UNEC Startup Incubator, established in August 2022, is a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurial development nestled within the academic sphere of UNEC (University of Economics). Our dynamic and multifaceted approach to nurturing startups has quickly made us a cornerstone of the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem. We offer a comprehensive suite of programs, including pre-incubation, incubation, startup competitions, and hackathons, designed to empower students from both UNEC and other universities. At the heart of our incubation center is the BootSTART-1 pre-incubation program. This rigorous six-week journey equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to transform ideas into viable businesses. It encompasses team formation, ideation, validation, business model development, prototyping, and pitching. We take pride in offering students unparalleled one-on-one mentorship opportunities, drawing expertise from Israeli professionals who bring global perspectives to our incubation ecosystem. The results speak for themselves: from our first batch, 24 students formed seven teams, with five of them earning coveted spots in the Incubator+ program, complete with a pre-seed investment of 3,000 AZN, server and hosting perks, and a collaborative co-working space within our incubation center. Moreover, our commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem extends beyond the confines of our university. We hosted the UNEC Startup Cup, a prestigious competition with a generous prize fund of 20,000 AZN, aimed at supporting early-stage startups that have successfully launched minimum viable products (MVPs) and gained initial traction in the market. A total of 48 teams applied, with six finalists selected by a panel of experts from the national innovation ecosystem. This initiative showcases our dedication to fostering innovation within the wider entrepreneurial community. Furthermore, UNEC Startup Incubator takes pride in its role as an international connector. In collaboration with CAREC and the Asian Development Bank, we co-hosted the University Student Exchange program. This initiative facilitated three-day trips for students from partner universities in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, providing them with a firsthand look at our vibrant startup ecosystem. By forging international connections and promoting cross-border collaboration, we are not only enriching the experiences of our students but also contributing to the global entrepreneurship landscape.

Number of programs or events, conducted in the past 12 months:

7

Number of startups supported in the past 12 months:

15

Number of entrepreneurs supported in the past 12 months:

67