What happens when someone who helped shape a country’s national AI strategy decides the world needs more than policy papers? You get HUX AI — a bold, globally-informed initiative at the intersection of trust, governance, and technology.
Dr. Merve Ayyüce Kızrak isn’t new to AI. With over 16 years of experience across academia, the private sector, and public service, she has advised international institutions from the OECD to the G20. Now, she leads HUX AI, a mission-driven company focused on turning ethical AI principles into scalable, operational tools.
In this Q&A, she unpacks why the time for action is now, how regulation and innovation can work together, and what it takes to embed human values in the age of intelligent machines.
Highlights
From Global Policy to Bold Action
Q: After years of shaping national and global AI policy, what inspired you to found HUX AI — and why now?
A: The idea for HUX AI emerged from my desire to bridge gaps I’d observed for years across academia, industry, and the public sector. Too often, I saw well-intentioned ethical and governance principles that never translated into actionable tools. After working on AI policy at the national and international level, I realized that building a shared language between engineering, policy, and ethics wasn’t just a challenge — it was a necessity.
“Why now?” is a question tied to timing and maturity. My years at the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and international roles gave me the skills, insights, and readiness to take this leap. Combined with the accelerating demand for practical, ethical AI governance, it was clear the time had come to act.
Turning Principles into Practice
Q: HUX AI focuses on helping organizations govern AI systems ethically and safely. What early challenges have you faced in translating governance principles into operational tools?
A: One of the biggest challenges is uniting cross-functional teams around a shared goal. Translating abstract governance or ethical ideals into measurable, operational tools means navigating technical, legal, and administrative realities — and aligning them culturally.
HUX AI tools are designed to bring together technical systems and human values, and that requires proactive communication. Convincing different organizational units to move in the same direction is not easy, but it’s necessary for transformation.
Designing for Local Needs, Anchored in Global Experience
Q: You’ve worked with the OECD, G20, NATO, and the UN. How do those experiences shape the way you’re building HUX AI’s strategy and services?
A: These international experiences have deeply shaped how we think and operate at HUX AI. Working with the OECD, G20, NATO, and the UN taught me how to develop democratic, multi-stakeholder approaches and align solutions with diverse global standards.
At HUX AI, we don’t just copy frameworks. We tailor them — so our services like the HUX AI Governance Framework, HUX Compass, and HUX Academy meet local sector needs while aligning with global best practices. That global-local hybrid is what gives our clients a competitive edge.
Embedding Regulation into the Innovation Cycle
Q: As an AI governance expert and educator, how do you balance technical innovation with regulatory readiness when guiding clients through the AI lifecycle?
A: We don’t view regulation as a roadblock — we treat it as part of the design process. Our approach is socio-technical and proactive. Through HUX Academy, we train organizations to integrate ethical and legal frameworks early, so innovation and compliance become mutually reinforcing.
This mindset helps technical teams not only meet requirements but innovate more sustainably. It’s not just about avoiding risk — it’s about designing responsibly from the start.
Future-Proofing AI With Human Values
Q: You’ve been an advocate for ethical AI long before it became a global headline. What’s your long-term vision for HUX AI’s role in building a future where AI remains aligned with human values?
A: My long-term vision is for HUX AI to become a global leader in building the “infrastructure of trust.”
We’re not just creating tools — we’re building systems that help society adapt to AI confidently. That means creating governance structures that prioritize human needs over algorithms. Whether it’s labor, environment, or ethics, our aim is always human-centric AI.
We want our clients — and their ecosystems — to build with confidence, knowing their systems support human values now and into the future.
Second, the series of high-impact projects I’ve taken on outside of official roles — whether through mentoring, training, or contributing to global reports. That ongoing commitment to public-good work has been as critical to my growth as anything else.
It speaks to the mission-driven nature of HUX AI: translating strategy into action, and building trust-based systems that drive real social and cultural transformation.
Final Thoughts: Where Ethics Meets Urgency
Two moments define the foundation of HUX AI. First, Merve’s leadership in developing Türkiye’s National AI Strategy gave her the rare ability to bridge high-level vision with on-the-ground execution. Second, a track record of high-impact projects carried out alongside full-time roles — from mentoring to international policy work — reflects a deep commitment to societal benefit, not just technological advancement.
These milestones aren’t just career highlights; they represent the living blueprint of what HUX AI stands for: translating abstract ideals into real-world impact.
Dr. Merve Ayyüce Kızrak is clear about one thing — building trust in AI isn’t something we can afford to delay. HUX AI is not just a company – it’s a response to a global need for responsible, human-first systems.
With a career that bridges institutions and grassroots efforts, Merve’s work is proof that ethical AI isn’t just possible — it’s already in motion.
The future of AI depends not just on how fast we can innovate, but on how bravely we choose to lead with values. And with HUX AI, that future is already being built.
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here.
