The 4th Agrarian Startups and Innovation Forum was held jointly organized by the Agrarian Innovation Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences of ADA University. The forum, held at the Italian-Azerbaijani University under ADA University, was attended by the rector of Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) Vilayat Valiyev and startup students of the university. The exhibition organized within the framework of the forum showcased innovative solutions and technology examples of AzTU students Nihad Aliyev, Mansuma Garayeva, Anar Mammadov, Omar Mammadzadeh and Anabaji Amiraslanova. It should be noted that the 4th Agrarian Startups and Innovation Forum plays an important platform in terms of strengthening the agrarian innovation ecosystem, expanding the market access opportunities of startups, establishing cooperation with investors and promoting the practical application of scientific knowledge.

The spring semester of the 2025-2026 academic year has begun at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) today. The semester will end on May 29.

The next meeting of the Sustainable Development Committee was held with the aim of evaluating the work carried out toward the consistent and systematic implementation of sustainable development goals, as well as defining strategic priorities for the upcoming period. Members of the Committee, heads and representatives of relevant structural units, and experts in the respective fields participated in the meeting. Within the framework of the event, the activities implemented during the reporting period were comprehensively discussed, the results achieved were systematically analyzed, and the alignment of the undertaken measures with sustainable development goals was assessed. It was noted that targeted actions have been taken to ensure the institutional application of sustainable development principles, strengthen mechanisms for the efficient and rational use of resources, preserve ecological balance, and promote socio-economic development. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the implementation of various projects, the organization of awareness-raising and training initiatives, and the expansion of intersectoral and institutional cooperation. During the meeting, an analytical assessment of the current situation was conducted, and the challenges encountered, along with the mechanisms for addressing them, were thoroughly discussed. It was emphasized that improving governance and coordination mechanisms, applying innovative approaches, and integrating modern technological solutions crucial for ensuring effective sustainable development. The Committee members identified priority areas for the next phase. These include strengthening environmental sustainability, increasing energy efficiency, expanding education and awareness activities, and enhancing international cooperation. In addition, a decision was made to develop a concrete action plan aimed at preparing new project initiatives and improving the effectiveness of existing programs. At the conclusion of the meeting, attention was drawn to the need to strengthen the oversight of the implementation of adopted decisions, introduce regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and establish a results-oriented reporting system. It was noted that the Sustainable Development Committee will continue its activities in an institutional framework in a systematic and consistent manner, based on results-oriented management principles, in order to achieve the defined strategic goals and objectives.

The event “Quality, Sustainability and Innovation in Education Forum – 2026” was jointly organized by Mingachevir State University (MSU) and the Quality Assurance Agency in Education (QAEA) under the Ministry of Science and Education. The main goal of the forum held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Mingachevir was to discuss current issues in the field of quality assurance in higher and secondary specialized education, sustainable development, innovative approaches, international accreditation and university-industry cooperation, as well as to exchange experience in this direction. First, flowers were laid in front of the statue of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and his dear memory was commemorated with deep respect and reverence. The forum began with a minute of silence in memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and our martyrs, and the playing of the National Anthem. In his speech, the Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Power, Ilham Ismayilov, emphasized that improving the quality of education in the country is one of the main priorities of state policy, and noted that cooperation between higher education institutions, state agencies and the private sector is of great importance in this direction. Anar Eminov, Rector of MSU, said that more than 500 applications were received for participation in the forum, and representatives of 29 higher education institutions, 36 general and vocational education institutions, as well as more than 24 companies and organizations are represented at the event. Tural Ahmadov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TKTA, emphasized that the forum is an important platform for promoting a quality culture among higher education institutions, applying sustainable development approaches and sharing innovative practices. Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), said that ensuring quality in engineering and technological specialties is impossible without innovation and close integration with industry. The forum continued with panel sessions.

