Two teams from Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) have achieved first place in the “Robotex Azerbaijan – Eurasian Championship.” The competition brought together 845 participants from 187 teams representing various educational institutions across Azerbaijan, competing in 21 different categories. One of the winning teams consisted of first-year students Anabaci Amiraslanova and Nasir Malikov from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, and third-year SABAH group student Aliyoldash Amiraslanli. Their project, titled “CO2toD Project,” focused on addressing a global environmental challenge and secured first place in the “Green Entrepreneurship University” category. The team was mentored by Shamkhal Aliyev, lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering. Another AzTU team, comprising first-year students Yusif Aliyev and Ilaha Ismayilzada from the Faculty of Information Technology and Telecommunications, along with doctoral student Khumara Gahramanli (specializing in Systems Analysis, Control, and Information Processing), won first place in the “SoftTech Entrepreneurship” category. The team was mentored by Associate Professor Turkana Gahramanli from the Department of Engineering Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence. Both winning teams have qualified to represent Azerbaijan in the Grand Final, which will be held in June in Copenhagen, Denmark.

An info session was held at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) within the framework of the "Startup School 3" project, organized by the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal, operated by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication. The event was attended by university students, young people interested in the technological field, and startup enthusiasts with innovative thinking.The purpose of the infosession is to inform participants about the project, explain the opportunities for participation in the program, and contribute to the development of their knowledge and skills in the field of innovation. Isa Gasimov, head of the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal, spoke at the info session and provided detailed information about the "Green and Digital Silk Road" international acceleration program.He said that this program serves to support startups operating in the field of green technologies and digital solutions, expand the innovation environment, strengthen regional cooperation, and increase investment opportunities.During the interactive info session, participants received detailed information about the program's stages, selection criteria, training and mentoring opportunities, as well as local and international partnership prospects.During the session, participants' questions were answered and important recommendations for the development of startups were given.It should be noted that the "Startup School 3" project is implemented in an integrated manner with local and international innovation initiatives and serves to form a technology-oriented startup ecosystem in Azerbaijan, develop the potential of young engineers and entrepreneurs, as well as expand their access to international markets.

The Visiting Scholar Program, organized by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), took place in Sejong City, South Korea, from April 1 to 30, 2025. Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) was represented in the program by Ms. Aynura Ismayilova, Director of the School of Lifelong Learning and Associate Professor at the Department of Economics and Statistics. Among 20 applicants from Azerbaijan, Ms. Ismayilova was selected to conduct research on the topic “Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Role of Vocational Training in the International Labor Market”. The primary focus of the Visiting Scholar Program is to promote research in the field of international economic policy. Globally, Visiting Scholar Programs are widely recognized for their academic, professional, and international networking benefits. These programs facilitate academic and inter-institutional knowledge exchange, provide access to new methodologies and approaches, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, support high-impact scientific publication opportunities, and contribute to strengthening institutional reputation. The research conducted under the program underscores the significance of analyzing successful global models in vocational training and integration into the international labor market. These include South Korea’s TVET model combining vocational education with work experience, Germany’s dual education system, and the vocational training systems of Canada and Australia for skilled migrants. The topic presented to the KIEP program was chosen with a clear purpose. The research aims to develop targeted curricula aligned with international labor market demands in certification programs, assess cooperation opportunities between AzTU’s School of Lifelong Learning and both local and international market partners, and explore pathways for joint projects with vocational institutions.

Mr. Vuqar Usizade, Chief Executive Officer of Bitget, met with Professor Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). The meeting was also attended by members of AzTU’s Digital Transformation Council and other university representatives. Speaking about the latest developments in the modern digital world, Rector Valiyev emphasized that professional training in blockchain technology and the advancement of scientific research in this field are among the university’s priorities. He noted that AzTU is keen to establish partnerships with organizations like Bitget to achieve these goals. In turn, Mr. Vuqar Usizade provided information on Bitget’s collaborations with leading universities around the world. He expressed the company’s readiness to share its international business expertise with AzTU students and praised the university’s efforts to strengthen industry-academic cooperation. During the meeting, both sides discussed the potential for jointly organizing lectures and seminars, conducting collaborative research and internship programs, engaging students in innovation competitions, and providing special scholarships for talented students. The meeting concluded with a Q&A session.

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.

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.

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 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.