CarrefourSA Unveils CarrefourSA Technology and Impact Center

Foreks - CarrefourSA (IS:CRFSA) has opened the CarrefourSA Technology and Impact Center in collaboration with Kocaeli University Faculty of Technology as part of the Sabancı Youth Mobilization initiated under the Sabancı Group umbrella.

The opening ceremony was attended by Kocaeli University Rector Prof. Dr. Nuh Zafer Cantürk, Sabancı Holding Financial Group President and CarrefourSA Board Chairman Orhun Köstem, CarrefourSA CEO Kutay Kartallıoğlu, and numerous academics and students. The CarrefourSA Technology and Impact Center will benefit undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, researchers, and entrepreneurs studying at the Faculty of Technology.

In a press conference regarding the event, Kocaeli University Rector Prof. Dr. Nuh Zafer Cantürk stated, "We care about our country and the careers of our youth. Therefore, we have aimed to undertake value-added projects. We are working tirelessly to expand the infrastructure and research climate that will pave the way for all kinds of scientific and technological developments, and we are increasing our collaborations day by day. Today, we are launching an important project with CarrefourSA, a global brand that has expanded its service network, especially after merging with the Sabancı Group. The 'CarrefourSA Technology and Impact Center' opened at our university is one of the most valuable investments for young people that values them and enables them to realize their potential. With this center, our students will be better equipped for the workforce after graduation. Through this center, our students will receive training in technology, enhancing their knowledge and skills, and developing innovative R&D projects. As a result, the bridges established between the industry and academia will be further strengthened."

"This center represents an important step reflecting our goal of transforming brain drain into brain power" Speaking at the opening, Orhun Köstem, Sabancı Holding Financial Group President and CarrefourSA Board Chairman, said, "Under the leadership of our CEO, Cenk Alper, we are opening Technology and Impact Centers all over Turkey with our Sabancı Youth Mobilization project to transform 'brain drain into brain power.' The CarrefourSA Technology and Impact Center, which we opened in collaboration with the Faculty of Technology at Kocaeli University, is one of the most concrete examples of this long-term mobilization."

Köstem continued, "Inspired by Atatürk's words, 'My hope is in the youth', we reinforce our belief in young people with every step we take to realize the vision of the Sabancı Group: 'We connect Turkey with the world through pioneering initiatives for a sustainable life.' Our Sabancı Technology and Impact Centers, spread across Turkey as part of the Sabancı Youth Mobilization, are actually reflections of our Republican values today. Believing in young people, trusting them wholeheartedly, and being on the path of continuous progress form the basis of the thought behind these centers. This center, where young people are equipped with knowledge and supported by innovative projects, is an important step reflecting our goal of turning brain drain into brain power."

Supporting young people's creative ideas Kutay Kartallıoğlu, CEO of CarrefourSA, stated that the company’s youth vision is built on three key values: "At CarrefourSA, which operates with the vision of 'The Right One for Life', these values are innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. By adhering to these values, we take pride in being a company that supports the creative ideas of young people, works with them for a sustainable future, and promotes an inclusive environment. For over 30 years, while serving our customers across Turkey, we have more than just being a retail brand; we have a structure that produces, evolves with technology, and adds value to Turkey. By integrating the power of digitalization and technology into our way of doing business, we are supporting the energy and innovative thinking of young people. In this context, with the CarrefourSA Technology and Impact Center, established in collaboration with Kocaeli University Faculty of Technology, we produce digital solutions, integrate new technologies into our operations, and offer development and contribution opportunities for young people in this field. With the Youth Mobilization project initiated by the Sabancı Group, we are taking an important step to bring out the potential of young people and offer them opportunities. Innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness are the foundational values of this vision at CarrefourSA. By adhering to these values, we will continue to be a company that supports the creative ideas of young people, works with them for a sustainable future, and promotes an inclusive environment."

Focusing on AI-driven technologies At the CarrefourSA Technology and Impact Center, it is aimed for young people to collaborate with professionals on projects focusing on technology and digital transformation. The center will provide training in areas such as software architecture, artificial intelligence transformations, data analytics, big data approaches, ABAP programming, Python, deep learning, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), Agile project management, and Scrum. Additionally, media literacy training will be offered to enhance young people's competencies in media literacy. Through this center, CarrefourSA aims to support the development of young people and promote a culture of continuous learning by providing opportunities for career entry aligned with industry dynamics, project development opportunities suitable for the new generation market understanding, and experience acquisition through AI-focused projects.