On March 17, memorandum of understanding signed between "Innovations Center" LLC (INNOLAND), which is subordinate to the State Agency for Citizens Service and Social Innovations under the President of The Republic of Azerbaijan, and “Yeni Fikir” LLC. The purpose of the Memorandum is to support entrepreneurship ecosystems for technological startups in our country and in the regions of Azerbaijan and to implement a high-level partnership that serves the needs of emerging (or other) technology entrepreneurs.
The document, along with the formation and development of technology entrepreneurship, also reflects cooperation issues related to the strengthening of business initiatives. Thus, the content of the Memorandum reflects the factors that are being estimated for the establishment and development of innovation ecosystems in our country, as well as business initiatives.
"Innovations Center" LLC (INNOLAND) cooperates with local and international organizations in accordance with the strategy of the development of innovation ecosystem in our country and in the region, as well as for the development of technology entrepreneurship (startups). As one of such organizations, "Yeni Fikir" LLC is one of the companies operating in the intellectual sector in Azerbaijan and having a specific role in the formation of startup culture.
Thus, the "Yeni Fikir" startup competition, which was held for the sixth time this year, is being implemented by "Yeni Fikir" LLC, sponsored by BP, the Baku Engineering University. The company "Yeni Fikir" cooperates with "Innovations Center" LLC (INNOLAND) in organizing the same startup competition. Five startup projects that will win the competition.
The development of five startup projects that will win the competition will also be supported at the Innoland Incubation and Acceleration Center.
"INNOLAND" Incubation and Acceleration Center of the State Agency for Citizen Services and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan will start a Joint Acceleration Program with AzerGold CJSC. The goal is to bring together the precious metal industry's most emerging startups to stimulate inter-industry innovation, increase the effectiveness of processes and establish a new standard for this industry in Azerbaijan and the region.
The startups eligible for this batch can be focused on:
optimizing processes
enhancing capabilities
enhancing skills
utilizing leading technologies
within the precious metal industry and provide solutions that can be adapted to the needs of AzerGold CJSC.
Along with innovative solutions for the precious metal industry, startups can offer solutions suitable for AzerGold’s organizational needs including:
Mining
Industrial
Geology
HR
Database / Digitalization
Legal
Finance
Ecology
HSE, etc
Criteria
Other than being relevant to AzerGold CJSC’s activities, the selection criteria include:
1.Team: Minimum 2 People (No solo founders)
2. Minimum physical full-time presence on-site 1 Team member with good knowledge of English
3. Product: Developed or are developing a minimum viable product (MVP), Proof of concept
4. Market: Identified market and target segments
5. Pitch Deck needed
6. Qualification and experience in the field of precious metals will be considered as a big advantage
7. Research for export opportunities and readiness to enter new markets
For registration: https://forms.gle/8YqYx6mh6d1J7sXd8
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.
At the invitation of the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, an online meeting was held with one of the region’s most renowned entrepreneurs, Nevzat Aydın, founder and former CEO of Yemeksepeti.com.
During the meeting, INNOLAND residents — the startups Tada! and Enverson — presented their projects. The discussions focused on evaluating cooperation and investment opportunities, and it is planned to continue the collaboration in the next stage.