The semifinal stage of the “Digital Startup Awards” competition has been held in Azerbaijan

In partnership with “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center and “Sabah Hub,” the Azerbaijani semifinal of the international “Digital Startup Awards” competition in the “Best Startup Project” category was successfully held.

Twenty innovative startup projects representing Azerbaijan took part in the semifinal. The startup teams presented their projects to the jury, where they were evaluated based on criteria such as business model, technological innovation, and market potential.

The “Digital Startup Awards” program is an international initiative that fosters a multi-level development mechanism within the region’s startup ecosystem and is distinguished by its stage-based selection process. In the “Best Startup Project” category—one of the three main stages of the program—two projects, “StarKidsStories” and “Tryverse,” were announced as winners.

“StarKidsStories” is an innovative startup that creates personalized children’s storybooks using artificial intelligence technologies. The project stands out for its scalable model and strong profit potential.

“Tryverse” is a platform that combines 3D and augmented reality (AR) technologies to enhance online sales of physical products.

These two startup projects have earned the opportunity to represent Azerbaijan in the international final to be held in Uzbekistan, where they will compete with the most promising startups from nine countries.

The startups selected for the semifinal stage were chosen from nearly 100 applications and evaluated by distinguished jury members and experts, including Dalerkhon Nodirov (Deputy Director of IT Park Ventures), Mubariz Shahbazli (Head of the UNEC Startup Incubator), and Masud Alisoy (Investment Specialist representing the Sabah Foundation). Mr. Elshad Mammadzada (Executive Director of Akademi Group), representing the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, evaluated the EdTech startups as an expert judge in educational innovation.

Overall, more than 150 startups from Azerbaijan applied for the competition. The “Digital Startup Awards” program is organized by “StartupBase,” an innovation platform of IT Park Uzbekistan. The program aims to promote digital innovation, support the development of the startup ecosystem across Central Asia and the Caucasus, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to gain international recognition.

Registration for the "Star Venture" Programme, supported by “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, is still open!

The "Star Venture" Programme, implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), invites high-potential Azerbaijani startups to join the initiative for international growth. 🇦🇿

Selected startups within the programme will receive:
Individual consulting and mentoring support worth EUR 50,000,
Access to investment opportunities,
Global business connections and networking possibilities.

To date, more than 400 startups have benefited from this programme, attracting over EUR 600 million in foreign investment.

Now it’s Azerbaijan’s startups’ turn to shine!

Application deadline: 22 October 2025
Registration link: Apply here

Let’s promote the Azerbaijani startup ecosystem on the global stage — together!

A “Youth Camp” has been organized for the children of martyrs.

Within the framework of the project, the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center conducted a series of educational and practical sessions for children of martyrs aged 7–23.

During the “Urban Planning Creativity” activity, teams used the provided materials to design and present innovative city models. Trainings on innovation and idea generation were also organized. Participants joined interactive sessions on the concept of startups, idea development, and presentation skills.

Throughout the program, young participants enhanced their creative thinking, problem-solving, and effective idea presentation skills.

The project was organized by the YAŞAT Fondu and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the support of the Goranboy District Executive Authority, the ASAN Könüllüləri Təşkilatı, the INNOLAND İnkubasiya və Akselerasiya Mərkəzi, the Baku Psychology Center, and the Azerbaijan Human Resources Association.

The “Youth Camp” is regarded as an important platform for unlocking young people’s potential and positively guiding their future educational and career choices.