AGP Executive Report

Energy Technology: SOCAR and China’s Sinopec signed a strategic cooperation memorandum covering procurement, supply-chain management and the exchange of expertise, as Azerbaijan seeks to strengthen industrial capabilities across its energy sector. Smart Cities: At a UN roundtable in Geneva, Azerbaijan showcased smart-city development and discussed how to put the Baku Call to Action into practice through people-centred planning and modern technology. Climate Innovation: Azerbaijan’s COP31 pavilion is using digital displays to present the country’s cities, infrastructure and green-energy projects. Digital Connectivity: A 380-kilometre fibre-optic cable linking Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan beneath the Caspian Sea is advancing plans for a more connected Middle Corridor. Research and Education: Construction is advancing on Garabagh University’s library and innovation centre, adding to efforts to build research and innovation capacity in the region.

COP31 Showcase: Azerbaijan’s pavilion in Antalya uses advanced technology displays to present the country’s cities, environment, transport infrastructure and green-energy projects. Low-Carbon Energy: Azerbaijan’s long-term strategy positions blue hydrogen as an early, lower-cost option, estimating production at €2.87 per kilogram with carbon capture, if the technology proves viable. Energy Technology Ties: SOCAR and China’s Sinopec signed an agreement to share procurement expertise and explore cooperation on products, equipment and services. Smart Agriculture: A $100 million agropark planned for Zangilan will combine modern farming, livestock breeding and food processing, with 500 jobs expected.

Smart Agriculture: Azerbaijan’s $100 million DOST Agropark in Zangilan will combine modern farming, livestock breeding and food processing across 6,000 hectares, with 500 jobs expected. Research and Education: Garabagh University is developing a library and innovation center, while its clinic’s emergency department has opened. Digital Skills and AI: Azercell is supporting a new generation of female ICT specialists. Azerbaijan is also seeking AI infrastructure and data-center investment, and has called for stronger AI and digital connectivity partnerships with Central Asia. Energy Technology: SOCAR and Honeywell signed a global framework agreement to expand energy cooperation.

Research and Innovation: Azerbaijan laid the foundation for a new Innovation Center at Garabagh University, expanding research and education infrastructure in the liberated territories. Digital Economy: Azerbaijan and Estonia explored cooperation in ICT and digital development, while Baku called for stronger AI and digital links with Central Asia. US technology companies are also eyeing Azerbaijan for AI infrastructure and data-center investment. Skills and Fintech: Azercell backed efforts to prepare more women for ICT careers, and Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan’s central banks exchanged experience in financial technology. Cybersecurity: Azerbaijani and Ukrainian authorities carried out a joint operation targeting an alleged international cyber-fraud network.

Research and Innovation: Azerbaijan has laid the foundations for Garabagh University’s new Innovation Center, intended to support entrepreneurship and turn research into practical applications. The university’s new library will also expand access to research resources. Health Technology: Garabagh University Clinic has opened a modernized emergency department with advanced medical equipment, resuscitation and pediatric units. Digital Skills: Azercell is supporting female students entering ICT fields, with discussions covering AI, cybersecurity and career opportunities. Digital Partnerships: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have discussed cooperation on digital government and innovation ecosystems, while Azerbaijan and Estonia explored opportunities in the ICT sector. AI and Space: US technology firms are eyeing AI infrastructure and data-center investments in Azerbaijan, and Turkic states are targeting a joint satellite launch in 2027. Startups: A Baku Engineering University startup has won an international innovation program.

Energy Technology: SOCAR and Honeywell signed the company’s first Global Framework Agreement, creating a basis for software, automation and other technology projects across SOCAR’s operations in Azerbaijan and abroad. Research and Innovation: A new library and Innovation Center are planned for Garabagh University in Khankendi, with the center intended to support entrepreneurship and practical innovation. AI and Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan took part in an Astana meeting on AI-related security and cyber threats, where Uzbekistan proposed a regional UN counter-terrorism office. Digital Skills: Azercell’s “Success Belongs to Our Girls” initiative brought together high-achieving students entering computer science, data analytics and information security, and introduced them to the company’s AI and cybersecurity work.

Research and Innovation: Azerbaijan broke ground on a library and Innovation Center at Garabagh University in Khankendi. The library is designed for about 1,100 students, while the center aims to support entrepreneurship and turn research into practical projects. Digital Industry: SOCAR and Honeywell signed a global framework agreement covering software, digital transformation and industrial automation across SOCAR’s domestic and international operations. Tech Education: Zangilan’s new education complex includes robotics zones, STEAM labs and workshops; Shusha’s renovated vocational center adds computer science rooms, science labs and technical workshops. AI Security: Azerbaijan joined regional talks in Astana on AI-related security and cyber threats, including how countries can coordinate against malicious uses of the technology. Digital Government: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed expanding cooperation in digital government and innovation ecosystems.

AI Security: Azerbaijan’s parliamentary speaker joined Central Asian leaders in Astana to discuss how AI can aid militant propaganda, recruitment and financing. Uzbekistan proposed hosting a regional UN counterterrorism office, with AI also seen as a tool for detecting threats. Technology Education: Zangilan’s new education complex includes computer science classrooms, robotics zones, STEAM labs and vocational workshops. Digital Government: The Baku Communiqué calls for integrating AI and other innovations into public services and building more responsive institutions. Azerbaijan also discussed ICT cooperation with Estonia and digital-government links with Uzbekistan.

