An academic session titled “From Knowledge to Technology: The Future of University–Defence Industry Cooperation” was held at the Baku Expo Center as part of ADEX 2026, the 6th Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition. The session was moderated by Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU).
The session brought together Elchin Babayev, Rector of Baku State University (BSU); Rufat Azizov, Rector of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU); Elmar Gasimov, Rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS); Hacı Ali Mantar, Rector of Gebze Technical University in Türkiye; Adalat Samadov, First Vice-Rector of the National Aviation Academy (NAA); and Musa Alcı, Rector of Ege University in Türkiye. Hidayat Azimov, Deputy Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan, also attended the event, hosted by the Ministry of Defence Industry and organized by AzTU.
Participants discussed their universities’ experience in developing university–industry cooperation, emphasizing the role of research, innovative technologies, and highly qualified specialists in advancing the defence industry.
The discussions focused on translating university research into practical industrial projects, equipping students and young researchers with the skills required by the defence sector, and expanding joint projects between higher education institutions and industry.
The participants also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation among universities in different countries, particularly through experience-sharing with leading Turkish universities in the defence industry and international partnerships in developing new technologies.
The session highlighted the importance of systematically advancing university–industry cooperation and transforming scientific potential into innovative and technological solutions to support the sustainable development of the defence industry. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session.
