The final stage of the “Innostart” project, which fosters the formation of an innovation ecosystem in the regions, has taken place.

The “Grand Final” stage of the “Innostart” project, implemented with the support of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and organized by SUP VC, one of Azerbaijan’s leading innovation companies, has taken place. Bringing together hundreds of young people and startup founders from various regions of the country, the project concluded with four startups—“Backlify,” “SaleX,” “Specdeaf,” and “İmYen”—selected from among 17 finalist teams and awarded a total prize fund of 50,000 AZN.

The event was attended by representatives of government institutions, private companies, startup founders, and innovation experts. In his speech, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samir Mammadov emphasized that the “Online Azerbaijan” project implemented in recent years has created broad opportunities for the country’s innovation environment. He also noted that initiatives such as “Innostart,” “ecomX,” and “4ü1arada” provide significant support for the development of next-generation entrepreneurship in the regions.

IDDA Chairman Farid Osmanov spoke about the project’s impact in the regions, noting that in 2024–2025 alone, 32 awareness-raising events, 8 hackathons, 8 incubation programs, and 4 Demo Days were organized across 4 regions, 20 cities, and districts. More than 2,000 participants took part in these activities. In addition, 18 new mentors were trained, and cooperation was established with various public and private institutions.

Speeches were also delivered at the final ceremony by Samir Humbatov, a representative of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency under the Ministry of Economy, and Rashad Eyvazov, CEO of SUP VC, the project’s main organizer. In his remarks, R. Eyvazov particularly emphasized the project’s importance in shaping the entrepreneurial environment in the regions, stating that through the “Innostart” program, hundreds of young people have gained the opportunity to transform their ideas into business models, significantly contributing to the formation of a creative environment in the regions.

According to him, SUP VC is building essential support mechanisms for startup development not only in the capital but also across various cities and districts of Azerbaijan. Within this framework, hackathons, incubation programs, and mentorship sessions have provided young people with real opportunities to turn their ideas into practical projects.

As part of the event, a presentation showcasing the project’s statistical indicators was displayed, startup teams presented their projects, and certificates were awarded to graduates of the mentor training program.

The “Innostart” project is one of the key platforms ensuring a systematic approach to the development of the startup ecosystem in Azerbaijan’s regions. Implemented with the support of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) and organized by SUP VC, this initiative creates conditions for young people to transform their innovative ideas into businesses, increase their access to global markets, and foster the formation of strong local communities.