The training and mentoring program is launching under the "Startup School Nakhchivan" project, a joint initiative of the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) and Nakhchivan State University (NSU). The project will commence with training and mentoring services held at NSU on April 21-22.

The training sessions, conducted by Isa Gasimov, Head of the "Enterprise Azerbaijan" portal, are expected to involve the university's faculty and administrative staff, as well as representatives consisting of undergraduate and graduate students. During the training and mentoring phase, participants will be provided with practical knowledge and skills on topics such as startup formation, business model development, market research, product validation, financing opportunities, and presentation skills.

The "Startup School Nakhchivan" project, implemented within the framework of the "Startup School 4: Five Continents - 500 Startups" program, aims to contribute to the development of the startup ecosystem in the region. The primary objectives of the project are to encourage innovative thinking within the university environment, support the commercialization of ideas, strengthen university-industry cooperation, and create conditions for the formation of a sustainable mentor network in Nakhchivan.

The training and mentoring services provided under the program will continue in both offline and online formats throughout April and May.

The project also plans for the participation of professional mentors and speakers, the creation of a regional mentor network, the establishment of relations with partners and sponsors, and the provision of media support. Additionally, the organization of specialized training for the university staff in the direction of industrial cooperation and the commercialization of science is also expected.

As a result of the project, it is anticipated that the innovation and startup culture in the Nakhchivan region will further strengthen, projects capable of being commercialized will be formed within the university base, and the integration of the region into global startup platforms will accelerate.