To path indicator Subpages of “Newsdetail“ To navigation by target groups To navigation by topic To quick access To footer with other services
To content
Panoramic view on the North Campus © Jürgen Huhn​/​TU Dortmund
EXIST Model Project

Federal Government Supports AI Start-up Founded by TU Alumni

-
in
  • Founding & Transfer
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Top News
The picture shows three men in suits and with dark hair sitting on a table. The two men on the outside are looking at each other, while the person in the middle is smiling at the camera. A wall with four windows can be seen in the background. © Timi Vuong
They have met during their studies and founded the AI Company Ziya together (from left to right): Enes Arpaci, Haris Yalcinkaya, and Ilirjan Bytyqi.
In order to support companies in integrating a tailored AI solution for their data processes, TU Dortmund University alumni Haris Yalcinkaya and Enes Arpaci, together with Ilirjan Bytyqi, developed the pipeline “DatenLabel” (DataLabel). Now, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has selected their company “Ziya” as one of the first AI start-ups for a second funding phase in the Federal Government’s EXIST model project.

“We met during our studies in the Ruhr area,” says Enes Arpaci, who, together with Haris Yalcinkaya, studied computer science at TU Dortmund University. Ilirjan Bytyqi studied business administration at the University of Duisburg-Essen during the same time. After completing their master’s degrees, the three worked on a business idea to provide companies with flexible AI tools. In 2022, they successfully applied for a Gründungsstipendium.NRW (start-up grant provided by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia) and developed the pipeline “DatenLabel”: The AI-supported toolset guides, like a pipeline, step by step from raw data to the implementation of an AI solution. Haris Yalcinkaya explains: “Companies often face the challenge of finding the right entry point into AI. Identifying and prioritizing the key AI use cases is generally the biggest hurdle. DatenLabel helps identify these use cases and efficiently supports the entire process—from raw data collection to implementation.”

With their innovation, the trio also impressed the program “Existenzgründungen aus der Wissenschaft” (EXIST, Start-ups from Science) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). In their first funding phase, they further developed DatenLabel and founded Ziya GmbH in Dortmund in 2024, whose name means “light” or “shine” in Arabic. As part of its AI model projects, the BMWK has now selected the young start-up for a second funding phase.

AI Consulting from Dortmund for the Region

In the meantime, the team has expanded its portfolio and now offers not only its own AI text assistant under the name “Taila,” but also business consulting and workshops on the subject of AI. Their approach is to build a customized AI strategy based on the individual application case, says Ilirjan Bytyqi: “Together with the clients, we identify the interfaces in their work processes where AI can be efficiently used, for example, in the maintenance and analysis of large datasets.” For instance, in a production company, AI can predict equipment failures to reduce costs through predictive maintenance and avoid emergency repairs. The three founders also ensure that their solutions are offered through servers in Germany in compliance with data protection and copyright laws, as well as in accordance with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act).

As a Dortmund start-up, the Ziya team remains closely connected to the economic region. Thus, Ilirjan Bytyqi, Enes Arpaci, and Haris Yalcinkaya have successfully applied for the innoclub of the Dortmund Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Dortmund) and will soon be moving into premises in the Technology Center next to the TU Dortmund University campus. The innoclub network brings together excellent start-ups, entrepreneurs, and experts with the aim of strengthening the innovative power in Dortmund and the Westphalian Ruhr area. TU Dortmund University, the Economic Development Agency of the City of Dortmund, the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the International School of Management (ISM), and regional partner companies are also involved in the innoclub.

The picture shows several adults dressed in suits standing in a semi-circle in front of a desk and looking at a slightly curved screen. A black banner with the white inscription “ZIYA” and the depth of the room can be seen in the background. © Sefa Yildiz​/​Koala&Fox
Ilirjan Bytyqi (2nd from left) and Haris Yalcinkaya (front) presented their start-up Ziya at the opening of the innoclub: (from left to right) Dirk Stürmer (Managing Director TechnologyCenterDortmund), TU Dortmund University President Prof. Manfred Bayer, Stefan Schreiber (Chief Executive IHK Dortmund), NRW Science Minister Ina Brandes, and Prof. Tamara Appel (President of Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts).
To top of page