conclusion, the third AI brainstorming session advanced concrete AI collaboration plans in Kurdistan Region. Universities, companies, and organizations committed to joint programming. A three-month bootcamp and future Olympiad will develop local talent. This Korean-led initiative strengthens Kurdistan’s capacity to participate in the global AI economy.
