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.

Meeting on “Special Regulatory Regime” for Fintech Startups Held

A meeting on the “Special Regulatory Regime,” which is of significant importance for the fintech ecosystem, was successfully held with the joint organization of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center.

During the presentation, detailed information was provided on the purpose of the special regulatory regime, evaluation criteria for applications, and the pilot process, followed by extensive discussions in this direction. The session was both informative and practically useful for startups operating in the fintech sector.

Speakers:
• Sahib Hasanov– Head of Department, Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Vagif Guliyev– Senior Specialist, Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan

The meeting included extensive discussions on existing opportunities for the fintech ecosystem, regulatory requirements, innovation regulation, and future cooperation prospects. A Q&A session was also organized for participants, during which current issues in the field were explained in detail.

A $1 Million Prize Pool Awaits You!

Registration is now open for the "Digital Startup Awards" international competition, held in partnership with INNOLAND!

Digital Startup Awards is an international competition and development program aimed at boosting innovation and startup ecosystems across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia.

Azerbaijani startups can apply in 3 exciting tracks:

🔹 Best Startup Project
For officially registered startups at the Seed or Series A stage.

🔹 Acceleration Program
For startups with at least 3 months of sales.
Participation of at least one team member is required (costs covered from September to December).

🔹 Incubation Program
For teams with an MVP or working prototype.
Official registration is required.

Winners will gain access to major opportunities and global recognition!

 Learn more and register at: startupbase.uz/en/digital-startup-awards