On April 20, a meeting with student startups and innovative idea authors was held within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” jointly organized by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Nakhchivan State University. The event took place at the Nakhchivan Innovation Center and the main goal was to contribute to the development of the startup ecosystem, support the innovative ideas of young people, and attract them to digital entrepreneurship.

The meeting was attended by teachers and students of the university, young entrepreneurs, innovative project authors in various fields, as well as representatives of structural units and subordinate organizations of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and Digital volunteers.

Nijat Yagubov, Vice-Rector for Social Affairs and Public Relations of the University, said in his speech that in modern times, innovative thinking, digital skills, and technological knowledge are the main factors in the success of young people. According to him, one of the priorities of the university is not to provide students with only theoretical knowledge, but also to involve them in scientific, innovative and creative activities. He noted that the university administration is constantly working to transform students' ideas into projects and then into successful business models, various trainings, mentoring programs and project support are being implemented.

Nijat Yagubov added that in order to create wider opportunities in this direction, a special startup competition is planned to be held in May, jointly organized by the Ministry and the university. It was noted that this competition will give young people the opportunity to present their projects to a wider audience, receive feedback from professional judges and gain support for future development.

Aziz Humbatzade, Head of the Ministry's Office, emphasized that startup competitions are not only a platform where ideas compete, but also an important environment that reveals the potential of young people and develops their creative and entrepreneurial abilities. According to him, the concept of startup no longer means only starting a business. Startup refers to the transformation of ideas that can have a great impact in a short time and offer innovative solutions to the problems facing society.

It was noted that in the modern world, competition is built on ideas. Technology is changing rapidly. But there is one unchanging truth: a strong nation is formed from strong thinking and young people who are committed to their homeland. Each project presented here today is, in fact, an investment in the future of our country.

During the event, a total of about 10 projects were presented by the participants. The projects covered various areas and were mainly focused on the fields of smart cities, smart transportation, medicine, healthcare, agriculture, digital services and social innovation. Among the presented projects, topics such as more efficient management of urban infrastructure, optimization of transport flow, application of digital technologies in agriculture, and more accessible and operational organization of medical services prevailed.

After the presentation of the projects, detailed opinions and suggestions were voiced by the relevant persons on each initiative. The innovativeness of the presented ideas, practical application opportunities, future development prospects and resources required for their implementation were discussed.

It was specifically emphasized at the meeting that improving the digital skills of young people, stimulating their innovative initiatives, and integrating them into the startup environment are of great importance in terms of the development of the digital economy in the autonomous republic.