On October 26, the final stage of startup tours was held, which has been carried out within the framework of project “From idea to business” since April. State officials, heads of higher education institutions and students took part in final ceremony that was held in Heydar Aliyev Center within the framework of “Innovation week”.

Firstly, the guests visited “InnoExpo” exhibition, established by Ministry of Transport, Communication and High Technologies for demonstration of innovative products and services in the foyer of Heydar Aliyev Center. They got acquainted with stamps and souvenirs exhibited in the stand of “Azermarka” LLC. Afterwards, final stage of startup tour launched and the video about startup marathon covering 8 regions was displayed.

Minister of Transport, Communication and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade commenced the event and expressed his gratitude to the Regional Development Public Union of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the United Nations Development Program, Microsoft and Azercell companies and the heads of higher education institutions for created circumstances. He noted that more than 2000 participants took part in startup tour, held in several cities and regions of the Republic within 7 months. 15 teams out of 75 have gained the chance to participate in National final. “Startup tours were held in 16 universities and 3 secondary schools within “From idea to business” project. We are pleased that our students call attention to innovative development. Since, we need youth with innovative thoughts. For this reason it is of great importance to increase intellectual level of youth and raise their interest to science, education, technologies and competitive knowledge. As you know, the Ministry supports the startups and realization of business ideas via Information Technologies Development State Foundation and High Technologies Park. We implement different projects, trainings, competitions for expanding startup movement and involving young generation to this process”, the Minister said. He notified that “Investors club” was instituted in the field of information and communication technologies within the project with the coordination of Ministry. The Minister noted: “The club will function in the direction of improving investment environment, integrating new technologies to local economy and expanding application of scientific-research works and innovations. This club can support the realization of ideas of startup participants. We will proceed with our activity in the direction of forming and advancing innovation ecosystem in our country”. Then, the Minister wished success to the teams, who will participate in final stage.

15 finalists presented their projects to the jury within 3 minutes and responded asked questions.

Following the presentations, all teams were awarded with certificates for their active participation in startup tour. The winners of the startup tour on the Republic were “Gonex” (I place), “Smart Reaktor” (II place) and “Noahland” (III place) with the decision of jury. The “Smart Reaktor” team of Sumgayit State University was awarded II place for their project. The project is about obtaining alternative energy from wastes.

The winner of first place was awarded 10.000 manat, second place 5000 and the third place 2500 manat.

The project owners, who will win in National Final, will gain the right to present their projects within the 24th “Bakutel” International Telecommunication, Innovation and High Technologies exhibition-conference on December 4-7. Startup tours within “From idea to business” project were considered to be held in next years, too.