With the support of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA) and organized by SUP VC, a panel discussion titled INNOSTART on the topic “Support for Azerbaijani Startups” was held at Nakhchivan State University.

The panel featured Nijat Amiraslanov, Head of the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, Mubariz Shahbazli, Director of the UNEC Incubation Center, and Huseyn Asgarli, Head of the IT Department of NSU, as speakers. The main purpose of the panel was to familiarize young people in the region with innovation and startup opportunities and to encourage them to engage in this field. During the panel, there was a broad exchange of views on state support mechanisms for startups, investment opportunities, and the innovation environment

“Yay Fest 2025” — From Idea to Signature

As part of “Yay Fest 2025,” a panel discussion titled “From Idea to Signature: Sovereign Thinking, Local Innovative Initiatives” was held with the participation of young attendees.

Speakers included Nicat Amiraslanov, Head of the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, and Nofel Aliyev, trainer at the ASAN Center for Innovative Development.

During the panel, participants were provided with in-depth information on startup building, shaping successful ideas, and the role of artificial intelligence tools in this process. The session continued with an interactive discussion involving the youth.

Registration continues for the 5th TUSI within the “Skills for the Future” project

Registration is ongoing for the 5th TUSI implemented by the Innovation Center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan within the “Skills for the Future” project.

The main objective of the program is to strengthen human capital in the field of innovation, promote innovative activities in education, and ensure the integration of students into the startup ecosystem.

Within the framework of the project, favorable conditions are created for the development of innovative ideas of young people, and guiding them toward invention and startup activities has been identified as a key priority. The program provides participants with extensive opportunities to systematically develop their ideas, build business models, conduct market research, develop products, and acquire effective presentation skills.

The 5th TUSI incubation program is implemented through an intensive training program covering 10 main topics and 34 sub-modules. The trainings are designed with a practical approach, enabling participants to work on real startup ideas and integrate more effectively into the innovation ecosystem.

Those who wish to participate in the program can fill out the application form at:
 https://gub.icenter.az/home

The registration deadline is April 12, 2026.

All students who have innovative ideas and want to transform them into real projects are invited to join the program.

Since 2021, the project has established cooperation with 18 higher education institutions. More than 130 mentors from universities have received training. Over 3,000 students have submitted more than 300 startup ideas. Among them, 45 startup teams were selected to present their projects to investors and experts during Demo Day events.

As a result of the project, 4 startups formed within the “Skills for the Future” initiative have attracted a total investment of 310,000 AZN. 🚀