Regional Technology Partnerships: Azerbaijan and Ukraine adopted a 2026–27 action plan covering technology and innovation, energy storage, renewables and transport. Bilateral trade rose 10.5% in the first eight months of 2026, and mutual investment reached $513.5 million. Digital Public Services: Hungary expressed interest in Azerbaijan’s ASAN Service model and volunteer program during a UN governance summit in Baku, where officials discussed making public institutions more adaptive and citizen-focused. ICT Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Estonia explored joint projects and opportunities for Estonian IT companies to enter the Azerbaijani market, with talks covering digital development and innovation. Digital Food Safety: Azerbaijan and the FAO discussed digitizing food-safety controls, animal identification and traceability, and using AI and big data in risk analysis. Smarter Aviation: AZAL says new A320neo aircraft cut carbon emissions by more than 17%; officials also highlighted AI and automation in air traffic management as airspace traffic climbed 11% this summer.

Digital Partnerships: Azerbaijan and Estonia explored ICT cooperation, market access for Estonian firms and joint projects. Talks with Uzbekistan also covered digital government and innovation ecosystems. AI and Public Services: At a UN governance summit in Baku, officials discussed adapting public institutions to rapid technological change. Azerbaijan and FAO also discussed using AI and big data in food-safety systems, alongside digital traceability and stronger laboratory capacity. AI Investment: US technology companies are eyeing Azerbaijan for AI infrastructure and data-centre investment, as Baku seeks stronger digital links with Central Asia. Aquaculture Technology: Azerbaijan plans to raise annual aquaculture output from 3,400 to 7,700 tonnes by 2030, with officials highlighting modern technology, infrastructure and investment. Space Cooperation: Turkic states are exploring joint space projects, including a proposed 2027 satellite launch.

Digital Innovation: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed expanding cooperation on digital government, including AI-powered services, speech-to-text tools and startup links. Talks with Estonia also covered AI, digital government and technology entrepreneurship. AI Investment: US technology companies are eyeing Azerbaijan for AI infrastructure and data centres, as the country seeks to turn its energy resources into an advantage in the AI race. Aquaculture: Azerbaijan aims to raise annual output from 3,400 to 7,700 tonnes by 2030. The FAO says growth should be guided by scientific research, habitat protection and efficient water use. Clean Air: Azerbaijan will develop a 2028–2035 action plan to prevent air pollution and improve air quality, with a draft due by November 2027.

AI Investment: US technology companies are exploring data-centre and AI infrastructure investments in Azerbaijan, former US ambassador Matthew Bryza said. The country could serve Central Asian markets and connect data flows to Europe, though projects still need to prove viable. Digital Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Estonia agreed to deepen work on AI, digital government, tech entrepreneurship and transport links at a commission meeting in Tallinn. Clean Air: Azerbaijan will draft a 2028–2035 national action plan to tackle air pollution, with a proposal due to the president by November 2027. Digital Banking: Kapital Bank has opened a redesigned branch in Ganja, adding a digital service area and QR-code access to the customer queue.

Energy Technology: BP reported Shah Deniz operating costs rose 9% and capital spending 42.6% year-on-year in the third quarter. Shah Deniz 2 work continued, and a fourth well on the field’s eastern-northern flank came online; gas production was down 4.8% in the first nine months. Regional AI Partnerships: At a forum in Almaty, Azerbaijan named Central Asia a priority for cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital connectivity and innovation, with a focus on applying new technologies across industries. Industrial Modernisation: Azerbaijan plans to allocate ₼434 million in 2027 to modernise the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery and upgrade its production capabilities. AI and Research: Azerbaijan’s National AI Center and the University at Buffalo held international training, while a government deal with Wonderful aims to expand AI use in public services. A student-designed AI-controlled floating robot also removed up to 90.2% of a test pollutant from model wastewater using UV light.

Space Cooperation: Turkic states are targeting a joint satellite launch in the second half of 2027, with testing of the TDT-SAT CubeSat nearing its final stage. The bloc also plans to promote joint space projects at major international events. Space Education: Azercosmos’ SPACE Academy has won an international award for its work in space education and developing young talent. University Links: An ADA University delegation visited four Italian partners to review joint programmes, explore research and teaching plans, and sign a student-exchange agreement with the Polytechnic University of Turin. Fintech: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan’s central banks shared experience on digital finance, payment systems and financial innovation. AI in Education: Alef Education and Soro AI plan to expand AI-powered learning into Azerbaijan and other Central Asian markets after launching a programme in Tajikistan. Cybersecurity: Azerbaijani and Ukrainian police say a joint operation uncovered an alleged fraud network using fake call centres and posing as banks and law enforcement to target Azerbaijanis. Eleven suspects were brought to Azerbaijan.

Financial Technology: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank hosted Uzbek counterparts to share work on digital finance, payment systems and fintech innovation. Space Education: Azercosmos’ SPACE Academy won an Asia-Pacific space achievement award for developing space education and inspiring young people. AI-Powered Learning: Alef Education and Soro AI plan to bring learning tools to 250,000 students in Tajikistan, with Azerbaijan among five markets targeted for expansion. AI Skills and Startups: More than 180 Azerbaijani specialists joined practical AI training in Baku, while Baku Engineering University startup HOGGA won an international competition for its AI platform to help businesses create custom software without coding. Smart Agriculture: Scientists at an ADA University conference discussed genetics, gene editing and precision breeding to develop crops better suited to climate stress and disease.

AI Startup: HOGGA, an AI platform developed by Baku Engineering University graduates, won an international startup competition. It helps small businesses design custom software by describing their needs to an AI business analyst. Digital Trust: AzInTelecom passed an independent WebTrust audit, confirming its digital-signature systems and security processes meet international standards. AI Infrastructure: Azerbaijan is weighing how to turn its energy advantage into AI investment, moving beyond exporting electricity to create higher-value technology projects. Industry & AI: Azerbaijan and China discussed establishing a joint industrial park, while a separate agreement with Wonderful aims to expand AI use across Azerbaijan’s public sector.