The forum, organized by the Azerbaijan State Agricultural University (ADAU), took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Ganja.
At the outset, participants laid fresh flowers at the monument to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev located in front of the Center.
Following this, student-prepared startups were showcased to attendees in the foyer of the Center.
The event commenced with the playing of the National Anthem, followed by a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
In his opening remarks, ADAU Rector Zafer Gurbanov stated that the primary aim of the forum was to foster the development of startups and innovative entrepreneurship in the region. He emphasized the significant responsibility universities bear in modern times to teach entrepreneurial skills, support students’ innovative ideas, and facilitate their integration into the business environment.
Other speakers, including Deputy Head of the Ganja City Executive Authority Adil Taghiyev, Rector of Sumgayit State University Rufat Azizov, Acting Rector of Mingachevir State University Uzeyir Zeynalov, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank in Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Director of the Agrarian Innovations Center Anar Jafarov, and Director of the Zagatala Branch of Azerbaijan State University of Economics Ragif Qasimov, highlighted the importance of such events and extended their best wishes for the success of the forum.
Additionally, the forum was attended by Rector of Ganja State University Yusif Yusibov, Head of Kapital Bank’s Ganja Branch Vugar Pashayev, Director of the Ganja Youth Center Amil Gurbanov, and other officials.
Subsequently, two panel discussions were held on the topics “The Role of Universities in the Innovation Ecosystem” and “The Role of Innovations in Modern Entrepreneurship.”
At the conclusion of the event, guests toured the state-of-the-art facilities of the Agricultural University, including its modern laboratories, student park, dormitories, machine and tractor park, open and closed fish farming laboratories, vivarium, and greenhouse complexes, gaining an in-depth understanding of the institution’s material and technical resources.
