On October 30, 2024, the final event of the NextKhazar Idea Show startup project was held at Khazar University. The main goal of the project is to create a supportive ecosystem for the formation of startup ideas. Creating such an ecosystem is crucial for promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth, knowledge transfer, and should consist of key components such as incubators, accelerators, and technology transfer offices. By incorporating these features into the educational environment, Khazar University aims to transform research results into products and services with socio-economic value.

The event was attended by Idea Show director Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, project secretary general Prof. Soodabeh Davaran, Strategic committee head Dr. Solmaz Hazratgholizad, scientific secretary associate professor Javid Ojaghi, technological secretary associate professor Peyman Keyhanvar, executive secretary Dr. Jamala Eldarova, Khazar University faculty members, students, and representatives from other universities' research institutions.

The 26-day NextKhazar Idea Show received 86 scientifically significant ideas from 9 countries - USA, UK, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Iran. This presentation platform (https://nextkhazar.com/) was specially designed to facilitate the startup application process and transform Khazar University into a third-generation university.

A panel consisting of six experts, including professors and an industry investor, was organized for a two-stage selection process to evaluate the submitted ideas. The jury members were Prof. Soodabeh Davaran, Assoc. Prof. Peyman Kayhanvar, Assoc. Prof. Javid Ojaghi, Dr. Omid Mashinchian, Dr. Solmaz Hazratgholizad, and investor Mr. Mohammad Miyabi.

From the initial 86 ideas, 15 were selected in the first round, and then 8 proceeded to the next stage. The evaluation criteria reflected innovation, potential impact and application level, as well as interdisciplinary approaches aligned with Khazar University's vision.

The following best ideas were selected at the Idea Show's final event:

1st place winner - Mahsa Javan and Deniz Zareian (Iran), "Explored the use of Urmia Lake algosomes as delivery systems for anticancer and antibacterial agents, an idea rooted in sustainable, locally sourced biotechnology";

2nd place winner - Aygun Mursadova (Azerbaijan), "Introduced Green Sphere, a concept integrating AI with eco-friendly biomaterials to address environmental challenges";

3rd place winner - Shafa Yusifova (Azerbaijan) "Captivated the judges with Shafa's Class, an educational platform designed to make biomaterials science more accessible";

4th place winner - Salar Hooshyar and Mehrnoosh Nemati (USA), "Presented a promising hydrogel designed to promote tissue regeneration and angiogenesis, essential for complex wound management".

NextKhazar Idea Show symbolizes Khazar University's progressive step toward a dynamic future, creating a foundation for significant scientific innovations. Such initiatives prepare students from both Khazar University and other universities for tomorrow's challenges while creating a sustainable, interdisciplinary ecosystem reflecting a progressive, third-generation university model.

For more information: www.nextkhazar.com