Azerbaijani youth startups compete for spot at global championship in Davos

Young entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan have presented projects in a national startup championship for children and teenagers aged 6 to 17, with winners set to represent the country at the Startup World Cup Championship in Davos, Switzerland, organisers said.

Narmina Hasanova, founder of the Miniboss Business School, said the initiative showcased a wide range of youth-led innovations developed over just two months, local media reports.

Some 20 projects selected at a business forum in April were fully implemented with support from sponsors and investors. Participants not only developed their ideas into finished products but also achieved their first sales, she said.

“For the first time, 40% of the projects reflect our national heritage and cultural values. All the ideas were the children's own initiatives, and their choice was largely influenced by the prestige of the international events held in Azerbaijan,” Hasanova said.

She added that the most successful teams will go on to compete at the global startup championship in Davos, where they will present Azerbaijani youth innovation on an international stage.

By Sabina Mammadli