Business and Innovation Center for urban housing to open in Baku at WUF13

As part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will take place in Baku, a Business and Innovation Center will be established to support innovative approaches in housing provision.

The center will present practical solutions, implementation methods, and partnership networks covering all stages of the urban development value chain through a dedicated program, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

In line with the WUF13 theme, “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities,” the center is expected to contribute to the development of approaches aimed at addressing the global housing crisis, with a strong focus on innovation, investment, and practical implementation.

The main objectives of the Business and Innovation Center are to demonstrate effective housing delivery mechanisms and to provide a platform for efficient cooperation and coordination. The program will bring together private sector representatives and other stakeholders working on innovative housing solutions and basic services.

Urban development value chain in action

The Business and Innovation Center will organise 15 sessions under the theme “Practical Application of the Urban Development Value Chain.”

Through interactive sessions, the event will present how sustainable urban development and access to adequate housing are being advanced through real projects and practical experience implemented by partners, companies, and business associations. Reflecting the diversity of the private sector, the center will include participants ranging from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and business associations, while also emphasising new approaches to innovation, technology, and urban development challenges.

The center will further enable exchanges between cities, investors, and experts applying their knowledge in practice, helping transform ideas into implementation-focused approaches and strengthening cooperation within the urban development value chain.

Support for startups and emerging enterprises

A dedicated Startup Pavilion will also be established within the Business and Innovation Center to showcase innovations developed by newly created companies and young entrepreneurs.

The pavilion will feature 14 startup projects selected from 10 countries. Its aim is to provide emerging organisations with a platform and highlight solutions designed to address housing and urban planning challenges.

By Jeyhun Aghazada