Meet Batu Demir

Batu Demir is committed to advancing AI-enabled assistive technology to increase accessibility for those living with disabilities.

Batu Demir’s story began in Izmir, Turkey. He and his brother, both born blind, were determined to take part in quintessential childhood activities. They refused to let their blindness confine them, embodying the lesson that limitations often lie not in abilities but in perceptions. To play soccer, they would tie up a ball in a plastic bag, making the movements of the ball distinctly audible and easy to chase. To ride their bikes, they used echolocation, snapping their fingers or making clicking sounds with their tongues, using the echo of the sound to navigate obstacles.

Today, as a Knight-Hennessy scholar and business student, Batu continues to deftly navigate obstacles as he works to create technological innovations that aim to broaden accessibility and empower people with disabilities to participate fully in life’s rich tapestry of experiences.

What are your academic interests, and what would you like to pursue when you graduate?

When I first started college, I knew that disability advocacy would be a constant component throughout my career. In recent years, I’ve crystalized what that will look like. I want to be at the center of artificial intelligence (AI) because AI is going to shape all of our lives, especially the lives of those living with disabilities. For example, I have an AI tool that can describe photos to me. I am a part of many WhatsApp group chats, where people post photos and everyone reacts. I used to ask my group chats, “What’s in the photo?” But now I can easily upload a photo into an AI platform and say, “My friends are laughing at this. Can you tell me what makes this photo funny?” And the AI does a great job of providing a detailed description. Through that, I’ve seamlessly become more involved in conversations. 

Advancements in AI can improve the human experience for many people living with disabilities. The little, meaningful moments that happen in life will become more accessible. I am excited about the other types of accessibility AI technology can bring. 

In the future, I want to work at an AI startup and be at the center of the progression of this technology. Eventually, I’d like to start my own business.

How is Knight-Hennessy shaping you to become a future leader in your field of interest? 

One of the most transformative experiences at Knight-Hennessy has been our storytelling training. It’s a skill that extends beyond communication; storytelling enables us to inspire, bridge gaps, and advocate effectively. When we express our stories, we can convey the heart behind our work and invite others to see the possibilities in new ways. I’ve come to realize that as a leader sharing the “why” behind what we do is essential to rallying support and driving change.

Also, Knight-Hennessy’s Deep Dive initiative, where scholars interview one another in an intimate setting, has profoundly impacted me. Being blind often means I’m either unseen or seen only as a “blind person” rather than recognized for my goals, achievements, and vision. But through Deep Dive, I’m able to connect with my peers beyond superficial impressions. We uncover the values and stories that make each of us unique yet remind us of our shared humanity. This experience has strengthened my commitment to visibility and connection, both for myself and for others who might be marginalized or overlooked.

In what way has Knight-Hennessy positively impacted your experience at Stanford?

The Knight-Hennessy community has had a major impact on me. Every time I step into Denning House and connect with Knight-Hennessy scholars, I’m filled with hope and inspiration. Their work, ambition, and drive to make a difference amaze me, reminding me of the boundless potential within this community.

Also, the diversity of ideas within the community is unmatched. When I speak to my peers at the business school, many are pursuing careers in finance and consulting alike. At Knight-Hennessy, students’ endeavors include tackling breast cancer, exploring core parts of aeronautics engineering, dismantling education barriers in developing countries, and so much more. The Knight-Hennessy community comprises students from all over the world who offer a plethora of unique ideas for addressing the world’s challenges; being part of it has profoundly expanded my perspective.

What does a day in your life look like at Stanford?

I’m an early riser. I wake up around 6:00 a.m., and I start my day by going for a run. Following that, I have breakfast and then attend classes until noon. At noon, I either have coffee chats with friends or I head to Denning House for the community lunches or an interesting Knight-Hennessy event. They often bring in great guests, like President Levin, whom I introduced at the Curiosity Corner. Afternoons often involve working on passion projects, whether that’s deepening my skills in coding, experimenting with new recipes, or simply finding ways to become a better version of myself. 

Can you share your experience with the Knight-Hennessy application process? And, if you could offer advice to prospects, what would you say?

The application was challenging because it was deeply introspective. For each question asked, I had to think deeply about my response and reflect on my life journey. 

When I wrote my story, I made sure that my words came to life. I wanted the admissions officer to be able to imagine me, almost picture me in their eyes, and feel what I was feeling. If I was nervous, I wanted them to feel nervous. If I was experiencing excitement and passion, I wanted the application to powerfully communicate those feelings. 

As I moved forward in the application process, it became more challenging. For instance, there was a video element in the application where applicants had to teach a skill to the viewer. My advice for this element of the application is to think out of the box! In my scenario, rather than merely talking through how to play blind-soccer, I went to a soccer field and recorded my video there. Through that, I was able to physically guide the viewer through the various details of the sport.

Along the way, I worried. I wondered if a blind student like me would find belonging and if there was truly a place for me here among so many driven, exceptional people. Today, I know the answer without a doubt. Knight-Hennessy and Denning House welcome people of every background, perspective, and ambition. Here, our shared commitment to learning, growth, and impact unites us beyond the boundaries of what we may see as limits. Whatever your journey, whatever dreams you bring, know that there’s a space for you here. We are here, ready to learn from each other, to lift each other up, and to face the world’s challenges together.

Let me end by doing something a bit out of the box. This is a Q&A, but I’ll flip it to make it an A&Q: Where are you? When will you be here?

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