“Startup Days,” organized for students of the SABAH groups at the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), have concluded at the AzTU Incubation Centre. Held in partnership with the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) and the “Startup Azerbaijan” platform, the event aimed to support the development of students’ innovative ideas, increase their interest in the startup ecosystem, and contribute to the development of their entrepreneurial skills.

At the opening ceremony, Azad Musayev, Coordinator of the AzTU Incubation Centre, briefed participants on the objectives of “Startup Days,” the activities planned under the programme, and the opportunities made available to students.

In his address, AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev highlighted the role of startups in innovation and technological development and wished the participants success. Subsequently, Osman Gunduz, the Rector’s Adviser on Digital Affairs; Subhan Namazov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Rana Jabrayilova, Head of the Department of Student Affairs and Social Activities; and Nigar Davud, Project Manager at the Innovation Ecosystem Department of IDDA, delivered remarks on the importance of supporting young people’s innovative initiatives and creating opportunities for startup development.

On the first day of the programme, seven ideas were selected from among the 28 proposals submitted by participants through an evaluation and voting process. Teams were then formed around the selected ideas. Participants received mentorship from Rasim Abdullayev, Head of the Innovative Business Incubator at the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC); Vugar Aliyev, Lead Specialist at IDDA’s Innovation Ecosystem Department; Nihad Ahmadov; Ramazan Maharramov; and Shamil Namazov. The mentors supported the teams in developing their projects, strengthening their teamwork, and improving their presentation skills.

On the second day of the event, the teams presented their prototypes to the jury. The presentations were held in an order determined by a draw, with each team allocated five minutes to present its project. The presentations were also attended by AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Subhan Namazov, and representatives of the SABAH groups.

The jury comprised Ravana Goyushlu, Head of the Startup and Incubation Centre at Odlar Yurdu University; Aysel Sadikhova, Chief Specialist at the Startup and Technology Transfer Office of the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU); Vusal Suleymanli, Chief Specialist at IDDA’s Investment and Scaling Department; and Orkhan Ahmadov, a representative of the “Startup Azerbaijan” platform.

The projects were evaluated based on the following criteria: innovation, relevance, technical feasibility, teamwork, and implementation potential.

According to the evaluation results, the “Oyunchu” team, which integrates game management and communication into a unified ecosystem, secured first place. The “Codigo” team, which developed a learning platform for beginners in coding, took second place, while the “Road Sim” team, which presented a training platform for novice drivers, placed third.

In addition, Iqbal Mirzayev, a first-year student in the SABAH groups and a member of the “Act 2 Lang” team, received a special award for demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm and confidence in defending his project.

At the closing ceremony, the winning teams and award recipient were presented with valuable prizes, diplomas, and certificates.