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.

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?

To enhance the knowledge and skills of the employees of the Lankaran Regional “ASAN Service” Center, a three-day training program was conducted by Nicat Amiraslanov, Head of the “INNOLAND” department of the Innovation Center, and Nofel Aliyev, Senior Public Relations Specialist of the center.

During the training, participants were provided with both theoretical and practical knowledge on the following topics:

• What is an idea and methods of idea generation

• The concept of startups and the first steps to create one

• Effective presentation skills

• Ways and benefits of using artificial intelligence tools

The training was organized with an interactive approach. Participants worked in groups, engaged in teamwork, completed tasks based on real-life scenarios, and reinforced their learning through interactive games.