The semifinal stage of the “Digital Startup Awards” competition has been held in Azerbaijan

In partnership with “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center and “Sabah Hub,” the Azerbaijani semifinal of the international “Digital Startup Awards” competition in the “Best Startup Project” category was successfully held.

Twenty innovative startup projects representing Azerbaijan took part in the semifinal. The startup teams presented their projects to the jury, where they were evaluated based on criteria such as business model, technological innovation, and market potential.

The “Digital Startup Awards” program is an international initiative that fosters a multi-level development mechanism within the region’s startup ecosystem and is distinguished by its stage-based selection process. In the “Best Startup Project” category—one of the three main stages of the program—two projects, “StarKidsStories” and “Tryverse,” were announced as winners.

“StarKidsStories” is an innovative startup that creates personalized children’s storybooks using artificial intelligence technologies. The project stands out for its scalable model and strong profit potential.

The startups selected for the semifinal stage were chosen from nearly 100 applications and evaluated by INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, SABAH Hub, and independent experts. The EdTech startups were evaluated by Mr. Mammadzada, an expert judge in the field, and an entrepreneurial leader in educational innovation and academic consulting.

“Tryverse” is a platform that combines 3D and augmented reality (AR) technologies to enhance online sales of physical products.

These two startup projects have earned the opportunity to represent Azerbaijan in the international final to be held in Uzbekistan, where they will compete with the most promising startups from nine countries.

Overall, more than 150 startups from Azerbaijan applied for the competition. The “Digital Startup Awards” program is organized by “StartupBase,” an innovation platform of IT Park Uzbekistan. The program aims to promote digital innovation, support the development of the startup ecosystem across Central Asia and the Caucasus, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to gain international recognition.

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.