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.
“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.
The startups selected for the semifinal stage were chosen from nearly 100 applications and evaluated by distinguished jury members and experts, including Dalerkhon Nodirov (Deputy Director of IT Park Ventures), Mubariz Shahbazli (Head of the UNEC Startup Incubator), and Masud Alisoy (Investment Specialist representing the Sabah Foundation). Mr. Elshad Mammadzada (Executive Director of Akademi Group), representing the INNOLAND Incubation and Acceleration Center, evaluated the EdTech startups as an expert judge in educational innovation.
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.
Registration for the international competition "Digital Startup Awards" continues in partnership with INNOLAND!
The program in the "Best Startup" category is designed for mature startups in the Seed and Series A stages and covers 9 countries.
Two finalists from each country will be selected to participate in the grand final held in Tashkent!
At least 15% of all participants will be startups led by women. A special online semi-final will be organized for women-led teams.
The programs are KPI-based — offering result-oriented support and growth opportunities.
Registration and more info: startupbase.uz/en/digital-startup-awards
The 5th “TUSİ” Incubation Program at Baku State University
During the information session, students were informed about the stages of startup idea development, building a strong team, and opportunities to participate in the innovation ecosystem.
You can also join the incubation program — register right now:
https://gub.icenter.az/home
What will the program offer you?
• An opportunity to gain new knowledge and practical skills
• Trainings and mentor support
• A chance to develop and implement your startup idea
• Networking opportunities and the chance to build new collaborations
If you want to bring the innovative ideas of the future to life, join our program!
The "Be Investor" program has officially launched!
The first training session of the program, organized by INNOLAND and the Turkish consulting firm "BE Advise", has successfully taken place.
Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of the startup ecosystem, establishing investment flows, and startup selection criteria.
The program aims to foster analytical thinking and equip participants with the investor skills necessary to make real-world investment decisions.
Over the course of the one-month program, participants can look forward to even more practical and in-depth topics.