IDDA Takes Center Stage at GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star Dubai

The Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), an Azerbaijani institution dedicated to advancing the nation’s technological progress, has announced its participation in GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star Dubai, the world’s largest event for startups and investors, scheduled from October 15 to 18. IDDA, led by its Chairperson Inara Valiyeva, Advisor to the Chairperson Shahin Aliyev, and Deputy Chairperson Rashad Khaligov, will bring three local startups as part of the Azerbaijani delegation to showcase the nation’s flourishing innovation ecosystem.

In its debut appearance at these events, IDDA intends to discuss Azerbaijan’s digital development and how it nurtures an environment for both local and foreign ICT businesses. Through meetings and networking opportunities, the agency aims to enhance its expertise while highlighting its successful projects, such as the rapidly evolving ‘Relocation Program’ and an educational initiative developed in collaboration with Holberton School.

Speaking about IDDA’s participation, Inara Valiyeva stated, “It is an honor for IDDA to be among the leading figures in the IT market gathering at GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star Dubai this year. This is an exceptional opportunity for us to learn from industry leaders while sharing our unique experience in transforming Azerbaijan’s digital landscape—a country with a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. IDDA’s mission is to cultivate an atmosphere of innovation, support the development of innovative products and services, and drive economic growth through technology, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. We achieve this by facilitating an environment in the country for both local and foreign ICT companies, investing in human capital, and supporting the infrastructure necessary for startups to realize their potential. Establishing new business relationships at this event will help us expedite our efforts in ensuring Azerbaijan’s ongoing digital growth and enhancing its international competitiveness.”

One of the central topics of discussion at the event will be the ‘Relocation Program,’ launched by the Agency last year to attract global ICT talent and companies. Presently, it accommodates over 60 residents who have benefited from the technopark residence law introduced in 2023, offering IT companies significant advantages, such as multiple tax exemptions for 10 years and no work permits for relocated ICT specialists. Six international companies are currently in the process of obtaining technopark residence. As part of the ‘Relocation Program,’ IDDA provides comprehensive support, from relocation guidance to work permit procedures.

Furthermore, as part of its mission to nurture local talent in the ICT sector, IDDA has established a partnership with the globally renowned Holberton School. To date, the program has received over two thousand applications, with 60 students already enrolled. Known for its unique peer-to-peer tech programs aligned with Silicon Valley standards, Holberton will play a vital role in fostering emerging ICT talent in Azerbaijan.

IDDA also runs its own Technest scholarship program, initiated in 2021. To date, it has awarded over 3,500 scholarships and aims to increase the number to 11,000 recipients by its fourth year, covering up to 100% of tuition for selected candidates.

The IDDA booth will be situated at Expand North Star in the new Dubai Harbour venue, featuring three Azerbaijani startups—Bonpara, SchoolPlus, and Imajin—to showcase their talent and technologies. “PASHA Holding” will also have a reception desk in the IDDA booth as a sponsor.