The opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan Innovation Center (AIC), founded on the initiative of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, took place. Representatives of state institutions, members of the local ecosystem and representatives of other partner companies participated in the event as guests.
Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samir Mammadov opened the event with an introductory speech and emphasized that innovation spaces such as AIM play a leading role in countries where the startup ecosystem is developing rapidly. S. Mammadov: "The current Azerbaijan Innovation Center is not just an office space, but a big ecosystem player. Here, startups will have the opportunity to participate in incubation and acceleration programs, hold meetings with investors, create partnerships and present their projects." He also noted that AIM offers suitable lease terms and other advantages for local and foreign companies wishing to operate in Azerbaijan.
The Chairman of the Board of IRIA, Inara Valiyeva, said in her speech that startups are at the center of the innovation ecosystem, and the creation of innovation spaces like AIM is of great importance for the country: "AIM will expand its activities both in several places in Baku and in the near future in Sumgait and Ganja. With this, our innovative thinking citizens living in the regions will be able to realize their ideas."
At the event, Agahuseyn Ahmadov, head of IRIA's Investments and ecosystem support department, and Elvin Hajiyev, head of AIM, gave detailed information about AIM. Other speakers - Dominik Piotet, IRIA's technopark development expert, Farrukh Aliyev, executive director of "PASHA Future Lab" and Mammad Karim, head of "Caucasus Ventures" fund, shared their views on the importance of centers like AIM in the country.
It should be noted that the Azerbaijan Innovation Center will play the role of a single center for technological entrepreneurs, startups and innovators. In addition, AIM plans to attract more international partners and companies, expand support programs for start-ups and ensure their integration into global markets. AIM's goal is to become a strong ecosystem player where technology and innovation play an important role in the economy.
