Azerbaijan, Israel launch joint innovation centre for startups, tech, education PHOTO

On December 17, Azerbaijan inaugurated the Azerbaijan-Israel Innovation Centre Vistar to foster innovation, back startups, and enhance education alongside global tech partnerships.

The centre was established by the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA), the Azerbaijan Space Agency, and the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) to serve as a hub for innovation, space-sector initiatives, and international technological cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev emphasised that the event demonstrates the expansion of cooperation with leading global technology players, facilitating their entry into Azerbaijan and the implementation of mutually beneficial projects. This, in turn, will stimulate the growth of highly competitive startups and cultivate an innovation-driven culture across the country.

The CEO of the IAI, Boaz Levy, highlighted that the centre reflects the strengthening of relations between Azerbaijan and Israel.

“Our countries have always built relations on mutual trust, and today we have taken an important step to deepen our collaboration in the technology sector. Vistar will create new opportunities for innovators, allowing technological cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel to progress more dynamically,” he noted.

Vistar operates on a model combining education and acceleration, covering innovation, the space industry, and research. The centre is designed to test ideas with international experts, develop prototypes, conduct training programs, and attract investment to help startups access global markets.

By Jeyhun Aghazada