The main objective of the scholarship program is to support women in enhancing their knowledge and skills in information and high technologies, thereby enabling them to take on their respective roles in society. The project was implemented by the Education Development Fund in cooperation with the Azerbaijan representation of the international organization “Women in Tech.”
A total of 482 Azerbaijani women aged between 15 and 40 applied for the program, of whom 30 were awarded the scholarship. During the project, participants took part in training courses on UI/UX Design, BI Development, Cybersecurity, QA Testing, Mobile App Development, and Digital Marketing, and received certificates upon completion.
The “Graceful Engineers” Scholarship Program is jointly implemented by the Education Development Fund and STP Group of Companies. The purpose of the project is to support the education of female students from low-income families with high academic performance who are studying in various technical specialties, and to foster their development as professional engineers.
A total of 573 applications were submitted for the project. After review by the organizing committee, 105 candidates qualified for the interview stage. Of these, 50 successfully completed the process and became winners of the “Graceful Engineers” Scholarship Program, gaining not only financial support but also access to internship and training opportunities.
In 2024, the participants of the scholarship program joined the “Future Engineers” program jointly carried out by the STP Group of Companies and Sumgayit State University, where they learned from professionals and acquired new theoretical and practical knowledge. They also visited GemZA Holding. In addition, the female students took part in training sessions on topics such as “Climate Change and Azerbaijan”, and participated in internship programs within the enterprises of the STP Group of Companies.
The “Parla” Scholarship and Development Program for female students is implemented by the Education Development Fund in cooperation with NEQSOL Holding. Under the cooperation agreement between the two parties, the program provides annual support to 50 female students across Azerbaijan.
In 2023, out of 674 applications, 50 winners were selected. Starting from September 2024, each of these 50 students received a monthly scholarship of 200 AZN for a period of 12 months. Among the winners, 5 are spouses of martyrs.
In September 2024, the first graduation ceremony of the “Parla” Scholarship and Development Program was held, where 14 students completed the program. Of these graduates, 3 were employed at NEQSOL Holding and its companies, while 36 students continue to benefit from the scholarship.
Beyond financial support, the program provides participants with opportunities for internships, mentorship, training, and access to programs of leading universities worldwide through NEQSOL Academy and LinkedIn Learning. Additionally, participants are enrolled in English language and IELTS preparation courses and are given the opportunity to take the IELTS exam free of charge.
Throughout 2024, various activities were organized to enhance participants’ personal and professional development, including communication skills and career development trainings, an information session on studying abroad, and a field trip to the production plant of Norm OJSC.
On September 17, 2024, a new admission cycle was launched for the program. A total of 791 applications were received, and 128 candidates who met all eligibility criteria advanced to the interview stage. Out of 120 interviewed candidates, 50 successfully passed all stages and became winners of the “Parla” Scholarship and Development Program. As a result, the total number of active participants in the program reached 86.
The program is implemented through the collaboration of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Education, and the Education Development Foundation. Within the framework of the scholarship program, female students from low-income families and vulnerable groups who achieve high scores in university entrance exams are provided with a monthly scholarship of 200 AZN throughout their studies. During the 2022–2023 academic year, 25 girls received the scholarship, and in 2024, this number increased to 135.
On December 11, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Education Development Fund (EDF)and the High Technology Park (HTP).
The signing ceremony was attended by HTP’s General Director, Nihat Majidov, Chairman of EDF’s Board of Directors, Elnur Nasibov, and delegations from both organizations.
This MoU aims to strengthen connections among researchers, higher education institutions, research institutes, and industry partners, establishing a framework for collaboration in technology transfer, innovation, and commercialization.
During the meeting, the parties discussed potential project proposals to enhance the innovation ecosystem in Azerbaijan.
A meeting was held between the Association of Small and Medium Business Entities and Clubs (ASME) and the Education Development Fund (EDF).
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of EDF, briefed the attendees on the Fund’s activities, mission, accomplishments in 2023, and future objectives.
Nigar Alasgarova, the Chairperson of ASME, provided an update on the current activities of the Association. She stated that the primary objective of KOBSKA is to expedite the integration of small and medium-sized businesses involved in entrepreneurial activities in the local market into foreign markets. This includes developing the entrepreneurial environment and organizing B2B, B2C, and B2G meetings to strengthen relationships, provide education, and protect the interests of foreign entrepreneurs who intend to operate in the country.
During the meeting, the two institutions discussed possibilities for future collaboration.
After the meeting concluded, Nigar Alasgarova, the Chairperson of the Board of the Association, presented a letter of appreciation to Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of the Fund, for their support in the activities of ASME.
On January 16, an event called “From Education to Progress” was organized by the Education Development Fund at Azerbaijan Technical University.
State officials, rectors of higher education institutions, and private sector representatives participated in the “From Education to Progress” event.
