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Writer's pictureSotirios Seridis

Top 9 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Azerbaijan

The dynamic startup ecosystem in Azerbaijan has seen extraordinary growth in recent years. This thriving environment combines technology and creativity, leveraging data, computers, and digital infrastructure to address societal concerns and generate economic development. With the availability of funding opportunities, business incubators, and accelerators that provide essential assistance, businesses in Azerbaijan can thrive and strengthen Azerbaijan's startup ecosystem. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Azerbaijan's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages, so you can take a pick at one that suits you best!






Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Azerbaijan
Startup Accelerators & Incubators in Azerbaijan

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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN AZERBAIJAN


Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Azerbaijan


The complete list of ideation phase incubators in Azerbaijan:



  • Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Sector Agnostic

  • Application Link


Azerbaijan's Youth Inc program is an innovative initiative focused on nurturing and promoting the country's young entrepreneurs. The incubator offers support and assistance to Azerbaijani business players, with an emphasis on business growth. Participants in the program can network with other entrepreneurs, expand their professional network, and identify new investors. Because it is free, the Youth Incubator program is intended to be accessible to everybody; allowing young entrepreneurs to benefit from the program's offers regardless of their financial resources.



  • Who is it for: Early startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Sector Agnostic

  • Application Link



UNEC Startup Incubator is an Azerbaijani university incubation facility. It was founded in 2022 with the goal of supporting business ideas and encouraging student entrepreneurship. The incubator organizes a variety of events, including hackathons and contests, to encourage innovation and creativity among UNEC students and graduates. The UNEC Startup Incubator's flagship program is the BootSTART Program. This rigorous 6-week startup training program is aimed to provide participants with vital entrepreneurial skills and coach them from the idea to proof of concept stages. Aside from the BootSTART Program, the UNEC Startup Incubator offers free tools, mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities to budding entrepreneurs.





  • Who is it for: Early startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Sector Agnostic

  • Application Link


The Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) High Technologies Park (ANAS HTP) is a state-of-the-art facility that was established in 2016 to promote long-term economic growth via the use of cutting-edge technology and scientific research. ANAS HTP acts as a meeting place for scientists, researchers, and innovators to interact and innovate creative solutions that fuel the country's economic progress. The park provides researchers with access to cutting-edge facilities, technologies, and professional assistance. Their incubator program fosters creative entrepreneurship, commercializes research, and assists startups in swiftly and effectively bringing their ideas to market.



SABAH HUB

  • Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Sector Agnostic

  • Application Link


SABAH.HUB is an innovation hub in Azerbaijan that provides numerous programs and tools to assist companies' growth. It is divided into three major programs: the Academy program, the Incubation program, and the Acceleration program. The Academy program teaches entrepreneurship, the Incubation program assists in the development of company concepts, and the Acceleration program aims to prepare entrepreneurs for funding. Startup education, mentorship, financial help, open office space, access to an investor and expert network, in-house support, continuous coaching, sales channels, government connections, and a talent pool are all available through their programs.





Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Azerbaijan


The complete list of launch phase incubators and accelerators in Azerbaijan:




  • Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Sector Agnostic

  • Application Link


INNOLAND is an Azerbaijani incubation and acceleration center that offers a variety of services and assistance to companies. INNOLAND strives to develop and accelerate the growth of startups, allowing them to enter worldwide markets. Coworking spaces, virtual residence, and IT training are among the services they offer as part of their programs. Startups may benefit from INNOLAND's experience and resources to improve their business ideas and accelerate their market growth.



  • Who is it for: Early startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: CleanTech

  • Application Link


Climate Launchpad is a competition that helps Azerbaijani green entrepreneurs to refine their ideas, build their business models, and find consumers in the field of green technology. The competition seeks to explore and develop sustainable business initiatives that address the issues of climate change. It provides a forum for entrepreneurs to transform their green company ideas into reality and positively benefit the environment.





  • Who is it for: Early startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Multiple Sectors

  • Application Link


Social Innovation Lab is a well-known business incubator in Baku, Azerbaijan with a mission to establish the country's first unicorn firm and assist 50 tech startups yearly by 2025. Founded in 2016, the incubator focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation management, business consultancy, and venture capital. Social Innovation Lab provides a variety of services to entrepreneurs, including advising, product design, and development. They collaborate closely with entrepreneurs to refine their ideas and develop user-driven solutions that have a major impact. In addition, the firm offers seminars and tools to entrepreneurs to help them further develop their products and exhibit them to potential investors.



  • Who is it for: Early startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Science and Creative

  • Application Link


New Space Innovation in Azerbaijan is an organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in the space sector. They provide tools, assistance, and support to space companies with the goal of creating job opportunities, attracting investments, and establishing Azerbaijan as a space technology and research center. The organization is involved in a variety of activities, including research and development initiatives, workshops, conferences, and partnerships.


  • Who is it for: Early startup with a team

  • Need to have an idea: Yes

  • Focus: Technology

  • Application Link

Technovate venture studio is an important actor in Azerbaijan's startup ecosystem. The studio assists and supports technological startups, with an emphasis on promoting innovation and driving growth. By bringing together academics, business, and entrepreneurs, the studio hopes to foster a collaborative atmosphere. This promotes information sharing, networking, and the exchange of ideas which is critical for Azerbaijan's lively and diversified tech scene.





Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Accelerator or Incubator in Azerbaijan


Azerbaijan has the potential to become a worldwide digital powerhouse, drawing both local and international entrepreneurs. The government's commitment, the active engagement of support organizations such as Technovate Venture Studio, and the rising availability of investment possibilities provides a conducive environment and the right support system in place for startups to thrive.





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