INNOLAND’s resident successfully represented at the Digital Startup Awards 2025!

On December 12–13, the Grand Final of the international “Digital Startup Awards” program was held in Tashkent, jointly organized by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, IT Park Uzbekistan and IT Park Ventures. The total prize fund of the program, one of the largest startup initiatives in the Central Eurasia region, amounted to 1 million USD.

Within the incubation program, our resident startup “Lingozy”, representing Azerbaijan, received a prize of 10,000 USD.

It should be noted that startups from Azerbaijan received a total of 70,000 USD in grants. In the acceleration program, the startup “Recepta” was awarded 50,000 USD, while “SnackPack AZ” earned 10,000 USD within the incubation program. Additionally, in the “Best Startup Project” category, Azerbaijani startups “StarkidStories” and “Tryverse” represented the country in the final stage. Other Azerbaijani startups that qualified for participation in the incubation program included “Crable”, “himate.az” and “OLSUN”.

The “Digital Startup Awards” program strengthened cooperation among regional startup ecosystems and contributed to increasing international recognition of Azerbaijani startups, opening new opportunities for their development.

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.

The #Green_and_Digital_Silk_Road international acceleration program is successfully expanding its scope of influence within the #Startup_School_3 project, implemented at the initiative of the Enterprise Azerbaijan portal, operated by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication.    

 Time to Take Your #Startup to the #Global Stage!
Applications are now open for the #Green_and_Digital_Silk_Road international #acceleration program!

A unique opportunity for startups working in #cleantech, #greentech, #agritech, #smart city, and #green digital solutions to build a sustainable future:

 34 ecosystem partners (22 local + 12 global)
 5 international venture funds – real investment opportunities
 Global networking, mentorship, and market access support
 Program modules focused on climate action and digital transformation

 Application deadline: August 1, 2025

 Apply now: https://forms.gle/Z4DfUYrPiPNV5RVE9
 Not just for innovators – but for those who want to shape the future