The Education Development Fund organized an event focused on public-private partnerships. The event aimed to provide information about the Fund’s past and future projects and reward its partners. Elnur Nasibov, the Chairman of the Board, delivered the opening speech at the event. He also shared the progress made in 2023 and invited public and private institutions and higher education institutions to collaborate. The goal is to work together towards better education and accessibility for all.
The Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University, Vilayat Valiyev, has emphasized the importance of public-private and university-industry cooperation in the Education Development Fund’s work. Since its establishment, the Fund has taken successful steps in this regard. The rector mentioned that last year’s Education Development Forum was a great example of successful collaboration. He wished the organization all the best for their future endeavors.
Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, spoke about the “Support Girls’ Education” project implemented in collaboration with EDF. She emphasized that the project helps create a successful Azerbaijani youth who are well-educated, knowledgeable, and aware of their rights and responsibilities, thus becoming the builders of the future. The committee chairperson stated that female entrepreneurs first voted to support girls’ education. Then, other people in business, institutions, organizations, and unions have joined this line. The Education Development Fund has already made progress towards this goal through systematic work.
Later, partnership and donation certificates were presented to government institutions and private sector representatives that support projects to develop education.
At the end of the event, which was accompanied by the performances of the “Cadenza” Orchestra operating under the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, the guests got acquainted with the exhibition of handicrafts of students of various higher educational institutions.
Nargiz Hajiyeva, director of the British Council for Azerbaijan, and Nargiz Akbarova, Exams Lead for South Caucasus, were received by the Education Development Fund.
During the meeting, the Education Development Fund, the Education Quality Assurance Agency, and seven higher education institutions discussed the state of implementation of the project, aiming to encourage university academic staff members and students to take the IELTS.
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of Education Development Fund, informed the guests about the universities that intend to join the project next year. He said the program has caused great popularity and interest among higher education institutions. As of now, 226 individuals have already benefited from the project, and the number continues to grow each month.
During the meeting, there was a discussion about the collaboration plan with the Education Development Fund following the 2024 action plan of the British Council.
The Sumgait Technologies Park received the delegation of the Education Development Fund. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibilities of cooperation between the two institutions.
Shola Aliyeva, the Chief Human Resources Officer of STP, welcomed the guests and talked about STP’s activities and plans and the work in forming a personnel base in unique fields.
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, emphasized the importance of establishing cooperation relations with STP to develop the university-industry innovation system and provide professional personnel training.
During the meeting, the STP Group of Companies and the Education Development Fund discussed potential collaboration to support girls’ education, implement various programs for children who grew up in boarding schools and are currently studying in vocational schools, as well as for members of martyr’s families. They also discussed organizing joint boot camps.
On December 22, Elnur Nasibov, the Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, and Rasul Hashimov, the project manager, met with the academic staff of the Sumgait State University, as well as the students at the Heydar Aliyev Center of Sumgait State University.
The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential opportunities for mutual acquaintance and collaboration between both institutions. Rufat Azizov spoke about the programs implemented by the Fund for the development of education and the particular importance the state attaches to the development of education. He emphasized that one of the main priorities of state policy is the development of education.
The rector provided information about the direction of activities, innovations, and future priorities of SSU. He said that every scientific and educational institution has specific goals. During these years, Sumgayit State University has undergone significant development and has made critical achievements in training specialists for Sumgait city and region, the country’s industrial center. Today, it is taking successful steps toward training professional personnel.
The rector also noted that SSU is taking successful steps toward expanding university-industry relations and creating these relations is very important in establishing cooperation. Organization of meetings in this direction is also an essential factor. The rector advised teachers and students to take advantage of the projects implemented by the Education Development Fund.
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of Education Development Fund, expressed his gratitude to the university management for the invitation. He said that innovation and scientific research are necessary in higher education institutions. For this reason, universities should plan their working mechanisms according to the requirements of the time. In higher educational institutions, joint activities to update the teaching content and cooperation in scientific research projects should be carried out.
Then, the chairman made a presentation about the projects of the Education Development Fund and gave detailed information about the establishment of the Fund, its goals, mission, implemented projects, and scholarship programs. He stated that the activities of the Education Development Fund established under the Ministry of Science and Education by the relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, cover all levels of education except vocational education. Five main strategic directions of action related to higher education institutions were determined in a short period. Implementation of academic mobility programs, institutional development of higher education institutions, preparation of scientific journals, publications, and textbooks, participation in the development of university-industry cooperation support for the development of students of higher education institutions, and other issues are covered in the strategic directions of action.
The chairman mentioned that there are some significant projects ahead. He also emphasized that these projects will inspire students to engage in scientific and innovative pursuits and take a prominent role in science.
During the meeting, participants discussed the university’s strategic goals, industry-university collaboration, expanding students’ career opportunities, and developing English-speaking skills for teachers and students. Elnur Nasibov thoroughly addressed the participants’ proposals and answered their inquiries.
In the end, Rector Rufat Azizov expressed his gratitude to the management of the Education Development Fund for the cordial reception and their support of forthcoming projects.
