On May 22, the “Smart City and Smart Village” Startup Festival dedicated to the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” was held under the joint organization of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Nakhchivan State University. The festival brought together state institutions, technology companies, innovation ecosystem representatives and startups on one platform.

The main goal of the event is to promote smart city and smart village solutions, present innovative projects in the direction of digital transformation, and support the development of the technology ecosystem in the region.

Speaking at the official opening of the festival, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Acting Minister Azer Mammadrahimov said that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” by President Ilham Aliyev is an indicator of the special importance attached to the development of urban planning, architecture and modern technologies. The Deputy Minister noted that the "Smart City" and "Smart Village" projects, the application of artificial intelligence technologies and the expansion of digital services are among the main priorities of state policy. He also emphasized that the WUF13 - World Urban Forum held in Baku demonstrates the growing international reputation of Azerbaijan in the field of sustainable urban planning and digital development.

It was reported that a total of 60 startup teams, 151 participants, 5 jurors, 9 panelists, and 26 mentors are taking part in the festival. The projects presented demonstrate that young people are not merely users of technology but also a creative force shaping the solutions of the future.

Subsequently, Elbrus Isayev, Rector of Nakhchivan State University, addressed the festival, noting that in the modern era, universities are not just educational institutions but also vital centers of development where innovation and technology take shape.