Women in Tech Azerbaijan: Key Achievements and Projects of 2025

Leyla Seyidzade, City — Baku, Chapter Director, Instagram

Strategy and Development

In 2025, Women in Tech Azerbaijan strengthened its position as a platform providing fundamental educational initiatives and opportunities for interaction among women and girls in the technology sector. As a result of the successful implementation of educational initiatives, scholarship and mentoring programs aimed at developing practical digital and ICT skills were effectively conducted, with approximately 70% of participants achieving measurable results. Based on the outcomes of these initiatives, program graduates advanced to the final stages of national and international projects and gained new career opportunities.

Furthermore, significant expansion in collaboration was observed in partnerships with government, private, and international organizations in the fields of STEM and space technologies. As part of international integration and cooperation, in September 2025, a memorandum of cooperation was signed in Almaty between The Tech media outlet and Women in Tech branches in the Caucasus and Central Asia. This collaboration opened new opportunities for international knowledge exchange, professional networking, and the implementation of joint regional initiatives in the Caucasus and Central Asian countries.

Events and Projects

In 2023, as part of a memorandum signed with the Education Development Foundation, the implementation of the Maya Gadzhieva Scholarship Program for ICT skill development began. Maya Gadzhieva was the first female mathematician in Azerbaijan. Through this partnership, in 2024–2025, girls and women aged 15 to 45 were given the opportunity to receive education in the field of ICT.

A total of 482 applications were received, of which 30 participants successfully passed the selection stages, received scholarships, and took part in the program. Thanks to this initiative, 30 girls developed key technological knowledge and skills, laying a solid foundation for their future careers.

Additionally, two projects were implemented in collaboration with Azercosmos, through which Women in Tech Azerbaijan formed a team of 12 girls aged 12–15. In both projects, the team reached the finals, which became one of the most significant and inspiring results of the year.

One of the most important and sustainable achievements of Women in Tech Azerbaijan was the launch of the Tech Nəsli podcast project in cooperation with the Coordination Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The project aims to promote new technologies and support the formation of a new generation in IT. During this period, 16 podcasts were recorded jointly with the Center.

The main challenges included high organizational workload, working with participants from different age groups, and the need to maintain sustained interest in technological fields throughout long-term programs. These challenges were overcome through strong internal team coordination, support from partners and mentors, and the use of practice-oriented formats that provided participants with visible and motivating results.

Successful Cases

The greatest impact was made by the Maya Gadzhieva ICT Skills Scholarship Program, projects in partnership with Azercosmos, and mentoring camps. These initiatives combined training, practice, and professional guidance, enabling participants not only to acquire knowledge but also to see real opportunities for further development in the technology sector.

One of the most inspiring stories was that of the team of 12 girls who participated in projects with Azercosmos. Through these projects, they realized that space and STEM fields are accessible and interesting, and began to consider technology as a direction for future education and career.

Furthermore, out of the 30 scholarship recipients of the Maya Gadzhieva Program, 10 participants found jobs in the ICT sector after completing their studies, which can be considered an important confirmation of the program’s practical value.

In 2025, the greatest interest among participants was in STEM and space fields, data analytics, UI/UX design, digital marketing, as well as the practical application of modern digital and AI tools. Special interest was observed in areas where training was combined with real cases and project-based work.

Plans

In 2026, Women in Tech Azerbaijan plans to expand educational programs, increase regional coverage, launch new initiatives in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, as well as further develop mentoring and career tracks. Special attention will be given to projects that help participants transition from learning to real professional and economic opportunities, as well as enhancing young women entrepreneurs’ knowledge of new technologies in their business activities and supporting the development of their businesses within the mission of Women in Tech Azerbaijan.