As an Emerging Innovation Hub, Azerbaijan Unlocks New Opportunities Across Eurasian Technology Markets at Web Summit 2026
Azerbaijan takes center stage in Lisbon, showcasing its growing technology ecosystem, innovative startups, and expanding opportunities for global investors, businesses, and technology partners.
Azerbaijan will participate in Web Summit 2026, one of the world's leading international technology events, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, on November 9–12. The country will be represented by the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), which will present Azerbaijan's growing digital economy, innovation ecosystem and emerging technology investment opportunities through a dedicated National Pavilion.
This year's participation comes at an important stage in Azerbaijan's digital transformation. Following the approval of major legislative reforms in October 2026, the country is introducing new incentives designed to attract international technology companies, investors, startups and highly skilled digital professionals.
New opportunities for international technology companies
Beginning January 1, 2027, Azerbaijan will expand its technology park residency framework and introduce tax exemptions of up to 20 years for eligible technology businesses.
The new measures include 0% corporate profit tax on qualifying activities, exemptions from dividend, property and land taxes, and a 0% personal income tax rate for employees engaged in eligible activities. Additional incentives include enhanced deductions for research and development expenses, relief for certain imported digital services, and simplified conditions for attracting foreign technology specialists.
The reforms also broaden technology park residency opportunities to companies operating in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, cloud technologies, gaming and other high-tech fields. Freelancers, digital nomads, and individual tech entrepreneurs will also become eligible under the new framework, subject to applicable requirements. Technology park residency is available to qualifying companies operating outside designated technology park premises.
These changes aim to strengthen Azerbaijan's position as a competitive location for developing technology products, conducting research and development, and expanding internationally oriented businesses.
More information about the new incentives and eligibility requirements is available at https://tech.idda.az/en.
Azerbaijani technology companies and startups at Web Summit
At the National Pavilion, six Azerbaijani technology companies and startups will showcase their products, services and innovative solutions across fintech, artificial intelligence, digital identity, cybersecurity, space technologies and enterprise software.
The participating companies include:
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Simbrella — A fintech company developing digital lending, AI-powered credit scoring and financial inclusion solutions, with international experience across Africa and Central Asia.
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AzInTelecom — A technology company offering digital identity, cloud and information security services, including its SİMA digital identity and electronic signature solutions.
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Azsoftware / Imzala.az — A provider of digital document signing, electronic signature and business workflow solutions.
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Polygraf AI — An artificial intelligence security company developing solutions for AI governance, monitoring and the secure use of AI technologies.
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Azercosmos — Azerbaijan's national space agency, providing satellite communications, Earth observation and geospatial intelligence solutions to international markets.
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R.I.S.K. Company — A technology company specializing in advanced engineering, aviation-related systems, cybersecurity and mission-critical software solutions.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the companies' products, meet their representatives and learn about their international activities and plans for further expansion.
The Azerbaijani National Pavilion will also serve as a meeting point for international investors, technology companies, media representatives and ecosystem partners. Meetings with IDDA representatives, participating technology companies and startup founders can be arranged during the exhibition.
Azerbaijan strengthens partnerships with global technology companies
Azerbaijan's growing innovation ecosystem is already attracting cooperation with internationally recognized technology companies.
Among recent developments is the establishment of Xsolla's Research and Development Center in Baku, contributing to the expansion of Azerbaijan's gaming and gametech industry.
Another important example is EPAM Systems, which launched operations in Azerbaijan in 2025 and is cooperating with IDDA on digital government, artificial intelligence and technology talent development initiatives.
IDDA is also working with Plug and Play, the international innovation platform, to connect startups with industry challenges and expand opportunities for collaboration between technology entrepreneurs and established businesses.
These partnerships reflect Azerbaijan's commitment to connecting its local technology ecosystem with global expertise, investment networks and international markets.
IDDA Chairman to participate in Web Summit discussions
Farid Osmanov, Chairman of the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, will participate in two discussions during Web Summit 2026.
On November 11, from 13:35 to 14:00, he will join the MoneyConf panel discussion, "Exporting the Caspian Playbook." The panel will examine how emerging digital ecosystems across the Caspian region and Central Eurasia are shaping new approaches to technology, business and cross-border connectivity.
The discussions will provide opportunities to introduce Azerbaijan's experience and priorities to international technology leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers.
An emerging technology hub open to global cooperation
Azerbaijan is positioning itself as an emerging technology and innovation hub at the intersection of Europe and Asia, with ambitions to strengthen cooperation across the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and international markets.
The country's development is supported by its national Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025–2028, the Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development for 2026–2028, and continued investment in digital government infrastructure, startup development and technology talent.
Through its participation in Web Summit 2026, IDDA aims to expand international cooperation, establish new partnerships and demonstrate the opportunities Azerbaijan offers to innovation-oriented businesses seeking access to regional and global markets.
Web Summit participants, international investors, technology companies and media representatives are warmly invited to visit Azerbaijan's National Pavilion, discover the country's evolving technology ecosystem, meet Azerbaijani innovators and explore opportunities for future cooperation.
Visit Azerbaijan at Web Summit 2026
Event: Web Summit 2026
Dates: November 9–12, 2026
Exhibition: November 10–12, 2026
Venue: FIL / MEO Arena, Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal
Azerbaijan National Pavilion: Pavilion 3, E315
Meetings with IDDA representatives and participating companies may be arranged in advance. Media representatives are also welcome to request executive interviews, startup founder interviews, product demonstrations and other reporting opportunities.
About the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA)
The Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) operates under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Agency supports the implementation of Azerbaijan's digital development and innovation agenda, focusing on three interconnected priorities: digital transformation and digital government, innovation ecosystem development, and digital skills and human capital.
IDDA promotes the development of digital public services, supports startup ecosystem and technology entrepreneurship, facilitates cooperation with international technology partners, and implements initiatives to strengthen technological capabilities and competitiveness.
More information: www.idda.az
Contacts
For business cooperation, partnership opportunities and meetings at Web Summit:
Elkhan Shukurov
Head of Startup Ecosystem Support Division
Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA)
Email: Elkhan.Shukurov@idda.az
Mobile / WhatsApp: +994 50 379 58 69
For media inquiries, interviews and press coordination:
Anar Abdullayev
Senior PR Specialist
Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA)
Email: anar.abdullayev@idda.az
Mobile / WhatsApp: +994 50 868 51 48
Website: www.idda.az
