Baku, Finance Time. Bakcell, the First Mobile Operator and The Leading Mobile internet Provider of Azerbaijan continues to support young startups within its Startup Azerbaijan project implemented by the Azerbaijan Internet Forum. The project aims at improving investment climate in the ICT sector of Azerbaijan, promoting the best Internet and IT projects, and turning innovative ideas to the successful business projects.

The next event entitled “Toward to successful business” within Startup project has been organized by Azerbaijan Internet Forum with general sponsorship of Bakcell, on November 7-9, 2013 in Baku. The aim of Startup days was to support establishment of new startups and to organize educational works toward this direction, to educate young developers on specific issues in Internet market, and to build network among startups. During three days participants had a chance to attend master classes, to expand network of young startups, and to work on primary version of new startup projects.

“As a key player in the Azerbaijan telecom sector, Bakcell understand our obligation to support the development this fast growing innovative industry. Bakcell is extremely pleased to support Startup Azerbaijan project as we believe that it stimulates young developers to realize their ideas. The results of Startup competition held earlier this year were very successful which shows great interest of young developers in this relatively new industry. As Bakcell we have plans to support development of startups in future as well and we believe that the projects to be launched by Bakcell during next year will be very successful platform for developers and startups”, says Marc Zirka, Head of Corporate Strategy Department of Bakcell.

The results of the first Startup Azerbaijan project implemented between April-July of 2013 have been very successful. 43 projects have been submitted to the StartUp competition organized within the project. 26 of them have been selected to participate in the contest. 15 projects have been selected for semifinal. 6 projects have been winners of the contest. Three of them - Brandbook, Nettrends, and Brandevu.az projects are discussing possible cooperation with the investors. Mobile version of the Turning Fork project has been shortlisted (13 shortlisted candidate) in the competition hold among 39 counties and 119 projects.

This time young startups have shared their business ideas. Jury has selected 6 the best ideas out of 22. “Saglam ol”, “Lazimdir”, and “3D tours” have been the most successful ideas of the day.