I’m was delighted to join the speakers lineup at New Zeon Digital Hub- Digital Fest 2024

My speech 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐬 101: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 got the audience steared up and engaged! I found it more valuable to talk about self-love, self-validation as well as describe the hard work, challenges and hurdles that every startuper alive knows on a daily basis.
Startups are not for everyone, but you stand to gain invaluable skills, resilience and stamina, being part of!

Main takeaways I’ve shared:
– Startups are about action and delivery, more than intentions
– Startuppers should push up and forward, freeing their imagination to go wild, but also make sense
– Motivation should come from with in but should be supported by a reliable ecosystem
– Sharing is caring, resources, mentors, customers and investors
– you MUST push yourselves UP! Many will push you down for free!
Big thanks to the organizers New Zeon: Alexander Klimenko & Denis Gavaza and the amazing audience. You’re welcome to share your feedbacks!

We had the pleasure of welcoming Nargis Magazine representatives to Yaradici Mərkəzi, and introduce them to our vision and work agenda for the creative industries of Azerbaijan. We exchanged information on the different projects planned for 2025, and discussed several opportunities for collaboration.

Nargis Magazine is a premium lifestyle publication celebrating art, culture, fashion, and modern trends with a unique perspective. It bridges traditional heritage with contemporary inspiration, offering captivating content for a global audience.

Mədəni və Yaradıcı Sənayelərin İnkişaf Mərkəzi, the beating heart of Azerbaijan’s Creative Industries Ecosystem, established by the Azərbaycan Respublikası Mədəniyyət Nazirliyi.

Yaradici Talks panel discussion yesterday was educational and productive.
The expert panelists shared their experience and insights offering the audience a fresh look into the Impact of Creative Industries on Climate Change, from their own perspective as well as from their homelands of (🇦🇿), (🇧🇷), (🇺🇦), (🇩🇪).

Main takeaways:
-The emotional impact artists can create is significant and proven.
-Video Art content provided by platforms such as Ikono TV has a profound impact on reducing anxiety levels and increasing mental resilience.
-Artists in a diversity of creative disciplines can contribute to climate change initiatives.
-We must start young, but also correlate the way youngsters consume media, such as in gaming, TikTok and other video forms.

The panel was organized by Mədəni və Yaradici Center, operating under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Yaradici Center is the beating heart of Azerbaijan’s Creative Industries Ecosystem, We focus on turning innovative ideas into exceptional products, offering professional training, skills upscaling, and expert guidance on commercialization and business ownership.
Our efforts span creative clusters like Cinema, Animation, Arts, Game Development, Music, Media, and more, empowering creators to thrive in the ever-evolving global marketplace.

Special thanks to the Minister of Culture, Mr. Adil Karimli, for his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership in fostering the growth of creative industries in Azerbaijan.

I also wish to thank my dear panelists for your insightful words:
Eduardo Carvalho- Director of Outra Onda Conteúdo
Elizabeth Markevitch- Founder & CEO Ikono TV
Rashad Azizoff – Head of Creative Industries and Digital Development, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Alla Tynkevych- Programme Specialist, UNICEF
See you in COP30 BRazil!

COP29 Azerbaijan, the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, is currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from nearly 200 countries, to advance climate action and address pressing environmental challenges. One of the conference’s emphasis is the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to accelerate the global transition towards a resilient, low-carbon future.

We concluded successfully a 3 day Hackathon of Game Jam Plus, with over 50 participants and 11 teams, competing for best game studio!
The event took place at Yaradıcı Center and was organized by Gamepons as part of the new gaming incubation cohort, planned to open in November.

And the winners are:
1st place: Starlight
2nd Place: BGAI Tech
3rd Place: Haloverse
Congrats to all participants and winners!

Special thanks to the organizers from Gamepons: Vusal Karimli, Ilgar Alirzayev and Aydan Aliyeva.

I was delighted to participate in the ‘First Eurasian Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Data Science’, at ADA University, and meet enthusiastic professionals from the USA (Yale University & Columbia University), UK, China, Australia, Italy, and of course Israel. The forum discussed the latest innovations in AI theory, novel method development, and data science applications in fields such as medicine, cybersecurity, sports, and agriculture.

(as firstly reported by Report News Agency)
Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, vice-rector of ADA University, delivered a welcome speech and noted the importance addressed by ADA university to the topics of information technologies, computer science, and computer engineering.

Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the IV Industrial Revolution (4SIM) outlined the plan to use AI capabilities to accelerate Azerbaijan’s economic growth by 2040 and estimated that generative AI in the Azerbaijani language will bring an additional $4.4 billion to the country’s economy.
It was a pleasure meeting Prof. Robert Moskovitch- Head, Complex Data Analytics Lab at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Prof. Mor Peleg- Director, Data Science Research Center at University of Haifa.

INMerge Innovation Summit is where new talents, opportunities and ambition emerge.
I had the pleasure of participating as well as meeting friends and startups, some I’ve met only online.

I congratulate Helio AI for winning 1st place and $25K, a significant milestone for the Georgian startup ecosystem, as well as Ally • App , recognized among the top 40 startups, well done! Iro Tsagareishvili managing partner of Axel • Georgian Business Angel Network • keep up the good work!
Special thanks to our esteemed visitors Mədəni və Yaradıcı Sənayelərin İnkişaf Mərkəzi and, who are now our friends and colleagues, Dr Jonathan Chang – CEO of HeritageSG operating under the Ministry of Culture Singapore and Asset Abdualiyev- CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub in Silicon Valley USA.

