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.

Polygraf AI, which has grown through INNOLAND, has achieved a remarkable success!

Selected as the winner of the “Road to TechCrunch Battlefield 200” competition organized by the Silkroad Innovation Center, Polygraf AI stood out among more than 400 startups from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Turkey, earning a direct ticket to the TechCrunch 2025 finals! 

This achievement continues the company’s streak of successes. Previously, Polygraf AI had also won the SXSW Pitch and SummerFest Tech competitions held in the USA.

The platform protects organizations’ data security, detects deepfake audio and fake content, and prevents confidential information from leaking into AI tools.

We sincerely congratulate the team and wish them even greater victories in the future!

A $1 Million Prize Pool Awaits You!

Registration is now open for the "Digital Startup Awards" international competition, held in partnership with INNOLAND!

Digital Startup Awards is an international competition and development program aimed at boosting innovation and startup ecosystems across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Mongolia.

Azerbaijani startups can apply in 3 exciting tracks:

🔹 Best Startup Project
For officially registered startups at the Seed or Series A stage.

🔹 Acceleration Program
For startups with at least 3 months of sales.
Participation of at least one team member is required (costs covered from September to December).

🔹 Incubation Program
For teams with an MVP or working prototype.
Official registration is required.

Winners will gain access to major opportunities and global recognition!

 Learn more and register at: startupbase.uz/en/digital-startup-awards