With the support of the IDDA, the Nakhchivan Innovation Center has been established.
Innovation and Digital Development Agency Expands Regional Innovation Ecosystem with Opening of Nakhchivan Innovation Center
On October 1, 2025, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA) inaugurated the Nakhchivan Innovation Center at the administrative building of Nakhchivan State University. The opening ceremony was attended by the university leadership, representatives of government institutions, as well as local startup founders from Nakhchivan.
In his opening speech, Farid Osmanov, Chairman of IRIA, emphasized the significance of the new center as a milestone in expanding regional innovation:
“Following Baku and Sumgayit, the establishment of such a center in Nakhchivan is an important step toward ensuring accessibility to innovation infrastructure across the country. The center is not just an office space—it will serve as a platform where startups can participate in development programs, receive mentorship support, meet with investors, and organize events. It will become a hub where innovation culture is fostered and expanded.”
During the welcoming session, Elbrus Isaev, Rector of Nakhchivan State University, and Azer Mammadrahimov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, also delivered speeches. They praised IRIA’s efforts in building the regional innovation ecosystem and underlined that the center will open new perspectives for young talents with innovative ideas from Nakhchivan and neighboring regions.
Later, Elvin Hajiyev, Head of IRIA’s Department for Work with Technoparks, presented detailed information about the center. He noted that the facility will host a Hardware and Software Laboratory for developing and testing advanced technological solutions, as well as a Technology and Engineering Laboratory to transform ideas into prototypes and practical projects. Additionally, coworking and event spaces will be available to innovators, students, and anyone interested in innovation to collaborate and exchange ideas.
The event concluded with a presentation by Huseyn Asgarli, Head of the Information Technologies Department at Nakhchivan State University, who shared insights into the university’s ongoing efforts in developing its innovation ecosystem.
