A masterclass titled “How to Build Web3 Startups?” was held at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) for students, delivered by Mr. Vuqar Usi Zade, CEO of Bitget — one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges and Web3 companies. Moderated by Osman Gunduz, President of the Azerbaijan Internet Forum, the session aimed to enhance students’ understanding of Web3 startup ecosystems, global investments in this space, blockchain technologies, and their integration with artificial intelligence. Welcoming the participants, AzTU Rector Professor Vilayat Valiyev emphasized the importance of university-industry collaboration and the direct involvement of students with industry professionals. He also highlighted AzTU’s strategic focus on training qualified personnel, monitoring technological processes, and conducting scientific research in the field of blockchain technologies. In his presentation, Mr. Vuqar Usi Zade provided an overview of Bitget, noting that it was the first exchange to introduce copy trading to the global market and has since become the largest crypto copy trading platform. Discussing the power of blockchain, he emphasized that individuals can earn income and build startup projects using cryptocurrencies without the need for traditional banking tools, physical relocation, or direct office presence. He further noted that what distinguishes Bitget from other platforms is its commitment to user security and operational transparency. During the session, an announcement was made regarding the upcoming Hackathon Startup Competition for AzTU students. Participants are invited to submit startup ideas related to blockchain, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and similar technologies by May 17. The winners will receive cash prizes: $1,500 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd place, and $500 for 3rd place. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, allowing students to engage directly with the speaker.

Professor Thomas Gries, Head of the Textile Technologies Department at RWTH Aachen University—one of Germany’s leading technical institutions—and Esra Yuksel Yilmaz, Regional Representative for Türkiye of the ITA Academy under RWTH Aachen, visited the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). The meeting was also attended by Rana Afandiyeva, Executive Director of “Synergia Academy,” and Aytan Jabrailova, the company’s Senior Training Consultant. The guests held discussions with AzTU Rector, Professor Vilayat Valiyev, and university representatives. Rector Vilayat Valiyev highlighted the long-standing academic relations between AzTU and German universities. Professor Gries provided an overview of RWTH Aachen’s activities in the fields of textile and material technologies, industrial process automation, and robotics. He emphasized the growing global demand for innovative materials and automated processes across all sectors of industry. During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for academic and student exchange between RWTH Aachen and AzTU, prospects for joint research in mechatronics, materials science, and green energy technologies, as well as the potential for launching dual-degree master’s programs in relevant specialties.

A meeting was held at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) with the participation of Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the State Employment Agency, Mr. Hasil Abbasov, and representatives of the agency, within the framework of the pilot project titled the “Labour Market Readiness Index”. The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss ways to enhance students’ preparedness for the labour market and equip them with essential competencies and skills. Rector Vilayat Valiyev emphasized that the pilot project, aimed at facilitating students’ employment and integration into the labour market, would also contribute significantly to their personal development. Deputy Chairman Hasil Abbasov provided an overview of the Labour Market Readiness Index project, which is being implemented to foster students’ personal growth and expand their future employment opportunities. During the meeting, project implementation opportunities and sample assessments were presented, and expectations regarding the project were discussed.

A basketball tournament dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s birth has concluded in the Yasamal district. The closing ceremony was attended by Deputy Head of Yasamal District Executive Authority, Ms. Taravət Muradova; Head of the Youth and Sports Sector for Yasamal District under the Baku City Department of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ilham Safarov; Advisor of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) Yasamal District Organization, Mr. Fuad Habibzada; Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), Mr. Rashad Aliyev; as well as sports club officials and tournament participants. The tournament featured four teams representing leading higher education institutions of the country. In a tense and competitive final match, the team of the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) triumphed over the team from the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AUAC), securing first place in the tournament.

A meeting was held at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) with the leadership of the Caspian Energy Club to discuss the enhancement of university-industry collaboration. The meeting was attended by AzTU Rector Professor Vilayat Valiyev, CEO of Caspian Energy Club Mr. Telman Aliyev, and representatives from both sides. Rector Vilayat Valiyev provided a detailed overview of the university’s ongoing projects in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation, as well as its startup activities. He emphasized that university-industry cooperation plays a vital role in enabling students to develop their knowledge and skills within a practical environment. CEO of Caspian Energy Club, Telman Aliyev, highlighted the importance of strengthening the bridge between universities and the business community, expressing the organization’s openness to cooperation. The sides also discussed the possibility of organizing masterclasses and training sessions by Caspian Energy Club specialists for students, as well as opportunities for students to undertake internships within the companies affiliated with the Club. At the end of the meeting, the guests were introduced to AzTU’s material and technical infrastructure.