Yaradici Center is the beating heart of Azerbaijan’s Creative Industries Ecosystem, established by the Ministry of Culture. We focus on turning innovative ideas into exceptional products, offering professional training, skills upscaling, and expert guidance on commercialization and business ownership. Our efforts span creative clusters like Cinema, Animation, Arts, Game Development, Music, Media, and more, empowering creators to thrive in the ever-evolving global marketplace.

Baku Cinema Breeze (BCB) is in full swing, going strong and exciting. Filmmakers from over 15 countries have the opportunity to foster partnerships in various domains, including animation, documentary, feature films, film commission, and more.

We celebrated the 15th Baku International Film Festival, the 8th DokuBaku International Film Festival and the 7th ANIMAFILM International Animation Festival, the 1st “Baku Cinema Breeze Awards”, the Animators’ Accelerator, the 2nd Producers Elevator, and the Orient and Middle Asia Countries` Cinema Market. These initiatives are designed to nurture talent, foster cultural exchange, and drive comprehensive growth in the film industry.
Yaradici Center takes a major role in BCB event’s, fostering creativity as well as creating a bridge that connects between countries and people.

We are a powerhouse where independent creators, entrepreneurs, and artists come together to transform ideas into impactful products.
We connect visionaries- artists, producers, startups, SMBs, and investors, creating a collaborative ecosystem for shared success and meaningful innovation.

Home away from home. Launching my long term stay in Azerbaijan.
Scouting for innovative entrepreneurs and Creative Industries startups.

The best place to start is in Mədəni və Yaradıcı Sənayelərin İnkişaf Mərkəzi – Cultural & Creative Industries Development center, part of Yaradici Azerbaijan program, Ministry of Culture.

I had the pleasure of conducting a first department managers meeting with:
Bekali Mursalov – Head of Yaradici Center, Lala Hasanova- Eduaz, Ulviyya Agayeva, Mammadsharif Alakbarov- Yaradici Live, Shahriyar Pashali- lawyer and Zaur Mammedov.

I also met several of Yaradici members as well as conduct a first management meeting:
Vusal Karimli, Ilgar Alirzayev and Fatima Huseynova from Gamepons (The leading Gaming hub & educational center for game developers, game artists and game designers).
byqr.az: Sanan Abdullayev, Gunel Murshudlu and Yunus Aliyev
Nus Gallery Rana Samadli

My 2nd time this year at Startup World Cup competition for $1M, but this time in Azerbaijan, for the Caucuses representative. 5 innovative startups competing, and the winner is Stackt! Congrats Rashid Aliyev – Co-Founder and CEO at Stackt – On-demand Moving & Storage Services.

It was a pleasure to meet so many dear friends and partners, at the event, and receive a warm and embracing welcome to my new mission in Azerbaijan.

Farid Ismayilzada – Founder & President Technovate Investments, LLC
Rahim Bayramli – CEO at SABAH.HUB
Fariz Ismailzade – Vice Rector at ADA & Elected Parliament Member
Farrukh Ali – CEO at Pasha Innovation
Rahul D’Mello – Co-Founder at LANDAU School & Push30
Jeyhun Karamov – State Agency on Vocational Education
Kheyraddin Mehdizade, MBA – Deputy Head of Innovation Division SOCAR

During my visit to Baku last week, I was delighted to receive the invitation to participate in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Summit, themed “Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development,” part of the “29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29” initiative, organized by the United Nations Azerbaijan and PwC Azerbaijan. My speech titled: “Guardians of Tomorrow: ESG in AI and Cybersecurity”, touched on the ESG actions relating to AI and Cybersecurity, including the case study of Microsoft, AI for Earth and Cybersecurity programs.

My message was that the integration of ESG principles in AI and cybersecurity is not just a necessity but an opportunity to shape a better future. By building strong partnerships, promoting dialogue, and driving action, we can harness the power of these technologies to create a more sustainable, secure, and equitable world.

My week of meetings, lecturing, mentoring and alot of learning at Yaradici (creative) Hub in Baku Az, proved successful and exciting.
I had the privilege of working together with Yaradici Director- Bekali Mursalov, and meeting with the Hub’s department managers and staff and discussing how to best structure a thriving community, improve management skills and set measurable KPIs for success.

Yaradici (Creative) Hub, established by Azərbaycan Respublikası Mədəniyyət Nazirliyi, is a multidisciplinary home for creative industries such as Cinema, Dancing, Music and Cultech, Education, Producer Elevator, Gaming and Animation. In addition, technologies such as Generative AI, NLP, Immersive Technologies (AR, VR, XR) Cloud and 5G will be implemented into the creative industries tech.

Yaradici provides its residents a diversity of services, facilities and expertise, from highly equipped studios, through top notch trainers and mentors, to lead generation of customers, locally and globally.

A major upgrade that complements Yaradigi’s activity, would be I2C (Invest to Create) Fund, that will support Yaradici’s businesses and startup funding needs, in both projects and technologies development, deployment and global commercialization.

During my visit to Azerbaijan🇦🇿 last month I had the pleasure of meeting with Teymur Aliyev- Head of Strategic Management & Innovations Department and his team Tabriz Ammayev and Kheyraddin Mehdizade.

