Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) hosted the initial stage of the international start-up competition “Finding Innovative and Creative Solutions” supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition is jointly organised by Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) of Pakistan.

The aim of the competition is to align university teachers and students in one platform for solving global problems with their compelling innovative ideas. A total of 60 teams from 21 higher education institutions of Azerbaijan and 2 teams from 1 university in Kazakhstan participated in the Azerbaijan Chapter of FICS. 9 student teams with their start-up projects represented AzTU in the competition this year.

The official part of the event started with the National Anthems of Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Vilayat Valiyev, the rector of Azerbaijan Technical University highlighted the brotherly and partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. He noted importance of continued efforts for building partnership in the fields of education, science, and innovation and emphasized the role of this platform in evaluating knowledge and practical skills and supporting students' ideas.  He mentioned that the number of applications has exceeded 60 this year compared to last year. He wished success to all university students participating in the competition, adding that the winners of the first stage of the competition will qualify for the final stage to be held in Islamabad, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Elmar Gasimov, the rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), expressed his gratitude to the rector of AzTU for the invitation. He noted that such an international competition is a great motivation to reveal the intellectual potential of both BHOS students and Azerbaijani youth in general. The rector thanked BHOS students and their scientific supervisors who mentored them for the international competition for their active participation and wished success to all young people.

Shahin Bayramov, the rector of Karabakh University, expressed his satisfaction in participation in such an international event. He noted that as a strategic and young university, it is important for Karabakh University to participate in such projects. He noted that Karabakh University is ready to cooperate with AzTU and prestigious universities of Pakistan in all spheres in the future.

Rizvan Riaz, the vice-rector for Research, Innovation and Commercialization of NUST, emphasized this excellent opportunity to reveal the potential of the youth of both countries provided within framework of “Finding Innovative and Creative Solutions” international start-up competition. In conclusion, the vice-rector wished success to the young start-ups participating in the competition.

The event continued with an artistic performance of AzTU students, and a video presentation on the international competition.

The teams participating in the competition presented their start-up projects before jury in three panels. The winners were evaluated by a jury consisting of representatives of industry and education.

The winners were awarded at the end of the event.

FICS (Finding Innovative & Creative Solutions) is the largest start-up competition held annually in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan since 2013. AzTU Chapter has been hosting the international event for the second time.