Our Story

“Hey! Why can’t kids use AI to solve real-world problems?”

That challenge came from a fearless fourth grader, and it stuck. So we got to work. We’re a small team with big ideas and even bigger heart:

One bold entrepreneur who hears opportunity in every “What if…”
Two curriculum wizards-educators who turn teaching into dragon quests
A finance genius who keeps the lights on (and the pizza flowing)
A magician who writes code and builds platforms that feels like sorcery
An operations and marketing lead who juggles schedules, suppliers, and social buzz with just the right amount of sparkle

Together, we created AI Project Academy. It’s where kids ages 8 to 12 use AI to explore real-world challenges and bring bold ideas to life before high school ever starts. Big ideas shouldn’t wait. And neither should curious kids. Come build the future with us, one epic project at a time!

Co-Founder, VP, Chief of Curriculum

Burcu Mutlu, Ph.D.

Dr. Burcu Mutlu has over 15 years of experience in education and instructional design, including roles in government and higher education. She currently designs training for Cyber and Analytic Solutions in the Federal Government. At AI Project Academy, Burcu leads real-world AI projects that build foundational AI literacy and 21st-century skills. Her mission is to help the next generation think critically, create with confidence, and use technology with purpose.

Co-Founder, Chief of Learning & Director of the Boston Branch Office

Gamze Yilmaz, Ph.D.

Dr. Gamze Yilmaz is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Massachusetts Boston with expertise in AI-enhanced pedagogy and innovative teaching methodologies. Her research focuses on cognitive processes in digital media and the impact of pedagogical innovations on student learning experiences. At AI Project Academy, she ensures our curriculum meets the highest standards for teaching kids ethical and effective human-AI collaboration skills—blending academic rigor with playful, real-world learning.

Co-Founder, Chief of Technology

Gun Karagoz, MSc.

Gün turns complex ideas into smart and scalable solutions. He blends product thinking and AI to build tools and project-based curricula that spark curiosity. With experience in teaching and training, he builds bridges between abstract ideas and real understanding.

Co-Founder, Chief of Finance

Rahsan Bozkurt, Ph.D.

Dr. Rahsan Inget, is responsible for overseeing financial operations, investor relations, risk management, and compliance. Dr. Inget has over 19 years of professional and academic experience in finance, economics, and policy. She has a Ph.D. in finance, M.S. in economics, and M.B.A. with finance and accounting concentration from Purdue University and a B.S. in industrial engineering from Bilkent University in Turkey. She is a lifelong learner and passionate about impactful, quality education.

Head of Houston Operations and Marketing

Cagri Peker, MBA

Cagri brings over two decades of engineering and business leadership to AI Project Academy. From orchestrating TEDx events for thousands to closing technology deals at NEC Corporation, Cagri has consistently delivered results across diverse markets and complex challenges.
With expertise spanning telecommunications, energy, and digital transformation, Cagri founded and scaled innovative initiatives that achieved revenue growth high customer attention.
Now focused on making AI education accessible to young minds, Cagri leads our Houston, TX operations with the same precision and vision that drove his success in global technology markets. He ensures our programs inspire the next generation of innovators while maintaining operational excellence.

CEO, Director of the Virginia/DC Office

Uno Mutlu, Ph.D.

Dr. Uno Mutlu brings more than 20 years of steering high-growth ventures at the crossroads of advanced technology and academic research. Committed to ethical innovation, Uno launched the academy to equip the next-gen with practical, real-world AI skills. When not charting strategy, you’ll find him mentoring young engineers or sketching ideas on the nearest napkin. Uno has co-authored 60+ publications and patents: across a broad spectrum of science and engineering.