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The Composition of the Expert Council for the Issuance of the “Startup” Certificate has been renewed 13.10.25

At the first meeting of the newly composed Expert Council, the applications submitted to KOBIA for the “Startup” certificate were reviewed.

The composition of the Expert Council responsible for evaluating projects submitted for the issuance of the “Startup” certificate has been updated. The Council now includes representatives from the Ministry of Science and Education and its High Technologies Park, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy, the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM), the Innovation Center LLC under the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the Intellectual Property Agency, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan, the Public Union “Internet Development Forum of Azerbaijan,” and the Public Union “Consortium for the Export of Azerbaijani Innovations.” The Council is chaired by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA). The newly formed Expert Council will evaluate and decide upon projects submitted to KOBIA for the issuance of the “Startup” certificate for the next two years.

At the first meeting of the renewed Council, it was noted that the “Startup” certificate issued by KOBIA provides significant support for the development of innovative entrepreneurship. Since 2021, this certificate has exempted micro and small entrepreneurs from income and profit taxes related to innovation activities for a period of three years. To date, a total of 220 business entities, including legal entities and individuals, have been granted "Startup" certificates. The startups that have obtained the certificate mainly operate in the fields of FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, GreenTech, digital tourism, transport and logistics solutions, and artificial intelligence. Of these, 43 startups are based in the regions, while 177 are located in Baku. Among the certified entrepreneurs, 31 are women. This support contributes to turning young people’s ideas into reality, promoting innovation, and creating new jobs.

Afterwards, the applications submitted to the Agency for the “Startup” certificate were reviewed.

It should be noted that in order to obtain the “Startup” certificate, business entities must apply to KOBIA. Applications that meet the “Criteria for Determining Startups,” approved by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 29 January 2021, are reviewed by the Expert Council, which then makes a decision on the issuance of the “Startup” certificate.