07.10.2026 / 12:28
Mentoring sessions led by international experts are continuing for participating startups within the "Startup School 4" program of the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal, managed by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication.
As part of the program, the team behind the "Astem" startup held a mentoring session with Ahmed Salah Saad, an associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Mansoura National University in Egypt and an expert in engineering and technology.
"Astem" is a DeepTech and CleanTech startup that aims to convert low-temperature waste heat—sourced from industrial liquid waste discharges and urban transport systems, including metro ventilation shafts—into clean thermal energy with high efficiency using AI-driven thermodynamic pump systems. Through this technology, the startup aims to reduce heat loads in metro tunnels, create a more comfortable environment for passengers, and contribute to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions in cities. During the mentoring session, discussions focused on developing the startup's business model, refining the MVP, exploring future technological development prospects and related expectations, and identifying issues requiring further research. Recommendations for improving the market strategy were also provided during the meeting.
It is worth noting that the "Astem" team has achieved several successes to date. The startup team secured 2,000 AZN in financial support to develop its MVP through the "DeepTech Incubation" Program, a joint initiative of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA) and the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU). Some team members also took second place in the "Vistar Excellence" Program. Additionally, team members have participated in the "IDEALISE 2" and "Sabah.Hub" incubation programs. According to the “Astem” team, participation in the “Startup School 4” program has provided a significant opportunity to establish direct contact with international mentors, evaluate the startup’s development based on international best practices, and more precisely define the project’s future.
Meetings and mentoring sessions with international mentors are continuing for the participating startups within the framework of the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal’s “Startup School 4” program.
