Baku ID opens its fifth innovation festival at SABAH.city with government and corporate leaders

The fifth Baku ID innovation festival opened at SABAH.city on September 17. It was the first time the event was held at the innovation town. The festival brought together startups, investors, tech and business leaders, and government representatives.

The opening was led by Farhad Pashayev, a board member of SABAH.Hub. SABAH.Hub CEO Rahim Bayramli welcomed guests and described the festival's results over five years. SABAH.city CEO Nihat Majidov presented the changes in the innovation town over the past year and outlined its goals for the next year.

A panel discussion on cooperation between the public and private sectors in skills development featured Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, Science and Education Minister Emin Amrullayev, Socar President Rovshan Najaf and Pasha Financial Holding CEO Farid Mammadov. Certificates and gifts were awarded in 12 nominations under the National Program, with presidential aide Shahmar Movsumov taking part.

Day one included presentations on artificial intelligence, venture capital, startup financing, education and health technology, plus startup pitches to investors and the Azerbaijan regional final of Startup World Cup. The 4Sim community also met. The festival continued on September 18 with more pitches, panels and investor meetings.

Strategic partners of Baku ID 2026 are the Ministry of Science and Education, Pasha Holding, Socar and the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4Sim). Main partners are the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (Iria) and Times. More information is available at bakuid.com.