The opening ceremony and the first training session of the "Startup School 4: Five Continents, 500 Startups" global innovation program, implemented by the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), have been conducted.

Delivering an opening speech, Isa Gasimov, Head of the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal, expressed his gratitude to the partners, international experts, and participants supporting the execution of the program. He emphasized that such initiatives carry profound significance regarding the development of the innovation ecosystem, the promotion of entrepreneurial culture, and the expansion of international cooperation.

Project Manager Aydan Huseynzade provided the participants with information regarding the structure of the training, mentoring sessions, and the final stage. Within the framework of the program, startup teams will participate in 20 training sessions across 11 modules, and in the subsequent stage, they will gain the opportunity to advance their projects with individual mentoring support.

The first training session of the program was conducted by Gonca Kara and Martin Vieira, representatives of the Malta-based company "Deep Tech Foundry." Dedicated to the theme "Sustainable Economy: European Opportunities," the session delivered detailed information on sustainable development priorities in Europe, the formation of a green economy, the contribution of innovation and technology to sustainable development goals, as well as emerging business and financing opportunities for startups.

The participants were introduced to green transformation processes in Europe, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and innovative entrepreneurship models. Concurrently, comprehensive insights were shared regarding existing support mechanisms and international cooperation options for startups operating in the field of sustainable development.

Bringing together experts, mentors, and innovation ecosystem representatives from various countries around the world, the "Startup School 4: Five Continents, 500 Startups" program supports participating startups' access to global knowledge, experience, and investment opportunities. The "Demo Day" event, which marks the final stage of the program, will be held within the framework of the "TEI Forum 2026" (Trade, Export, and Innovation Forum).