“Microsoft” has introduced a support program for startups in Azerbaijan for the first time.
The "Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub" program has been launched at the Innovation Center of Azerbaijan in partnership with the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), Microsoft, and Strategeast.
The event was attended by representatives from Microsoft, technology companies in Azerbaijan, local startups, residents of the AIM Technopark, and ICT experts. The aim of this inaugural program is to provide startups, as well as small and medium-sized ICT companies, with the essential resources and tools for development.
In his opening speech, Salar İmaməliyev, Advisor to the Chairman of İRİA, highlighted the importance of the program in the development of the local ecosystem. He emphasized that through cooperation with Microsoft, İRİA plans to organize initiatives such as skill enhancement programs, innovation promotion, and events aimed at rapid growth in competitive markets.
Adrian Georq, Microsoft's Central Europe and Central Asia Partnership Development Advisor, elaborated on the essence of the program, stating that the collaboration between İRİA and Microsoft would lay a strong foundation for the realization of advanced technologies' transformative potential in Azerbaijan and the sustainable development of innovations in the near future.
He also mentioned: “This is my first visit to Baku, and I can clearly see that Azerbaijan is determined to develop technological innovations purposefully and ensure their sustainability. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute actively to this approach, and I am confident that together, we will achieve great goals in the coming year.”
Yevgeniya Bikmurzina, Head of the Innovation Ecosystem Department at İRİA, discussed the importance of building a healthy innovation ecosystem in the country and expressed confidence that collaboration with Microsoft would make a significant contribution to the development of the ecosystem.
During the event, a detailed presentation of the "Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub" program was made. It was announced that the program aims to support startup founders with technology, experience, and resources. Startups at the idea stage, minimal viable product, or rapid scaling phase can apply for the program. Selected startups will have access to the Azure platform, allowing them to test their ideas using its AI tools and other resources.
