The 2nd Youth Networking Forum Took Place

On August 31, 2025, the opening ceremony of the “2nd Youth Networking Forum for Youth in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals” was held at the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center. The event began with the State Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a one-minute silence in memory of our martyrs.

The purpose of the forum was to promote networking among youth and knowledge exchange on innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals. Within the framework of the forum, opening speeches, panel discussions, and team-building games were organized. Participants, representatives of government bodies, and innovation centers came together to discuss new opportunities for collaboration.

During the opening panel, the project manager Nigar Isgandarova spoke about the essence of the event and the panel discussions awaiting guests. Speeches were also delivered by Rustam Hasanov, Adviser to the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources; Seyfur Hacimuradov, representative of the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Vurgun Hajiyev, Adviser to the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency; Nigar Khidirova from the Agrarian Innovation Center; Nicat Amiraslanov, Director of the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center; and Etibar Khidirov, Head of the Supportive Community Center and expert of the “SDG Youth Community” initiative group.

The forum began with the first panel on “Digital Development Agenda: SDGs in the Era of Innovation,” moderated by PhD candidate Mirlazim Dadashov from Bahçeşehir University. Panelists Samir Qadirov, Community Head at SABAH.HUB Innovation Center; Nurlan Ahmadov, lecturer at Baku State University; Tural Rahimov, Digital Media Planner at Universal McCann Azerbaijan; and Vurgun Hajiyev, Adviser to the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, discussed the impact of digital development on SDGs.

The second panel, titled “Digital Development and New Approaches in Management,” was moderated by business development expert Rashid Bayramli. Panelists included ERP systems expert Aytan Vahidova, transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev, Head of Department at the Social Research Center Seymur Aliyev, and IT management expert Serkhan Talibzade, who presented modern approaches applied in digital management.

Following the panels, a team-building game was organized, moderated by Hunar Alkhanov, member and Communications Manager of the National Board of ESN Azerbaijan. Participants also discussed collaboration opportunities with various organizations during networking breaks.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony and commemorative photographs.

Within the framework of the “Startup, Innovation and Support” program, a project of the “OBA” supermarket chain, the Innovation Solutions Marathon has been launched.

The opening event of the marathon’s first week took place in the building of the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center with its support. The event brought together participating teams, mentors, and project managers.

First, the program’s roadmap was presented, followed by “SpeedDate” format meetings with mentors.

Continuing the event, the head of the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, Nicat Amiraslanov, conducted the program’s first training session on the topic “Idea Generation, Innovation, and Creativity.”

“ASAN Service” to organize the next Digital Game Camp

The “DIGIAGE – Baku 2025” Digital Game Camp will be held at the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center under the organization of the Innovation Center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The main goal of the camp is to create opportunities for talented young people to develop their own games with the support of professional mentors and to promote their projects. Another key objective is to help participants gain experience in entering global markets and support their new initiatives.

The “DIGIAGE” camp, which will be organized for the tenth time worldwide and for the third time in Azerbaijan, aims to provide mentoring support to individual participants, teams, and companies interested in developing in the gaming sector. It will also create opportunities to expand the ecosystem through investments.

Over the past two years (2023–2024), a total of 442 applications have been received for the camp, with 192 participants selected to take part.

Those wishing to participate in “DIGIAGE – Baku 2025” can register until October 24, 2025.

🔗 Registration link: https://forms.gle/aVtVRL7Ah966Yrm18