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?

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.

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