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.

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. 🚀

In partnership with the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, the “Innovation and Creativity Forum” was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Ganja.

The forum was jointly organized by the 2nd Ganja Regional ASAN Service Center, the Ganja-Dashkasan Regional Office of the Youth Development and Career Center, the Heydar Aliyev Center of Ganja, and the Ganja STEAM Center. Its aim was to support the development of innovative thinking and technological knowledge among young people.

Within the framework of the forum, with the participation of about 200 young people, panel discussions were held on the topics: “Startup Ecosystem – Global and Local Approaches,” “Artificial Intelligence: A New Form of Thinking,” and “Robots on Stage – The Union of Creativity and Technology.”

The discussions featured contributions from the Director of the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, Nijat Amiraslanov, and the Deputy Head of the Project Management Department, Ziniddin Babayev, who shared their knowledge and experience with the participants.

The event concluded with official speeches and an award ceremony.