We’ve discussed some of the challenges and opportunities SOCAR is facing as well as received a warm invitation to present and share tech innovations related to SOCAR’s activities in Gas & Oil, as well as Sustainable Energy.
SOCAR is one of the major energy companies in Europe🇪🇺. While primarily focused on the economic interest of the people of Azerbaijan, it is an international company and manages a number of operations abroad.

The company fulfils many functions among which exploring oil and gas fields, producing, processing, and transporting oil, gas, and gas condensate take a big part. SOCAR also markets petroleum and petrochemical products within the country as well as across a number of international markets. The company’s vision is to become a vertically integrated international energy company with advanced experience in operation efficiency, social and environmental responsibility.

SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic) is committed to the development, transportation and marketing of oil and gas. Its dedication to eco-friendly technology research and development and to innovation enables the company to meet growing energy demand worldwide. SOCAR is operating in 20 countries and employs nearly 70,000 people.

I was delighted to receive an invitation to participate for the 3rd year in the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialog in Baku Azerbaijan, and moderate the panel on “𝐀𝐈- 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞”. My esteemed panelists and I shared practices, experience and alternative perspectives on the topic as well as an engaged audience that shared in depth questions.

– Mr. Fariz Jafarov- Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the 4th Industrial Revolution under the Ministry of Economy Republic of Azerbaijan
– Mr. Serdar Korkmaz- Creative Director of Alegori Studio Türkiye
– Mr. Pau Garcia- Director of Domestic Data Streamers
– Mr. Rashad Azizoff- Head of Creative İndustries and Digital Development Department, Ministry of Culture Republic of Azerbaijan

In summary, while the question of whether AI is primarily an opportunity or a threat, remains complex, It is imperative that we continue to engage in conversations like these, fostering collaboration across disciplines and communities to ensure that AI serves as a force for positive change.

I wish to thank the organizers of the conference and congratulate you on an exciting, eye opening opportunity that is near to impact humanity in a profound way.

I was delighted to emeet the management of Azerbaijan Fintech Association and discuss our collaboration in growing and expending the association’s activities and services to its members, as well as engaging with more likeminded startups, companies and associations, looking to expand into Azerbaijan.

I mentioned in the call my latest meeting with Moldova FinTech Association under ATIC and was glad to hear a positive feedback and interest to discuss ways of cooperation.

I wish to thanks Chairman of the Board Mr. Ruslan Talibov, General Director Mr. Azer Akberov and Marketing & Business Development Expert Ms. Ayshan Hasanova for an open discussion and sharing of ideas.

I hope to share an action plan in the coming weeks, and call Fintech related parties to DM me if you’re interested to engage in discussions or cooperation in Azerbaijan.

🇦🇿The past weeks proved tough and emotional, yet I felt it’s time for me to go back to what I love and do best!

I had a unique opportunity to take an active part in Culture and Creative week in Azerbaijan, spiced with many satellite events, followed by an amazing week in Moldova, including the highlight of Dreamicon: one in a million Unicorn conference.
I was contemplating on whether it’s the best time to go ahead and make a move towards normality with the war in Israel and made a decision to go ahead, so here goes 🙂

Azerbaijan Culture and Creative week, organized by the Culture Ministry, is my 2nd big conference on this topic in Azerbaijan. Last year I had the pleasure of moderating the 3 days conference of #Think4Culture, taking place in Shosha and Baku. This year, thanks to my friend Rashad Azizoff, one of the leading figures in tech innovation in Azerbaijan, and his professional team (especially Aytan Zeynalli, organized the 1st Culture and Creative Industries Forum, followed by many events related to music, gaming, culture and animation, all of which will soon launch under separate incubators. So 1st takeaway, if you are from the mentioned industries, **contact me**, introduce your relevance and interest and let me make the relevant intro.

📌The main events I participated in were:
– Panelist at Culture and Creative Industries Forum
– Jury at National Finals of A-Hub
– Meeting Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan
– Visiting InMerge Innovation Summit
– Meeting Socarofficial Academy
– Lecturing to school kids and Dərs Evi college students
– Mentoring startups of NewSpace Innovation at ROOF Academy
– Presenting Wake-Up Cyber (an Israeli CyberSecurity company)

📌Here is a recap and some takeaways:
I was honored to be a panelist on the opening panel of the Culture and Creative Industries forum, and share my views on the importance of national heritage and legacy, as well as about the importance of governmental support for artists and creators in these clusters.

– It’s the ecosystem’s responsibility to present its needs as well as plans, should funds be allocated.
– Technology is important in creating long lasting heritage, but as important is the preservations of traditional techniques, which must be well documented.
– I didn’t meet too many rich artists but I know their work makes millions happy and thankful.
– Artists are not the best business people, but need no motivation to create. They do need assistance in exporting and reaching their customers, which is why it’s imperative to assist them with, for example, e-commerce platforms.
– Heritage is a source for national pride, do more to remember it!

I was also delighted to be part of the jury panel for the National Finals of A-Hub Acceleration Program, supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ICESCO and Kapital Bank, organized by NewSpace Innovation taking place at Heydar Aliyev Center.

12 teams from Baku, Sumgait and Ganja presented their innovative ideas, with passion and creativity, resulting in 3 winning teams Documood, SnackPack and Agroefficient. Congratulations to all the participants and wishing success to the winners in the A-Hub Grand Final competition!
👏🏻Thank you Leyla Taghizade & Elchin Huseynov for your invitation to join as well as to Dr. Sharif Muhammad Director/Advisor Science and Technology at ICESCO.