A workshop on the topic “Supply and Demand Balance of Electricity in Azerbaijan - Balancing Production, Transmission and Consumption” was held at “Azerbaijan TPP” LLC, jointly organized by Mingachevir State University (MSU) and Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). The workshop was organized within the framework of the Strategic Cooperation Memorandum on the Joint Creation and Use of the “Electric Power Research Cluster” signed between MSU and AzTU. The event was attended by Tural Ahmadov, Chairman of the Board of the Quality Assurance Agency in Education (QAEA) under the Ministry of Science and Education, Anar Eminov, Rector of MSU, and Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of AzTU, management and staff of “AzerEnergy” OJSC, “Azerbaijan TPP” LLC, and “Mingachevir SES” LLC, as well as employees of both higher education institutions. At the workshop moderated by AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev, Advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of “AzerEnergy” OJSC Uzeyir Yusifov, Director of “Azerbaijan Thermal Power Plant” LLC Tahmasib Huseynov, Director of “Mingachevir SES” LLC Ogtay Pirverdiyev, AzTU Vice-Rector Fariz Mammadov, Dean of the Faculty of Energy of AzTU Huseyngulu Guliyev, as well as MSU teacher and employee of “Azerbaijan Thermal Power Plant” LLC Gadir Mammadli made presentations. Rahid Alakbarli, Director of the Institute of Defense Technologies and Cybersecurity of AzTU, also shared his views on the topic. The speeches widely discussed the balancing of supply and demand in the electric power system, optimization of production capacities, the role of transmission networks, integration of renewable and traditional energy sources, as well as the importance of university-industry cooperation. It was noted that such jointly organized workshops make a significant contribution to the development of human resources. The event continued with discussions.

The sixth meeting of the Azerbaijan National Food Technology Platform was held at Hacettepe University in Türkiye. The event was organized at the initiative of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan University (TAU). Representatives of higher education institutions in Azerbaijan where food engineering is taught participated in the meeting. AzTU was represented by Professor Isa Khalilov, Head of the Department of Mechanical Design, Mechatronics and Industrial Technologies, and Senior Lecturer Bahruz Jabrayilov. First, Professor Halil Vural, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Hacettepe University, provided the delegation with detailed information on the work done. Then, Professor Ali Topcu, Head of the Food Engineering Program at Hacettepe University, made a comprehensive presentation on the structure of the laboratories, operating principles and research areas. Professor Vural Gokmen of Hacettepe University and Professor Umran Uygun, Head of the Food Engineering Program at TAU, provided extensive information on the structure of the laboratories, implemented projects, achieved results, application opportunities for research and prospects for integration with industry. The meeting also discussed the assessment of the current situation in the field of food engineering, mutual exchange of experience and future cooperation opportunities. During the visit, the delegation got acquainted with the laboratories of Hacettepe University. Detailed information was provided on the laboratories' existing equipment, scientific research and opportunities for integration with industry.

Omar Ladjedel, Head of the Technological Platform of the Oran University of Science and Technology of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was a guest of the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). Vice-Rector for International Relations Fariz Mammadov provided detailed information on the work done in the field of science and research, the implemented dual diploma programs and projects, as well as the innovations brought by AzTU to the education sector in Azerbaijan. Then, Omar Ladjedel got acquainted with the activities of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy, the Department of Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering Technology of AzTU. During the meetings, cooperation opportunities related to the research directions of the aforementioned departments were also discussed.

  A meeting was held at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) in accordance with the instructions given by President Ilham Aliyev at the meeting dedicated to the unified action plan titled “Azerbaijan’s New Digital Architecture”. The meeting was attended by AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev, vice-rectors, heads of relevant faculties, departments and institutes. In accordance with the instructions of the head of state, discussions were held and proposals were made on paying more serious attention to the teaching of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digitalization, and increasing the professionalism of students studying in this direction.

The "University Demo Day" event was held at ADA University. The event was organized for the fifth time as part of the "SABAH.academy" and "Baku ID" series of events. During the "University Demo Day" event, students took to the stage in teams and presented their startup ideas. After the presentations, the winners were announced and the award ceremony was held. The startup of the "FocsMode" team of the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) was awarded 3rd place at the "University Demo Day" event. As a reward, the team members received 40% scholarships for the courses they wanted with the support of "ABB Tech Academy". The winners were determined by the jury based on criteria such as the innovativeness of the idea, compliance with current market requirements, and the quality of the presentation.

A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) and “MIT Academy” Limited Liability Company. The purpose of the memorandum is to strengthen university-industry cooperation, increase the practical knowledge and skills of students and graduates, as well as ensure the training of qualified personnel in accordance with the requirements of the labor market. The document also envisages the implementation of joint initiatives to improve technological processes related to production, conduct joint scientific and research work, and identify and meet future personnel needs. The parties agreed to improve curricula and specialty programs in accordance with the requirements of the labor market, organize direct meetings with students and graduates within the framework of career fairs and career days organized by the university, as well as hold joint conferences, seminars and forums.