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.

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.

Only a few days left to register!
Secure your spot now at the “DIGIAGE - Baku 2025” digital game camp! 
Test your skills in game design, programming, and marketing, work on real projects, and collaborate with professionals! 
 Registration: forms.gle/aVtVRL7Ah966Yrm18
Deadline: October 31

“Polygraf AI” has secured a $9.5 million investment!

Based in the United States, “Polygraf AI” has gained the trust of international investors, becoming one of the most successful startups in the field of artificial intelligence.

The company provides AI-powered solutions for risk detection, fraud prevention, and data integrity protection for enterprises.

With this investment, “Polygraf AI” will accelerate product development and further strengthen its position in global markets.

We sincerely congratulate the “Polygraf AI” team!

A delegation led by Ahmet Aydın, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Turkey, got acquainted with the activities of “ASAN Service.”

Welcoming the guests, Ceyhun Salmanov, Deputy Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, provided information about the “ASAN Service” centers established on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev and the innovative solutions applied in public services. He also noted that Azerbaijan’s intellectual brand is currently exported to more than 30 countries.

The guests also visited the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, Mobile ASAN Service, ABAD, and “Bilim Bakı” centers.

“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

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 meeting was held at the “Innovation Center” with representatives of the High Technologies Park.
Vusal Rustamov, Director of the “Innovation Center” of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with a delegation led by Nihat Majidov, Chief Executive Officer of the High Technologies Park of the Ministry of Science and Education.

During the meeting, the activities of the “Innovation Center” and the High Technologies Park, the “SABAH.city” innovation township project, as well as potential areas of cooperation were discussed.
The parties reviewed opportunities for joint activities aimed at the development of the innovation ecosystem, enhancing the knowledge and skills of young people in the field of high technologies, and supporting startup projects.

As part of the meeting, the guests also visited the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, iLab, ASAN Innovative Development Center, and the “Bilim Azerbaijan” project.
They were provided with detailed information about the projects implemented by these centers, resident startups, and innovative initiatives.

Have you heard startups say, “we’re already in the acceleration stage”? 
But what does acceleration mean?

Acceleration is the phase where startups that have tested their idea and are ready to grow gain speed.

At this stage, teams:
meet with investors
strengthen market strategies
refine sales and marketing plans
focus on realistic goals with mentor support

In simple terms, acceleration is the moment when a startup is not just starting, but preparing to grow. 

What do you think is the most important factor for a startup at this stage — mentorship, market strategy, or investor support?

In Ganja, at the Azerbaijan University of Technology, startup enthusiasts came together at the “Innostart” panel. During the panel, Nicat Əmiraslanov, Director of the "INNOLAND" Incubation and Acceleration Center, shared insightful thoughts on innovation and startup development opportunities.

At the end, young participants’ ideas were heard, followed by open and engaging discussions.