Meeting with Mr. George Deek, Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Azərbaycanda İsrail – Israel in Azerbaijan, always gives me an interesting perspective regarding the strength and importance of our nation’s cooperation. I was glad to share with the ambassador some of my tour highlights and to receive his appreciation for my active involvement. My ties with Azerbaijan Ambassador to Israel Mr. Mukhtar Mammadov, also proved valuable in preparing for my visit.

Socarofficial is one of Azerbaijan’s most renowned companies. I had the opportunity, provided by my close friend Sevinj Amirova-Mammadova, to meet with the SOCAR Academy personnel, Mr. Tural Mammadov, Deputy Director of Human Capital Development & Functional Excellence, Shabnam Budagova, Deputy manager of SOCAR Academy Management and Nezrin Efendiyeva, to discuss expansion and growth plans of the Academy as well as. I enjoyed visiting SOCAR’s museum and learning more about its history and achievements.
InMerge Innovation Summit gave me an opportunity to meet with all time friends and share some updates as to the startup funding challenges, as well as to reignite new ties with colleagues from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and USA that joined the conference.

It seems that the trust in startups is still lagging behind and they might be considered a risky business for investment. Still the understanding for the need in startups, for innovation and tech development is established, and the young generation is finding its way to venture and try.
👏🏻Thanks Farrukh Ali – Head of Innovations at PASHA Holding for your invitation to join.

My lectures with middle school kids as well as local college students proved to be one of the highlights of my visit. I met smart, highly motivated teens, ready to conquer the world, in a good way🙂 They showed impressive knowledge, coherent English language and motivation that skyrocketed. I see a lot of potential and reason to invest in the young generation, as we in Israel believe in Startuping Young!

Thanks again Sevinj Amirova-Mammadova for enabling the connection as well as to Nigar Baimova- CEO of Dersi Evi. I enjoyed mentoring NewSpace Innovation at Roof Academy and meeting several young and enthusiastic startupers🙂 Thanks Elchin Huseynov for the invitation.
I was also glad for the opportunity to present Wake-up Cyber company to leading companies, such as Azerconnect (Thank you Mushfig Aliyev- Marketing Director) and Azercell. I hope we can grow fruitful and effective cooperation. Wake-Up cyber is bridging the gap between Risk and Remediation through valuable human expertise and practical experience, empowered by great technology.

Celebrating Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan (formally May 28th), hosted for the 1st time by the ambassador of Azerbaijan to Israel Mr. Muxtar Mammadov, was a memorable and emotional occasion.
The event was joined by Mrs. Gila Gamliel – Minister of Intelligence of Israel🇮🇱, as well as other parliament members, politicians, business and society figures, all cheering and embracing the new era in our great nation’s diplomatic relations as well as business, academic and touristic relations.

I was welcomed into Azerbaijan in 2016, by Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, at that time Minister of Education and today Minister of Economy, and met with Ambassador Mammadov during my visit as Director, International Relations Department in the Ministry. Knowing Ambassador Mammadov over the years, I am certain he is the best person for the job, to strengthen the bond between our countries that has been holding strong over 30 years.

I also had the pleasure of meeting old and new friends during the event, amongst whom was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Fariz Rzayev, whom I look forward to meeting again in Baku. Also met Jamilya Talibzadeh, Azerbaijan Tourism Representative Office in Israel and a dear friend.
My wish to our nations is to enjoy peace on all fronts, to tighten the cooperation and exchange of knowledge in Gas & Oil as well as in AgroTech, Cyber, Renewable Energy and to also expand mutual tourism & culture related tech and business.
Exciting times are ahead of us, challenging, technological, and somewhat unpredictable. Let’s unite and join hands to make the best for us and for future generations.
Amen & Inshallah!

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, FAILURE IS A BUILDINGBLOCK TO SUCCESS, A STRONG TEAM IS ESSENTIAL.

⚠️ Enjoyed meeting and speaking to entrepreneurs and startuppers at Innoland. The audience was positively involved and curious, with relevant questions regarding the need for practical mentorship, investment channels and global markets.

I shared tips on how to kickstart a startup and later scaleup, how to avoid common mistakes made by entrepreneurs, as well as about the need to build a strong and supportive ecosystem, mentor’s pole and investment options.

I hope to engage soon with Innoland, to boost the acceleration of the residing startups towards validity, first adaptors and investment readiness.

👏🏻 Thank you Mr. Vusal Rustamov, for the invitation to visit Innoland as well as to Mr. Mammad Karim and Mr. Farid Gojayev.

For more information about Innoland, please visit the following website.

📌 http://innoland.az/

JAA event in Azerbaijan 2022

ACCELERATING YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH EDUCATION

⚠️There are many with good intentions and there are those who follow through and take action! Much can be said about the importance of starting entrepreneurship education at a young age, when fear of failure and the innocence of taking risks are relatively low and when creativity and open mindedness are high.

I was given the stage to share my perspectives about the topic of “Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Mindset through Education” at the JAA event in Azerbaijan🇦🇿, where I serve as Advisory Board member since 2017.

Azerbaijani youth, like similar around the globe, needs the kickstart, guidance and support, the rest they can bring from themselves. I see their eagerness to learn, to succeed, to create an impact and make it BIG time! It is our duty to engage and push forward to help them live up to their full potential and for our future.

Thank you Sevinj JAA CEO for inviting me to talk and to all our team members, teachers, volunteers. partners, sponsors and long term supporters.

𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬! 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐂 𝐀𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐯👏

Rector Muradov was a member in one of the panel I’ve moderated during the culture economy conference #think4culture, and I had to address his call to establish an #MBAprogram for culture economy as well as reignite the #Business #Incubator operating in İqtisad Universiteti UNEC.

⭐ My visit to UNEC, being a prominent university in Azerbaijan since 1930, was accompanied by Ms. Ornela Ramasauskaite an academic and international experts in CultureEconomy, art and NFT, to discuss practical steps to launch both programs mentioned, as well as establishing a Regional Innovation Center in UNEC, initially for EdTech startups worldwide, interested to launch in Azerbaijan🇦🇿 and the region. We will soon share more info regrading all the mentioned initiatives.

✔ I thank Rector Muradov for the warm invitation, sharing of ideas and for initiating our cooperation.
Stay tuned, like, share and follow for more.

Trying to share some of the amazing moments of Development Impulses from Shusha conference, seem challenging since there were so many

2 months of preparations, engaging international experts from 10 countries a well as local stakeholders, artists of many trades and startups made Azerbaijan 1st international culture Economy conference to be a success engulfed with an abundance of emotions, sceneries, friendship and a strong commitment for a bright future.

Our journey to Shusha began in Baku from which we headed to Gobustan, where human kind history was curved in the rocks over 30,000 years ago. We enjoyed lunch at Sabirabad famous for its watermelons After crossing the military roadblock, we reached Fuzuli airport which amazingly was built in less than a year. Ending our journey at Shusha, the Pearl of Karabakh, embracing the culture, nature & history in its existence.

On the 2nd day we launched the conference, led by First Deputy Minister of Culture Mr. Elnur Aliyev, and our experts shared their insights and experience on creative industries in their countries and worldwide. We brainstormed in Roundtables and hope to see the outcome of the ideas and actions discussed.

Our 3rd day was conducted back in Baku, with an impressive line of government officials, Minister of culture Mr. Anar Karimov depute minister of economy Mr. Elnur Aliyev, as well as local and international experts, on panels and speeches.

I can safely say stay tuned for more as we are currently analyzing the immense information shared in the conference, to create the roadmap that will boost forward Azerbaijan culture economy, through creative industries, legislation, infrastructure, education, community, sustainability and technologies.

I wish to thanks all participants for showing and sharing their experience as well as to the ministry of culture for organizing and hosting the event. To the ministries of Economy, Culture, Science & Education and to the Academies that took part. Your cooperation and partnership are imperative to the success of the upcoming roadmap.

Last but not least, special thanks to my partners for sleepless nights and 24/7 care in organizing and supporting the conference,

Led by Orkhan Javadli and Shabnam Mammadova and their staff.

See you in our 2nd culture economy conference in 2023.

Coming together is a beginning, working together is success!⭐️

I was delighted to meet Mrs. Jamilya Talibzadeh, representative of Azerbaijan in israel. Facilitating the meet was my friend and colleague Vusal Rustamov, Director Innovations Center LLC , visiting Israel. We had an eye opening discussion about collaboration opportunities as well as about cultural differences in sharing information within both ecosystems, 🇦🇿Azeri and 🇮🇱Israeli.

We concluded on a positive note that will soon turn into a comprehensive roadmap of collaboration and strengthening the business, innovation, tech education and discussions between our ecosystems. People interested to get involved and support are welcomed to reach out to us.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran
Startups & Accelerators Guru

Baku Investment Day 2022
Amazing feedbacks, dozens of posts and shares for 🇦🇿 BAKUID 2022 keep on flowing, strengthening our feelings of pride and accomplishment of the hard work well invested by our startups, IE Business School, mentors, Sabah.lab’s management, partners and supporters. Thanks to the supportive and enthusiastic audience and great lineup of investors from across the globe!

👏🏻 Thanks all for your vote of confidence and with your support we will do even better in 2023.

Call out of SABAH.lab new cohort will soon open, stay tuned.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran
Sabah.lab Advisory Board Chairman

Take Off Baku 2022
Minister of Digital Development & Transport Mr Rashad Nabiyev 🇦🇿 visiting Take Off Baku Startup venue together with Ms. Inara Valiyeva Acting Chairwoman Innovation Authority. The competition resumed today, 25 finalist will present, only 3 will win 🏆 Many thanks to the organizing team for your amazing efforts 👌

Pleasure meeting several of Azerbaijan startup ecosystem players, joining the summit.

Keep tuned for news about the winners!

UNDP Azerbaijan STEM 2022

“The most dangerous creature on this whole Earth is a woman who knows how to think. Ain’t nothing she can’t do.” (from the movie King Richard)!

Thank you Leyla Seyidzade for inviting me on to share thoughts and opinions, although different and other might say provocative, but I believe should be considered, about the topic of women in STEM.

Most important is what to do next, I believe women should lead the conversation and present the road map. I for one will devote my time to help!

🇦🇿 Pleasure meeting with Shahin Seyidzade Head of Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher”. Change is coming and so are many opportunities to innovate and digitalis the Old City of Baku as well as enhance its visitors.

More to come soon!

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran
Startups & Accelerators Guru

Landau School Visit 2022

Always a pleasure meeting with old and new friends 😉

Rahul D’Mello CEO LANDAU Learning App & Riad Salayev, CEO LANDAU School to discuss the launching of Mokosi online tutoring platform and Adservio school management platform.

