Across two dynamic days, participants engaged in hands-on workshops and real-world case challenges, gaining fresh perspectives on the strategic and practical applications of artificial intelligence in business from three distinct corporate viewpoints.
The first day began with a welcome from Prof. Eda Aksoy, the CEMS Academic Director and an icebreaker led by CEMS Club Istanbul. The agenda featured a full-day seminar by Beko, covering topics such as general strategy, AI-driven transformation, future of talent in AI, and regulatory considerations. In the afternoon, Microsoft led a workshop on Copilot Studio, where students explored generative AI agents in dedicated digital labs.
Day two opened with a skill session led by Henkel, during which students were introduced to strategy pillars and GenAI skillsets. By working in teams, they created AI-driven product concepts and presented their ideas. The afternoon session, delivered by Kearney, offered an in-depth look into their AI tools and solutions, culminating in a live case-solving challenge.
To complement the professional experience, CEMS Club Istanbul organized two memorable dinners that offered students and alumni valuable opportunities to connect in the heart of the city. The first evening featured a warm welcome dinner in a cozy setting, with participants traveling by ferry and enjoying the stunning views of the Bosphorus along the way. The second day concluded with a lively and informal dinner, where attendees explored the rich tastes of Turkish cuisine.
Marenostrum 2025 at Koç offered a meaningful exchange of ideas and hands-on experience at the intersection of AI and business. With the valued support of Beko, Henkel, and Kearney, as well as the contributions of our distinguished CEMS alumni Sercan Şafak (Beko), Merve Önbaş (Henkel), Ecem İnan (Kearney) and Doğaç Arık (Kearney), and the dedication of the CEMS Club Istanbul team, students not only gained exposure to cutting-edge AI tools and industry practices but also had the opportunity to engage directly with alumni and learn from their professional journeys.
We look forward to the next Marenostrum and thank everyone who made this year’s event a success!
