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?

Registration continues for the 5th TUSI within the “Skills for the Future” project

Registration is ongoing for the 5th TUSI implemented by the Innovation Center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan within the “Skills for the Future” project.

The main objective of the program is to strengthen human capital in the field of innovation, promote innovative activities in education, and ensure the integration of students into the startup ecosystem.

Within the framework of the project, favorable conditions are created for the development of innovative ideas of young people, and guiding them toward invention and startup activities has been identified as a key priority. The program provides participants with extensive opportunities to systematically develop their ideas, build business models, conduct market research, develop products, and acquire effective presentation skills.

The 5th TUSI incubation program is implemented through an intensive training program covering 10 main topics and 34 sub-modules. The trainings are designed with a practical approach, enabling participants to work on real startup ideas and integrate more effectively into the innovation ecosystem.

Those who wish to participate in the program can fill out the application form at:
 https://gub.icenter.az/home

The registration deadline is April 12, 2026.

All students who have innovative ideas and want to transform them into real projects are invited to join the program.

Since 2021, the project has established cooperation with 18 higher education institutions. More than 130 mentors from universities have received training. Over 3,000 students have submitted more than 300 startup ideas. Among them, 45 startup teams were selected to present their projects to investors and experts during Demo Day events.

As a result of the project, 4 startups formed within the “Skills for the Future” initiative have attracted a total investment of 310,000 AZN. 🚀

An info session visit to the "INNOLAND" Incubation and Acceleration Center was organized for the trainers of the "Power of the Morning" development program.

During the visit, participants received valuable information about the activities of the center, the startup ecosystem, the stages of turning ideas into business, and the operating principles of the innovation environment.

The info session was presented by the INNOLAND team.