Initiative overview
Enterprise Azerbaijan is a national public initiative designed to support innovation-driven entrepreneurship and the development of technology-based solutions, including artificial intelligence applications. The initiative addresses challenges such as limited early-stage support, skills gaps, and weak co-ordination across the innovation ecosystem. It leverages the opportunity to strengthen economic diversification and productivity by helping new ideas move from concept to practical application.
A core component of the initiative is the Startup School projects, which focus on supporting early-stage founders, students, and innovators at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. These projects respond to the need for accessible guidance and practical learning by offering structured training, mentoring, and hands-on support. Participants gain essential knowledge on problem-solving, product development, and responsible use of technology, including AI where relevant, helping them build confidence and basic market readiness.
The objectives of Enterprise Azerbaijan include improving access to knowledge and collaboration, strengthening links between the public sector, academia, and business, and increasing the number of innovation-ready start-ups. Through Startup School and other programmes, the initiative supports capacity-building, investment readiness, and ecosystem development, while aligning with national priorities for innovation and digital development.
Enterprise Azerbaijan is co-ordinated as a public platform and is designed to evolve through the expansion of its programmes, thematic areas, and partnerships. Startup School projects are expected to scale over time by reaching wider groups, introducing new focus areas, and strengthening international co-operation. In the long term, the initiative aims to become an institutionalised entry point into the national innovation ecosystem, supporting sustainable growth and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Results, outcomes and impacts
The Startup School initiative has delivered measurable results by supporting early-stage start-ups and strengthening cross-border collaboration. Since 2023, three editions have been implemented, attracting over 200 project applications from multiple countries, with more than 30 start-ups completing acceleration cycles. Results are measured through application data, participation rates, selection outcomes, mentoring completion, Demo Day performance, and awards received. Expected future impacts include scaling green and digital start-ups, expanding regional co-operation, increasing investment readiness, and integrating more start-ups into the national and international innovation ecosystem.