Rashad Bayramov Advisor to Minister of Digital Development to discuss Takeoff Baku within Teknofest Azerbaycan. 🇦🇿

Exciting times, more to come!

SABAH.lab Mid Term Demo Day 2022

Sabah.lab Mid Term Demo Day was an amazing success. Excited and highly motivated, 20 teams presented and received an enthusiastic response from VCs representatives.

It was also a delightful occasion to meet friends and colleagues that support and cheer for SABAH.lab.

🇦🇿 I’m proud of Sabah.lab management team, speakers and mentors, IE Business School, Paris de l’Etraz, all came together to take our startups to the next level 🙂 special thanks to VCs reps that joined us.

Of course the diamonds in the crown, our amazingly talented startuppers, you all did a great job and made us proud!!!

Looking forward to see your next leap ahead towards the final Demo Day in July.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran
Sabah.lab Advisory Board Chairman

Landau School Visit

📚  Education is the passport to the future as investment in knowledge pays the best interest!

My visit to Landau School was educational and inspiring, meeting with CEO Riad Salayev and Landau School Co-Founder Rahul D’Mello to discuss introducing entrepreneurial studies as well as cutting edge EdTech startup technologies such as Mokosi online tutoring platform from Lithuania 🇱🇹 and Adservio school management platform from Romania 🇷🇴 . I found personal interest in Landau Learning App providing a wide range of courses and programs, which are based on school’s curricula.

🌐  We will together work towards a fruitful cooperation between all, in Azerbaijan 🇦🇿  and worldwide, as well as benefit from the near future startups now accelerated in SABAH.lab accelerator.

▶️  Visit:
https://landauschool.com/
https://www.mokosi.lt/
https://www.adservio.ro/ro/

Executive team building, boot camp, logistics are all behind us, and Sabah.lab is launched with 10 startups. We had the pleasure to share this exciting occasion with friends and partners.

We intend to reach out and contact more and more ecosystem leaders and partners to join and strengthen our startups, stay tuned for news and updates.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!! 🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran
Sabah.lab Advisory Board Chairman

Startups demand hard work, and are not for everyone, but I recommend you to try. Appreciate yourselves as much as you want others to appreciate you. Always have a goal and make your best to reach it. Failure is a building block for success.

Thanks Youth Inc. for your invitation.

SABAH.lab Advisory Board Meeting 2022

🔊 Delighted to conduct my 1st executive board meeting as Sabah.lab advisory board Chairman. Where going live tomorrow with much excitement and inspiration to be the best!

✅ Follow us for news and updates.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!! 🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran
Sabah.lab Advisory Board Chairman

Youth Inc. Azerbaijan 2022

📢  I would like to invite you to participate in my lecture tomorrow (Thursday 14:30), hosted by Youth Inc , on ‘Turning Ideas into a kickass Startups’. The event is open for the public.

Meeting language – English.
📍 Venue: “Youth Inc.” (Baku Shah. Sabail district, Yusif Mammadaliyev 22 street. )
☎️  Contact number for registration: +994516216460 (Govhar Manafova – “Youth Inc.” PR and SMM manager of Entrepreneurship Program and Business Incubation Center).

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!! 🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran
Startups & Accelerators Guru

SABAH.lab Azerbaijan 2022

I’m delighted to join SABAH.lab executive management team in launching our 1st Cohort.

Startups are a growth engine of the global economy, fostering innovation, creative thinking, creating job opportunities and tech benchmark. Education is the cornerstone of enriching the knowledge and capacity of startuppers as well as industrial experts, hi-tech and business leaders.

SABAH.lab is up for the challenge, offering professional guidance for early stage entrepreneurs, to develop their ideas into startup companies, validate the technology as well as receive initial investment. The program is supported by Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 , Institute of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and IE Business School along with other international experts, speakers and mentors.

Stay tuned for updates and see you next week in Baku

Azerbaijan Career Development Forum 2021

🇦🇿  Azerbaijan Career Development Forum, 1st edition was impressive and well organized.

Under the slogan ‘Get ready for the future’, Government Ministers as well as first class international and local speakers shared with 150 participants and hundreds online, best practice, future trends and valuable tips. I conducted a lecture on the effects of innovation and startups on our career as well as workshop to students.

Where there’s a will there’s a way and I’m confident the enthusiastic audience is skillful to better face the future.

My lecture: https://youtu.be/qS5hrEx7ljc
Event video: https://karyeraforumu.az/

🇦🇿 I was delighted to deliver the keynote speech at the Youth Empowerment & Leadership Program (YELP) closing conference, organized by Azərbaycan Gənclərinin Nailiyyəti – Junior Achievement Azerbaijan – JAA.

✨ I wish good luck to all the young entrepreneurs on their roller-coaster startup journey, paved with hard work, persistence, resilience and smarts.

📌 I hope all supporting parties will keep engage in promoting youth entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan🇦🇿 .
Kudos JAA Executive Manager Mrs. Sevinj Amirova-Mammadova and her talented team.
Thanks to UNICEF Azerbaijan, Azərbaycan Respublikası Gənclər və İdman Nazirliyi and Azərbaycan Gənclər Fondu / Azerbaijan Youth Foundation.