The semi-final stage of the Fibonacci International Robotics Olympiad—the world’s largest robotics competition—was held in Antalya, Türkiye, as part of the Eurasia Championship. The event brought together more than 580 teams and over 3,000 participants from 24 countries, competing in 21 different categories. Under the mentorship of Ms. Turkana Gahramanli, a lecturer at the Department of Engineering Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), students participated in the competition with the “Scantekh” project in the Entrepreneurship category and achieved first place. As a result, the team has earned the right to participate in the final stage of the Fibonacci International Robotics Olympiad, which will be held in Italy. It is worth noting that the Fibonacci International Robotics Olympiad, founded in Italy, is recognized as the largest robotics olympiad in the world.

The academic activity of guest professor Woojik Chun from South Korea, currently working at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), is ongoing. Professor Chun has delivered lectures on the subjects of Object-Oriented Programming, Network Fundamentals, and Computer Networks for students of the Faculty of Information Technology and Telecommunications. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he shares his international experience related to the instruction of these subjects with AzTU faculty members. Alongside his academic contributions, Professor Chun also provides consultations aimed at enhancing the faculty’s international relations. It should be noted that the guest professor is at AzTU within the framework of the “World Friends Korea (WFK) Advisors Program,” supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea.

The Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) will host the international Falling Walls Lab competition for the first time in Azerbaijan. The event is organized with the support of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and coordinated by DAAD German language lecturer at AzTU, Claudio Kasperlin. For the first time, the Falling Walls Lab competition has been opened to individual researchers and students applying from Azerbaijan. The main goal of the project is to promote exceptional and creative ideas and to unite promising young scientists and students from all scientific fields on a globally recognized platform. Participants in the international competition will have the opportunity to present their research, business models, or initiatives to peers, a high-level jury, and the broader public. Approved candidates will receive online training in presentation skills (pitching). The projects of the participants will be evaluated by a jury panel composed of representatives from Azerbaijan’s higher education institutions, research centers, and industrial organizations. The final event of the competition will be held on June 17 at AzTU. The winner representing Azerbaijan will present their project at the global finale to be held in Berlin in November 2025.

An online statistics quiz titled “Victory in Numbers and Facts” was organized by the Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Students from six higher education institutions in Azerbaijan took part in the competition. Out of 100 participating Azerbaijani students, 28 achieved a score of over 100 points. Among the top performers was Kenan Niftaliyev, a student of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). Kenan Niftaliyev was awarded a certificate of participation for his successful performance in the quiz.

Employees of the Azexport.az portal, operated by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, held a meeting at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). The purpose of the meeting was to provide AzTU students with detailed information on the topic "The contribution of the Azexport.az portal to the economy and international e-commerce platforms", to hold educational discussions on digital trade and ways to access international markets on Amazon, eBay and other international platforms. Opening the event with an introductory speech, AzTU Vice-Rector for Finance and Economic Affairs Rashad Aliyev said that e-commerce is the main pillar of the digital economy in modern times. The Vice-Rector spoke about the innovations that AzTU has brought to this field as an educational institution, the more practical nature of classes within the framework of university-industry cooperation, the importance of students approaching problems as creative solutions and thinking about their startups, and the contributions they will ultimately make to the business world. He recommended that AzTU students who want to succeed in this field develop their digital skills, develop their ability to analyze and make quick decisions, and adapt, learn the latest trends and trends, and most importantly, work with artificial intelligence. The head of the "Azexport.az" portal, Aykhan Gadashov, first expressed his gratitude to the AzTU administration for creating the conditions for the meeting. He then provided information about the services provided by the portal, e-commerce, its advantages and risks. Making a presentation on the topic of "Digital self-employment opportunities", Aykhan Gadashov noted that the reputation and number of users of e-commerce in the world and in Azerbaijan is increasing year by year and recommended that students focus on this direction. Then, he shared his knowledge and experience with AzTU students about the working principles, rules of international e-commerce platforms such as "Amazon", "e-Bay" and the requirements of the sales process in the digital world. After the speeches, a question-and-answer session began and the event concluded with panel discussions.