The delegation of Startup Estonia and the “Garage 48” Acceleration Center, established upon the initiative of the Estonian government, got acquainted with the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Wide information on operating Co-working, Incubation, Acceleration and IT Training, as well as the startups residing within the center, was delivered to the guests.
Then, the Memorandum of Collaboration was signed between parties.
The Memorandum of Cooperation involves the establishment of an entrepreneurial support ecosystem as well as the creation and development of investor opportunities in the relevant regions for local technology startups. Furthermore, it covers the adoption of mutually agreed measures such as an effective exchange of incubation and acceleration programs and exchange of information on the attraction of local and foreign investors and etc.
According to the agreement reached within the memorandum signed with the "Startup Estonia" Center, the initial assessment of the regional applications sent to the “Startup Estonian Visa” program will be implemented in Azerbaijan. Startups applied to the relevant program from the regional countries such as Russia, Georgia, Mongolia, Iran, and Afghanistan will be initially assessed by the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center. Only startups that have successfully completed the initial stage will be able to move to the next stage of the program. This will play a significant role in attracting regional start-ups and projects to our country and increasing the success potential of the startup ecosystem.
The “Startup Estonian Visa” Program was established in 2017 on the joint initiative of the Estonian Startup Committee and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Estonia. The main goal of the program is to facilitate the entry of successful startups and projects of non-EU countries to Estonia. Thus, successful startups sent their applications to the “Startup Estonian Visa” Program are provided with a special code through which the applicants and their team members may obtain a permit to live up to 5 years in Estonia.
From June 13 to 15, 2025, with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Youth Foundation, the Azerbaijan Student and Youth Organizations Union (ATGTI), and organized by Enactus Azerbaijan, the “Enactus Champions League Simulation Camp” was held.
As part of this special program aimed at developing young leaders, participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, taking another step closer to the world of entrepreneurship.
During the camp, participants took part in various training sessions and workshops on entrepreneurship, innovation, and project management, held with the support of the “Innovation Center.” Among the speakers were: Director of the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, Nijat Amiraslanov, who delivered sessions on “Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” “Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship,” and “Presentation and Communication”; ASAN Innovative Development Center trainer, Nofal Aliyev, who presented the topic “Artificial Intelligence Tools in Startup Development”; and Deputy Head of the Project Management Department, Ziniddin Babayev, who conducted training on “Project Management and Strategy.” Through these sessions, participants not only gained up-to-date knowledge but also developed teamwork and strategic thinking skills.
Later, the simulation of the semifinal and final stages of the “Enactus National Competition” took place. Teams presented their projects, showcasing their knowledge and skills in a competitive environment.
Based on the simulation results, the winning teams were:
1st place – Azerbaijan Medical University
2nd place – Baku State University
3rd place – Lankaran State University
Congratulations to all the teams! We wish you continued success!
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
“Yay Fest 2025” — From Idea to Signature
As part of “Yay Fest 2025,” a panel discussion titled “From Idea to Signature: Sovereign Thinking, Local Innovative Initiatives” was held with the participation of young attendees.
Speakers included Nicat Amiraslanov, Head of the “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, and Nofel Aliyev, trainer at the ASAN Center for Innovative Development.
During the panel, participants were provided with in-depth information on startup building, shaping successful ideas, and the role of artificial intelligence tools in this process. The session continued with an interactive discussion involving the youth.