08.08.2025 / 15:10
Within the framework of the “Startup School 3” project, implemented by the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal (operated by the Center for Analysis and Communication of Economic Reforms – CAERC) in cooperation with the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship of the University of Nevada, USA, the official opening ceremony of the international acceleration program “Green and Digital Silk Road” was held.
The event was opened by the Executive Director of CAERC, Professor Vusal Gasimli. In his speech, he emphasized the role of the “Startup School” projects in the development of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and highlighted the importance of the program in creating an innovative cooperation platform among regional countries in previous stages. Professor Vusal Gasimli noted that the project makes a significant contribution to enhancing the knowledge and skills of startups, integrating them into the innovation ecosystem, and enabling their access to global markets.
Also speaking at the event were Farid Osmanov, Chairman of the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, and Javid Abdullayev, Director of the State Agency on Renewable Energy Sources. They stressed the importance of such international initiatives in the field of innovation and pointed out the necessity of strengthening cooperation between government institutions and startups.
Isa Gasimov, Head of the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal, delivered a detailed presentation on the “Startup School 3” project. He stated that the international interest and broad partnership opportunities in this stage demonstrate the successful development of Azerbaijan’s innovation ecosystem.
Partners of the “Startup School 3” project, including Mammad Karim, Head of the venture fund “Caucasus Ventures,” and Ramil Rzayev, Director of “Baku Holiday Travel,” also gave speeches. They expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation opportunities within the project and emphasized that the joint implementation of such initiatives would bring more successful results for the ecosystem. They noted that, in addition to significantly contributing to the overall development of the ecosystem, the acceleration program also supports the growth of partner organizations in this field, particularly fostering favorable collaborations among ecosystem players.
It should be noted that within the framework of the “Startup School 3” project, a total of 148 applications were submitted to the international acceleration program “Green and Digital Silk Road” from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and South Korea. Out of them, 126 projects successfully passed the initial selection stage and earned the right to participate in the training sessions of the acceleration program.
Training and mentoring services will be conducted by international experts in August, September, and October. In the final stage of the program – the Demoday event – selected startups will make presentations before a jury consisting of representatives of international venture funds.
The “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal is cooperating with 39 organizations from 10 countries – including 21 local and 18 foreign institutions – in the implementation of the acceleration program. Five venture funds representing the USA, Turkey, Pakistan, Malta, and Azerbaijan have also joined the program as partners.
The “Startup School 3” project serves as an important platform for supporting innovative ideas, promoting a sustainable and digital entrepreneurship environment, and establishing regional and international networks.
