1 October 2025
As the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, we are implementing continuous measures to build the innovation ecosystem in the country.
According to Startup.az, this was stated by Farid Osmanov, Chairman of the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA), during his visit to Nakhchivan.
He noted that one of the key elements in the development of the innovation ecosystem, alongside improving startups’ access to financial resources, expanding opportunities to enter foreign markets, fostering innovative thinking, and developing human capital, is the establishment of innovation infrastructure.
“As an Agency, the creation of innovation infrastructure in our country is one of our main areas of activity. Within this framework, the ‘Azerbaijan Innovation Center’ concept has been developed. Currently, innovation centers are operating in Baku and Sumgayit. Continuing these efforts, this year we inaugurated the Nakhchivan Innovation Center in cooperation with Nakhchivan State University.
What is especially important for us is that such centers are established within universities and scientific institutes. Initiatives built on the cooperation of the state, universities, and business ensure sustainable development. At this newly created center within Nakhchivan State University, workspaces have been allocated for IT specialists, and technological laboratories have been set up to bring startup ideas to life. The Agency has provided these laboratories with the necessary equipment. In addition, joint innovation programs have been developed with Nakhchivan State University,” Osmanov said.
The IRIA Chairman added that the main goal is to make the innovation ecosystem accessible across all regions of the country:
“We believe that this center established within Nakhchivan State University will open new opportunities not only for Nakhchivan but also for all universities and business communities across the country. Joint efforts to foster the startup environment will continue in the future.”