On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the SABAH.city innovation cluster, established on the basis of the High Technologies Park of the Ministry of Science and Education.

The President was informed about the objectives of the SABAH.city project, the infrastructure established, the higher education institutions, technology companies and startups that will operate at the innovation cluster, as well as the future development directions of the project.

It was noted that SABAH.city is a next-generation innovation platform that brings together key participants of the science, education, technology, entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem in a single location. The main objective of the project is to strengthen university–industry cooperation, develop highly qualified human capital, promote applied research and technology transfer, and create a favorable environment for the development of startups and technology companies.

The first phase of the SABAH.city innovation cluster covers an area of 4 hectares and consists of four interconnected buildings with a total built-up area of 20,000 square meters. The complex includes teaching and research facilities for higher education institutions, coworking spaces for startups, offices for technology companies and other partners, as well as an event hall with a capacity of 200 people.

The innovation cluster also features shared infrastructure consisting of five restaurants, two coffee shops and one store. The open area includes sports facilities, landscaped recreational areas, dedicated facilities for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, as well as parking areas.

A total of 23 key innovation cluster participants have been attracted to the SABAH.city innovation cluster under its first phase, including three higher education institutions, eight technology and innovation-oriented companies, and 12 startups.

Baku State University, Azerbaijan Technical University and Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University have established 13 teaching, research and development laboratories at the innovation cluster, covering engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, biotechnology, nanophysics, telecommunications and other applied science fields. The establishment of three additional specialized laboratories in the field of green energy is also planned.

This scientific research infrastructure will facilitate the involvement of students and researchers in practical activities and applied research in modern technologies, expand university–industry cooperation, promote technology transfer, and support the commercialization of scientific results.

More than 1,500 students studying engineering, information technology and applied sciences at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azerbaijan Technical University and Baku State University are planned to be engaged in education and practical activities at the innovation cluster. Once SABAH.city becomes fully operational, the number of daily users of the innovation cluster is expected to reach approximately 3,000 people.

The activities of technology and innovation-oriented residents operating at SABAH.city will cover artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies, digital transformation, research and development in the defense industry, green energy, education technologies and other high-tech fields. The implementation of incubation, acceleration, venture-building and other support mechanisms for the development of startups is also planned.

The innovation cluster will also serve as a platform for hosting local and international innovation events. On September 17–18, the Baku ID 2026 innovation festival will be held here, organized by the SABAH.HUB Innovation Center. The festival will bring together startups, investors, technology companies and other participants of the innovation cluster from across the region.

SABAH.city has been developed not merely as modern infrastructure and office space, but as a comprehensive innovation environment that supports the transformation of knowledge and technology into economic and social value. The implementation of the project will contribute to the development of Azerbaijan’s human capital, applied sciences, technology entrepreneurship and international innovation partnerships, while strengthening the country’s position as a regional technology hub.