The preliminary stage of the international startup competition titled “Finding Innovative & Creative Solutions”, which supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was held at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU).
The competition was jointly organized by AzTU and Pakistan’s National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Its goal is to engage university faculty and students in contributing innovative ideas to solve global challenges. This year, 60 teams from 21 universities in Azerbaijan and 2 teams from 1 university in Kazakhstan participated. AzTU students presented 9 startup projects in this competition.
The official opening began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
AzTU’s rector Vilayət Vəliyev spoke about the brotherly and partnership relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, noting that these extend into education, science, and innovation. He emphasized that the international startup competition hosted by AzTU is a serious platform that tests knowledge and practical skills while supporting students’ ideas. Compared to last year, the number of project applications increased to over 60. He wished success to all participating university students and added that winners of the preliminary stage will advance to the final round in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BANM), Elmar Qasımov, thanked AzTU’s rector for the invitation and said such international competitions motivate the creative minds of Azerbaijani youth. He wished success to BANM students and their scientific supervisors.
The rector of Karabakh University, Şahin Bayramov, expressed pleasure in participating and highlighted the importance of such projects for a strategic and young university like Karabakh University, which is ready to collaborate with AzTU and Pakistan’s prestigious universities in all fields.
NUST’s pro-rector for research, innovation, and commercialization Rizvan Riaz stated that this international startup competition is a great opportunity to reveal the potential of young people from both countries. He wished success to all young startup participants.
The event continued with a cultural program prepared by AzTU students and a video about the international competition.
During the day, participating teams presented their startup projects, which were evaluated by a jury composed of representatives from industry and education sectors.
At the end, winners were awarded.
FICS (Finding Innovative & Creative Solutions) is the largest startup competition held annually in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan since 2013. AzTU has hosted this international event for the second year in a row.
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