The Innovation and Research Center of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) is a leading hub for research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship operating under SOCAR. The Center serves as a strategic bridge between academia and industry, fostering an ecosystem where scientific ideas evolve into impactful, market-ready technologies. Its mission is to cultivate innovation-driven talent, support applied research, and accelerate the commercialization of university-based discoveries to strengthen Azerbaijan’s knowledge economy. The Center’s activities span applied research project development, startup incubation and mentoring, grant facilitation, and organization of innovation-focused events. Over the last academic year, it successfully secured 6 KOBİA innovation grants for BHOS startup teams and organized several flagship initiatives, including the FinovateBank Hackathon (in partnership with Bank Respublika), TransitHack (with Huawei and the Innovation and Digital Development Agency), and the globally recognized Hult Prize On-Campus Competition. It also implemented the Lean Startup School, an intensive entrepreneurial program designed around Silicon Valley best practices. During the 2024–2025 academic year, the Center achieved exceptional results, with BHOS teams winning over 40 national and international awards, including 9 honors at Teknofest Istanbul and first place at Teknofest Northern Cyprus 2025. Student teams also captured top prizes at JunctionX Baku’24, CTF Cybersecurity, GreenTech II, CAU International Business Case Competition, PASHA Hackathon 5.0, and CulTech Hackathon. Several BHOS startups — notably AgroWise, BullyGuard, Climasel, and CleanX — gained international recognition through programs such as GIST Innovates South Caucasus, AIM Startup Abu Dhabi, and the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit, while one of the Center’s student-led startups was selected to present at Web Summit Lisbon 2025, showcasing BHOS innovation on a global stage. Through close collaboration with SOCAR Innovation Department, IDDA, KOBIA, PASHA Group, and international partners, the Innovation and Research Center continue to position BHOS as a national and regional leader in applied research and entrepreneurship. By integrating scientific inquiry, startup education, and industry partnership, the Center plays a transformative role in developing high-impact talent and advancing Azerbaijan’s innovation-driven future.

Conducted programs - 43

Supported programs - 13

Supported entrepreneurs - 13