📌 I’m honored to continue my role for the 5th year as JAA Advisory Board member and wish us all an amazing year filled with achievements, good health and success.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!🚀🚀🚀

Azərbaycan Gənclərinin Nailiyyəti / 2020
🇦🇿. Innovation Ecosystem Meetup Baku led by Nəqliyyat, Rabitə və Yüksək Texnologiyalar Nazirliyi supported by UNDP Azerbaijan served as a great opening for 2020, packed with events, conferences and opportunities to accelerate the #startup ecosystem to new hights and dominance, in exposure and recognition, achievements and deliveries. 🌍
Now its the #ecosystem’s turn to take over and lead ahead. 💪

Mission Done! 💪
🇦🇿  4 new startup ideas see life, conceived by JAA/UNICEF youth workers/trainers from 6 regional centres, as part of our #Entrepreneurship seminar. Proud of all the amazing groups of teachers that can now share hands-on experience with their students in the regions.
👨‍💼 Thank you Azərbaycan Gənclərinin Nailiyyəti – Junior Achievement Azerbaijan – JAA staff led by Mrs Sevinj Amirova-Mammadova for making this seminar successful and setting a high standard. We welcome all startup #ecosystem leaders of Azerbaijan to join us for future seminars.
👏 Special Thanks to Unicef Azerbaijan and Eu Delegation in Azerbaijan for supporting youth development.

Startups Exit Strategy from COVID-19 / 2020

🇦🇿  Tərəddüd etməyin, sürətləndirin !!!
⚠️. Excited to return to Baku and share my insights regarding The Day After COVID-19, hopefully nearing in the coming weeks.

✅. No sense in dwelling about today, start preparing for our New Normal of Tomorrow. Join my talk at Baku Engineering University, and learn how to better prepare, adjust, and get ready.

📍 Live on https://www.facebook.com/beutechnopark/

Thanks to my host Mr. Elchin Yusubov CPM and University Head of BEU Technopark and Innovation Center.
🇲🇽 For previous webinar at UAQ Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, see link 👉 https://youtu.be/vf1BEEmEh1o

HOW TO TEACH ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO KIDS? / 2020

💎  Start training young for a more innovative future.
Train the Trainers for young entrepreneurship guidance.
📢I invite you to watch the video designated for entrepreneurship, trainers, teachers who want to get answers for the following questions:
Can entrepreneurship be taught?
Which skils should be acquired?
Which book is a must-read for this field?
What is the formula for #success?

📌Stay tuned and watch the training on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDNtwecwH7w

🇦🇿  Thank you Sevinj Amirova-Mammadova, CEO of Azərbaycan Gənclərinin Nailiyyəti – Junior Achievement Azerbaijan – JAA for inviting me to share my experience and insights on ”Teaching entrepreneurship to #teenagers and beginners”.

Global Deftech Hackathon / 2020

🇦🇿 Do you accept the Challenge???

Join Global DefTech Hackathon🥇and win $$$$$! 🌎Participation is open for team from all over the world.

The Global Deftech Hackathon 2020 is an online hackathon focusing on #informationsecurity #digitalfaude #civildefense and #defencetechnologies, taking place virtually on 4-6 December, 2020 in Baku, Azerbaijan

🌎 Teams from allover the world will compete for 3 💎💎💎

🎙️ I’m delighted to join as a Jury member and I look forward to hear your disruptive ideas.

✅ Register before 30 November:
https://globaldeftech.com/en/register/teamregister

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!🚀🚀🚀
Tal Catran

Innovation Ecosystem Meetup Baku 2020

Innovation Ecosystem Meetup Baku led by Nəqliyyat, Rabitə və Yüksək Texnologiyalar Nazirliyi supported by UNDP Azerbaijan served as a great opening for 2020, packed with events, conferences and opportunities to accelerate the #startup ecosystem to new hights and dominance, in exposure and recognition, achievements and deliveries. 🌍
Now its the #ecosystem’s turn to take over and lead ahead. 💪

JAA Entrepreneurship Seminar 2020

Mission Done! 💪
🇦🇿 4 new #startup ideas see life, conceived by JAA/UNICEF youth workers/trainers from 6 regional centres, as part of our #Entrepreneurship seminar. Proud of all the amazing groups of teachers that can now share hands-on experience with their students in the regions.
Thank you Azərbaycan Gənclərinin Nailiyyəti – Junior Achievement Azerbaijan – JAA staff led by Mrs Sevinj Amirova-Mammadova for making this seminar successful and setting a high standard. We welcome all startup #ecosystem leaders of Azerbaijan to join us for future seminars.
Special Thanks to Unicef Azerbaijan and Eu Delegation in Azerbaijan for supporting youth development

Tərəddüd etmə, Sürətlən!!!🚀

📍Delighted to participate as a mentor and jury member at the Finals of the İdeyadan biznesə I2B- From Idea to Business Startup Tour at Heydar Aliyev Center on October 18, 2019!

💡As part of the Innovation Week 2019, Azerbaijan hosts event where start-ups will compete with their ideas to support local innovation ecosystem players and build an “İnnovativ Azərbaycan,” Innovation Week brings State, Academy, Business, and Society together. The top three winners of the contest will get financial support for their projects! Isn’t that amazing? A brilliant source of motivation!🏆

📍I welcome you to join me and meet Azerbaijan’s innovative startups.

Azerbaijan’s innovative 2019

if you have an innovative idea for a problem you know needs solving, you just made a huge step in the right direction!

