03/09/2025
Siemens Group Manager Haluk Şahin told GazeteSU about the project they carried out with Sabancı University students within the scope of Industry-Focused Projects (SOP) program.
Could you tell us a little bit about the contribution of Sabancı University students to your project?
Computer Engineering Student Emre Kaan Usta and consultant faculty member Cemal Yılmaz carried out a very productive collaboration. Our student has developed a solution that uses large language models (LLMs) to produce automatic test scenarios from requirements, especially by developing an artificial intelligence-based test infrastructure for our SIMATIC industrial products. This solution provided an impressive success rate of 95%when integrated into our real test environment. The technical competence, high motivation, and positive communication of our student were very pleasing. The guidance of our consultant faculty member played a critical role in determining the direction of the project correctly and overcoming technical difficulties. Most importantly, the resulting solution has not just remained in theory, but has become a practical vehicle that our engineers can use in daily workflow.
What was the aspect that made you the most pleased in the approach of Sabancı University students to the project?
The most pleasing thing was that our student approached the project as a real engineering problem, not just as homework, but as a real engineering problem. Thanks to the necessary technical equipment, selfless work, and solution-oriented approach, we have achieved a practical and sustainable output. This professional approach was very impressive in terms of both the technical and personal development of the student.
Have any of the students involved in the project been considered for full-time employment, or would you consider it? Why?
When suitable opportunities arise within our company, talented students who perform successfully in such projects are considered in our evaluation processes. Their performance, technical proficiency, and ability to generate solutions align with the qualifications our company seeks. These types of projects offer a valuable opportunity to identify potential talent and establish long-term partnerships.
Would you like to participate in Sabancı University's Industry-Focused Projects next year? Why?
We would like to participate in your industry-focused projects in the coming years. We have established similar collaborations in previous years, and each one has given us the opportunity to build upon them. These types of projects are crucial for both utilizing the potential of young talent and achieving technical advancement by leveraging the experience of academic consultants. The contributions of esteemed faculty members, such as Cemal Yılmaz, have provided us with significant advantages in solving the technical challenges we face. Furthermore, these collaborations serve as an extended evaluation process for identifying potential future employees.
Would you recommend this Sabancı University program to other institutions?
We do recommend the program to other institutions. Sabancı University's industry-focused project program is a successful model that demonstrates the tangible and positive results of university-industry collaboration. It provides a significant advantage for students, providing them with real-world industry experience, and for institutions, exposing them to innovative ideas. This collaboration is not just a project; it's also a long-term investment and a valuable talent discovery process. Therefore, we wholeheartedly recommend this program to all institutions seeking to work with young talent and develop innovative solutions.
