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A major new initiative aimed at advancing Azerbaijan's artificial intelligence ecosystem is set to launch with the introduction of the "ZƏKA" National Artificial Intelligence Awards. The awards are established to identify, recognize, and promote innovative AI projects, technological solutions, startups, and creative initiatives, while celebrating outstanding achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.
The project is jointly organized by AmCham Azerbaijan, InnMedia, and Safaroff Agency.
Established in line with the national priorities outlined in the Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028 and the Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026–2029, "ZƏKA" will serve as a unified platform that fosters collaboration among the public sector, private sector, startup ecosystem, academia, and creative industries.
The primary objective of the "ZƏKA" National Artificial Intelligence Awards is to identify and promote innovative ideas and technological solutions emerging in Azerbaijan's AI sector, recognize the achievements of individuals, teams, and organizations contributing to its development, and encourage the growth of pioneering initiatives. By uniting public institutions, businesses, startups, academia, researchers, and investors on a single platform, the initiative aims to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, foster new partnerships, and create opportunities for promising AI projects to scale. Furthermore, "ZƏKA" seeks to showcase the achievements of Azerbaijan's AI ecosystem to a broader audience and enhance the country's international recognition as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence and innovation.
The initiative is implemented with the official support of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), and the National Artificial Intelligence Center (NAIC).
The awards will be presented across the following five main categories:
Applications
Applications will be accepted from 20 August to 15 September 2026.
Individuals and organizations wishing to participate may submit their project description, technical documentation, demo version, and other supporting materials online via www.aiawards.az.
For detailed information and applications, please visit: www.aiawards.az
For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact: partners@aiawards.az
Following the completion of the evaluation process, the winners of the "ZƏKA" National Artificial Intelligence Awards will be announced and honored during the official Gala Ceremony on 15 October 2026.
The project's media partners include TechXəbər.az, AutoLife.az, InfoCity.Tech, Marja.az, Enerji FM, Netant and SMARTBEE.
As an annual initiative, the "ZƏKA" National Artificial Intelligence Awards are expected to make a lasting contribution to the wider adoption of AI solutions in Azerbaijan, strengthen innovation-driven collaboration, promote promising technological initiatives, and reinforce the country's position as a regional center for innovation and technology.
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