As part of Innovation Week in cooperation with Azərbaycan Gənclərinin Nailiyyəti – Junior Achievement Azerbaijan – JAA, I invite you to join my Master Class From Idea to Start-up Meeting and gain valuable tools, tips, and international experience.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!🚀🚀🚀

Idea to Start-up Meeting 2019

Calling Entrepreneurs & Startups to join me at Bakutel Tech-Talks, an amazing opportunity to earn hands-on experience, motivation, Networking and public awareness. You can even secure 15 minutes mentoring session with me during Dec. 6th. Register here: https://bakutel.az/en-TechTalks/ and request to meet me.

Don’t Hesitate, Accelerate!!!

INNOVATION WEEK 2019

Unlimited Hackathon convinced many, Baku, Azerbaijan young entrepreneurs, have what it takes, sole spirit motivation performance techabilities and sportsmanship  with the determined support of United Nations Development Programme – UNDP under Alessandro Fracassetti and generous presence of Leyla Aliyeva, as well as many mentors, techies and sustainability experts, orchestrated by the talented Leyla Seyidzade and UNDP Team, resulted in a successful and memorable event.

Baku, Azerbaijan, definitely a Must see city, Bakutel Azerbaijan a Must explore conference. Thank you Caspian Event Organisers for inviting me, and to all my friends in Azerbaijan Republic, I’ll be seeing you again soon and I welcome you to visit Israel.

Innocamp Round Tables Shamakhi Azerbaijan 2019

Innocamp Round Tables has kicked off carrying winds of accomplishment and inspiration, focusing on collaboration, partnership and cooperation between all innovation leaders in the Startup ecosystem. Stay tuned for conclusions and action steps coming from Shamakhi Azerbaijan.

Bu il ad gunumu INNOCAMP da moderator olarag keciririk/ This year I celebrated my birthday as a moderator at INNOCAMP 🙂

RoboDay 2019

Never miss an opportunity to boost imagination and impact creativity, start young.
Research shows the 3 major subjects interesting kids are: 🤖Robots, 🛸Space and 🦖 Dinosaurs. Roboday Festival
Heydar Aliyev Center was a perfect opportunity to see kids and parents enjoy #robotic innovation and #entertainment.

SHE Congress 2018

Congrats to the women of Azerbaijan for IWD.
Yes you Can, Sure you Will, now its YOUR time To Do!!

UNLIMITED Hackfest 2018

Time to Hackfest Innovation, Technology and have lots of Fun. Join me at #UNLIMITED and share your ingenuity, creativity and skills, I promise to share mine. www.unlimited.az

Bakutel Tech-Talks 2018

⭐️ Innoweek was full of events and proved to be an important milestone in promoting the startup scene in Azerbaijan, and organized by Nəqliyyat, Rabitə və Yüksək Texnologiyalar Nazirliyi.

⭐️10 İdeyadan biznesə startups from 6 regions competed, 3 winners announced. We enjoyed the vibrant Roboday as well as insightful eTrade forum enriching all with abundant discussions and ideas.

Round Tables discussion regarding sub-regional Innovation policy outlook was led by UNECE and a report presenting conclusions and action steps from InnoCamp Round Tables, were presented to innovation-related parties, including 4 government ministries, 3 universities, 4 hubs & accelerators. KOB Azərbaycan / SMB Azerbaijan.

🏆 We concluded with the 1st Innovation Awards celebrating 5 best of categories: Startup, Influencer, Innovation Event, Innovation Project and Innovation Ecosystem Player.

🎉 Congrats and well done to all participating parties and see you soon and Bakutel 🇦🇿

🇦🇿  🇮🇱 İsrailli startap və akselerasiya eksperti Tal Catran İnnovasiyalar Agentliyində!🚀

Youth Inc. Sahibkarlıq Proqramı və İnnovasiyalar Agentliyinin tərəfdaşlığı ilə gənc startaplar və sahibkarlar üçün Start it UP! w/ Tal Catran adlı görüş keçirildi.

Görüşdə öz təcrübələrini bölüşməkdən çox startapların və sahibkarların biznesdə etdiyi səhvlər haqqında ətraflı söhbətlər apararılmış, dəyərli məsləhətlər verilmişdir.

Tal Catran – TC Holdings platformasının qurucusudur. Bu platforma üzərindən o, bir çox startapın, software və hardware proqram təminatı sistemlərinin, həmçinin müxtəlif texnoloji tətbiqlər üzrə xidmət göstərən şirkətlərin idarə edilməsində aktiv iştirak edir. Cənab Catran biznesin inkişafı, beynəlxalq marketinq, fandreyzinq və idarəetmə sahəsində geniş təcrübəsi olan investor, peşəkar mentor və müxtəlif sahələr üzrə ixtisaslaşmış sahibkardır. O həmçinin, bir sıra sənaye və iqtisadiyyatın ayrı-ayrı aspektləri üzrə yeni fəaliyyətə başlayan startapların (pre-seed and seed) təsisçilərinə də böyük motivasiya mənbəyidir.

Meeting with Azerbaijan Minister for Education 2017

Honored to meet with Azerbaijan Minister for Education Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov together with Israel ambassador to Azerbaijan Mr. Dan Stav, and discuss future plans to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem, followed by a seminar to the Education Ministry personnel. Knowledge is power!!!

JAA Advisory Board 2017

Privileged today to share my experience with Azerbaijani government Vice
Ministers, scholars and industrialists regarding the vision of promoting the
local startup ecosystem. I felt a good sense of proactiveness and
determination. Proud to serve as JAA Advisory Board and looking forward to be a part of things to come.