The official opening of the Azerbaijan Innovation Center (AIM), established under the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) in partnership with the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA), has taken place. The ceremony was attended by the university’s leadership, faculty members, students, and startup founders.
In his speech, ASOIU Rector Rufat Azizov spoke about the university’s goals in the field of innovation. The rector noted that thanks to the wide opportunities provided by the new center, young innovators will be able to test their ideas, develop prototypes, and adapt their projects to real market demands.
Chairman of the IRIA Board, Farid Osmanov, emphasized the strategic importance of the center. He stated that the operation of such centers within universities gives a strong impetus to the development of the startup ecosystem in the country: “ASOIU AIM will combine the state-university-business model in the future and create a strong innovative foundation for industrial sectors serving the non-oil economy. Here, a favorable environment has been formed to support the entire process from idea to final product — including mentorship, incubation, acceleration, and international cooperation.”
It should be noted that the center, built in accordance with modern standards, is equipped with the necessary tools for technical research, hardware design, and prototyping. Additionally, the center offers a computer laboratory, coworking areas, and special rooms for training, meetings, and presentations.
