The opening ceremony of the SID project, implemented under the slogan “Your idea is supported” with the support of the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, has been held.

The SID project not only promotes the development of creative initiatives but also contributes to optimizing operations at OBA, implementing innovative solutions, and overall diversifying Azerbaijan’s startup ecosystem.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior representatives of Veysəloğlu Group of Companies and the Director of the Innovation Center under the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Vusal Rustamov.

Speaking about the project, Vusal Rustamov stated that the Innovation Center is ready to share its resources in order to create an effective incubation environment for the 33 selected startups. He emphasized that this cooperation is a bright example of public-private partnership and highly appreciated OBA’s initiative.

It should be noted that a total of 183 teams applied for the project, and 33 of the most promising teams were selected for the next stage.

Within the framework of the project, a total prize fund of 10,000 AZN has been allocated.

During the first week of July mentors and startups from “INNOLAND“ visit the new “INNOLAND“ Sheki to discover new startups. Participants will be introduced to basic entrepreneurial concepts during 2 days of workshops, followed by a Hackathon to apply the newly gained knowledge and put it into practice. The winners of the Hackathon will be accepted to “INNOLAND“ Sheki 6-month Incubation Program including working space in “INNOLAND“ Sheki Coworking.

Selection Criteria

• over 18
• basic level of English

Agenda:

Day 1: General Workshops

• What is a startup?
• How to come up with a startup idea?
• Market Research: Why and How?
• Value Proposition

Day 2: General Workshops

• Business Model Canvas: Business Modelling, Business Planning
• Lean Methodology
• Pitching

Day 3: Start of Hackathon + Speakers

• Startups from “INNOLAND“ Baku will share their entrepreneurial experience
• Hackathon will be launched: Ideas put on voting, best 5-6 will be chosen for team forming with a goal to form a startup by the end of the Hackathon

Day 4: Teamwork + Mentoring

• Selected teams will work on their projects with the support of “INNOLAND“ mentors + “INNOLAND“ Baku startups.

Day 5: Teamwork, Final Presentations + Winner Announcement

• Half day: Continue teamwork
• Half day: Final Presentations in front of the jury to determine the top 3 teams

For registration: http://bit.ly/2MWFSQX

The winning teams of the “EESTech Challenge Baku’25” competition will represent our country at the international final!

The “EESTech Challenge Baku’25” was organized by EESTEC JLC Baku, with the support of the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, the “STEAM Azerbaijan” project, and the “Bir Könüllü” Student Cooperation Public Union.

The main purpose of the competition is to promote innovative thinking and technical approaches to solving real-world problems among students studying engineering and seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in this field.

The competition received more than 100 applications, from which 10 teams — a total of 30 participants — were selected. They demonstrated their knowledge and skills in creatively solving various technological challenges. As a result, the team “AirVive” took first place, and the team “Montyorlar” took second place.

The winning teams will represent Azerbaijan at the international final of the “EESTech Challenge”, to be held on May 13–16, 2025, in Trieste, Italy.

It should be noted that the “EESTech Challenge” is an international competition held in various cities across Europe and aims to foster the development of engineering and innovation among young technology enthusiasts.