The 2nd International Agrarian Innovation Forum has been held within the framework of the 18th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition (Caspian Agro 2025). The next panel session of the Forum, which aims to promote innovations in the agricultural sector, strengthen the exchange of knowledge and experience, as well as expand cooperation between the public and private sectors, was dedicated to the topic of “Dialogue on strengthening relations between educational and industrial institutions”.

Speaking at the event, Rector of Baku Engineering University (BEU) Yagub Piriyev drew attention to the key role of innovation, scientific research and application of technologies in the agricultural sector in the future development of our country. He noted that agriculture is now being approached through digital technologies, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles and modern systems. Stating that universities are at the center of these changes, the rector added that in the modern world, higher education institutions are the main players that create economic value by converting knowledge into real products and services. Emphasizing the importance of commercialization of research and university-industry cooperation, the rector also pointed out the fact that result-oriented initiatives are being put forward at BEU and the capabilities of the Technopark operating under the university. He mentioned that various projects, agricultural drones, artificial intelligence-based projects, productivity forecasting, in the field of agrarian technologies are being implemented here. Moreover, students and researchers are being taught the skills of building a business model, attracting investment, and bringing products to the market.

The speech also discussed in detail the strategic relations established with industrial partners, joint production, technology transfer and the implementation of export-oriented projects on the agenda. In this regard, the agricultural drone production project to be implemented by BEU with the Turkish “Sapmaz Havacılık” and Azerbaijani “Technocare” companies was highlighted as an example. It was noted that BEU will act as an academic partner of this project with the support of the Agrarian Innovation Center of the Ministry of Agriculture. As a result of the cooperation, scientific potential and industrial experience will be synthesized and a real market product will be formed.

At the end of his speech, Yagub Piriyev added that BEU is always ready to provide scientific support to initiatives in the agricultural field, especially in the direction of technology, emphasizing the importance of scientific research having an impact on real life.

As part of the event, rectors of higher education institutions visited the 18th Caspian Agro-2025 and met with students who are the authors of agricultural startups. The exhibition showcased the projects of BEU students - "Agricultural Drone", "Green Technology Startup-FOSIN", "Smart Vest" and "Automatic Control Panel".

Public Relations Department