(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Sabina Mammadli read more Azerbaijani Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA)
Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and CEO of Startup Hub Poland Foundation
Maciej Sadowski have signed a memorandum of understanding on
cooperation, Azernews reports.
The document was signed during a Polish-Azerbaijani seminar on
innovations at the Baku Business Center on December 16 with the
joint organization of SMBDA, the Polish Embassy in Azerbaijan,
Startup Hub Poland Foundation, and IdealHub Innovation and
Technology Center.
The signed MoU envisages the exchange of information and
experience in the relevant field and the organization of events
between the business communities of the two countries.
During the forum, opportunities for developing
Polish-Azerbaijani cooperation in the field of supporting
innovations and startups were discussed, including the
V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge (V4ATB) program implemented by Poland in
Azerbaijan. The purpose of the V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge project is
to establish and expand cooperation between the Visegrad Group
(Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) and Azerbaijan in
the field of innovations.
Addressing the event, Mammadov noted his interest in studying
the Polish experience in the field of micro business and startup
development.
'I am sure that the development of innovation entrepreneurship
will contribute to the strengthening of the existing economic
potential of Azerbaijan and Poland,' Mammadov said.
According to him, the joint initiatives are going to make a
contribution towards the creation of relevant platforms among the
entrepreneurs, startups, and investors of both countries as well as
stimulate cooperation in the future.
Within this context, Mammadov emphasized the role of cooperation
with the Polish Startup Hub Poland fund, stressing that it will
significantly contribute to the exchange of experience between the
organizations.
Speaking about SMBDA's activities, he noted that the improvement
and development of the ecosystem of innovative businesses and
startups is one of the agency's main priority goals.
'Our agency is working in several directions and taking relevant
support measures for young entrepreneurs. This includes promotion,
training, and awareness-raising services, as well as the provision
of resources,' Mammadov added.
Later on, Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafal Poborski also
spoke at the event, emphasizing that the V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge
project will link startup innovations of Azerbaijan with EU
countries.
'This multilateral initiative will bring technological solutions
and help develop Azerbaijan's innovation ecosystem,' Poborski
noted.
The ambassador expressed confidence that the V4ATB program will
be continued in 2023.
According to him, research and development of high-tech
solutions will be carried out within the framework of the
project.
He stressed that Poland is ready to share its experience in the
field of innovation.
“As of 2022, we have over 5,000 innovative start-up companies,
and we are ready to develop our cooperation in the future and share
our experience,” Poborski added.
Further, Sadowski informed about the Polish startup ecosystem
and mechanisms in the field of innovation support, as well as the
V4ATB program.
“The work we've done in 2022 gives one message: Azerbaijan and
the Visegrad region are coming closer and closer,” the CEO
noted.
Founder of IdealHub Innovation and Technology Center
(Azerbaijani partner of V4ATB) Tural Karimli also shared his views
on the center's activities and program.
Photos by Azernews.
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Sabina Mammadli is AzerNews' staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @sabinammdl
Follow us on Twitter @azernewsaz
Tags: innovation visegrad group azerbaijan-poland relations startups orkhan mammadov small and medium business development agency (smbda) idealhub startup hub poland foundation