31.10.2026 / 20:01
The "Startup School 4: Five Continents – 500 Startups" global innovation program, organized by the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), has concluded with its grand "Demo Day" event.
Implemented with the support of 40 local and international partners—including 9 venture capital funds and investment organizations—the program selected 70 startups for the final stage following three months of intensive training. The finalists showcased their minimum viable products (MVPs) in an exhibition format.
The event was attended by state and government officials, members of the Milli Majlis, foreign ambassadors, local and international investors, venture capital funds, and representatives of the innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Professor Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of CAERC, highlighted the pivotal role of the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal in driving innovative entrepreneurship, facilitating startups' access to international markets, and expanding investment opportunities.
Subsequent addresses were delivered by Azer Bayramov, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Azer Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Economic Policy, Industries, and Entrepreneurship; Javid Abdullayev, Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources; and Zakir Nuriyev, President of the Azerbaijan Banks Association.
Isa Gasimov, Head of the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal, delivered a presentation on the overall contributions of the "Startup School" programs to the innovation and startup ecosystem.
6 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to advance international cooperation:
1. MoU between Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and Deep Tech Foundry on cooperation in science commercialization and technological innovation development.
2. MoU between Western Caspian University and Deep Tech Foundry on cooperation in science commercialization and technological innovation development.
3. MoU between Founder Club and "ECONOMIQ" on advancing Azerbaijan–Malta business relations and investment cooperation.
4. MoU between Founder Club and KIT International Entrepreneurs Association on advancing Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan business relations and investment cooperation.
5. MoU between CLARSEN and BMG International on training and certification in crypto technology.
6. MoU between Enterprise Azerbaijan and fonangels.com on startup investment readiness and expanding alternative financing opportunities.
Winners of the "Startup School 4" Program:
1st Place: Hogga
2nd Place: TenEd and FitNest Azerbaijan
3rd Place: AI Pets for Kids
