The final stage of the “Startup School 4: Five Continents – 500 Startups” global innovation programme, organised by the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), has been held in the format of a “Demo Day”.

The programme, covering 500 startups from five continents, was implemented with the support of 40 local and international partners, including nine venture capital funds and investment organisations. Following three months of training, 70 startups advanced to the final stage. At the “Demo Day” event, the startups showcased their minimum viable products (MVPs) in an exhibition format.

The event was attended by representatives of the state and government, members of the Milli Majlis, ambassadors of several countries, local and foreign investors, as well as representatives of venture capital funds, businesses and the innovation ecosystem.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Professor Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of CAERC, emphasised the importance of the systematic activities carried out by the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal to develop Azerbaijan’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. He noted that the portal serves as an important platform for transforming innovative ideas into business initiatives, supporting startup development, establishing connections with investors, and expanding opportunities for financing and access to new markets.

He added that the international partnership network established through the “Startup School” programmes, together with the involvement of experts, mentors, investment institutions and innovation organisations from different countries, creates opportunities for Azerbaijani startups to exchange knowledge and experience, develop competitive products and enter international markets.

Vusal Gasimli stated that the initiatives implemented by the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal contribute to strengthening the culture of innovative entrepreneurship in the country, creating new business opportunities and ensuring Azerbaijan's more active participation in international innovation cooperation.

Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Azar Bayramov, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship Azar Amiraslanov, Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources Javid Abdullayev, Director of “Founder Club” Ruslan Damirov, representative of Malta's “Deep Tech Foundry” Gonca Kara, Director of Türkiye's “Fonangels” Yavuz Kus, and founder of Kazakhstan's “KIT” International Entrepreneurs Association Dauren Bimov also delivered speeches at the event.

Isa Gasimov, Head of the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal, delivered a presentation on the contribution of the “Startup School” programmes to the innovation and startup ecosystem.

During the ceremony, six memoranda of cooperation were signed between representatives of the public and private sectors and international partners at the initiative of the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal.

The memoranda signed between Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and Malta's “Deep Tech Foundry”, Western Caspian University and “Deep Tech Foundry”, as well as between “Founder Club” and Malta's “ECONOMIQ”, aim to promote the commercialisation of scientific research, the development of technological innovations, the expansion of Azerbaijan–Malta business relations and investment cooperation.

In addition, memoranda were signed between “Founder Club” and the “KIT” International Entrepreneurs Association to develop Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan business relations and investment cooperation; between the “Enterprise Azerbaijan” portal and “Fonangels” to expand cooperation; and between “CLARSEN” and “BMG INTERNATIONAL” on cooperation in training and certification in the field of cryptotechnologies.

The event also featured a presentation by the “Atmospheric Water Generator” team, one of the graduates of the “Startup School 4” programme.

At the conclusion of the event, the winners were announced and awarded.

“AI Pets for Kids” took third place, “TenEd” and “FitNest” shared second place, while the “Hogga” startup was awarded first place.