Bilgi University: LITE

Revitalising an entrepreneurial graduate program to equip university students with 21st century and management skills.

To thrive in a rapidly evolving world, knowledge must be fluid, interdisciplinary, and accessible. In partnership with Istanbul Bilgi University, we launched LITE—a cutting-edge one-off graduate program that redefines hybrid learning by blending innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in a dynamic university setting.

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THE CHALLENGE

At ATÖLYE, we recognize that the boundaries between organizations and educational institutions are dissolving. In an era marked by hyper-connectivity and rapid digitalization, the transfer of knowledge has become crucial for entrepreneurial success. Traditional higher education models often fail to keep pace with these changes, leaving a gap in the skills and mindsets required for the modern entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our challenge was to revitalise a graduate program that goes beyond conventional education, fostering systematic thinking, creativity, and practical application to prepare students for the complexities of the 21st century.

THE TRANSFORMATION APPROACH

To meet this challenge, we co-designed a progressive curriculum through a collaborative strategy workshop with Istanbul Bilgi University. The program was structured across three semesters, each focusing on global trends and societal challenges, organizational transformation, and personal development. This approach ensured that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the practical skills needed to innovate and lead in various sectors. ATÖLYE’s digital design team further enhanced the program by creating a distinctive brand and digital presence, including a logo symbolizing perpetual growth and a website that serves as an interactive platform for continuous learning.

"We aim for individuals to generate their own light (LITE), not merely consume it. We want everyone to discover their inner light, to see the light in their minds, walk the path illuminated by it, and inspire others to follow."

Dr. Ahmet Ecmel Ayral Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Istanbul Bilgi University

THE IMPACT

LITE positioned itself as a unique and forward-thinking graduate program, attracting students who aspire to become the entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow. Through its emphasis on systematic thinking, innovation, and real-world application, LITE equipped its participants with the tools to identify and seize business opportunities, present ideas to investors, and navigate the complexities of launching and sustaining new ventures. The program’s distinctive branding and digital presence also garnered attention, setting it apart in a competitive educational landscape.

THE COMMUNITY LENS

By approaching the design of LITE from a community-first perspective, we ensured that the program resonates with the needs and aspirations of young professionals and recent graduates. The curriculum was crafted to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among participants, while the digital platform was designed to facilitate ongoing engagement with the broader entrepreneurial and technological communities. This focus on community-building helps create a supportive network where students can exchange ideas, learn from one another, and form meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom.

Project Team:
Başak Aras, Ceylan Uşaki Erali, Deniz Yazıcıoğlu, Emre Erbirer, Engin Ayaz, Kerem Alper, Mert Çetinkaya

Project Lead:
Emre Erbirer

Community: Didem Toprak (UI Design), Murathan Sırakaya (Animation)

Network:
Mehmet Hazman (Software Development)

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