Head of the Innovation and Creativity Center – Prof. Javanshir Firudin oglu Mammadov
The “State Program on Increasing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023” - based on the development of the business-creative environment in Azerbaijani universities and the relevant provisions of the State Program, the Strategic Development Plan for 2020-2025 approved by the Scientific Council of SSU envisages the establishment of an Innovation and Creativity Center under the university. The Innovation and Creativity Center (ICC) under Sumgayit State University is a center that ensures the implementation of interdisciplinary scientific research work, the application of its results, the production and commercialization of high-quality startup products that meet modern requirements in various fields including sustainability (environmental, social), and the organization of exhibitions, scientific conferences, and seminars. ICC is based on the principles of further improving the social status of the teaching staff by implementing the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Education, the Resolution No. 610 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 29, 2017 “Requirements for granting the status of “Research University” to higher education institutions”; the transformation of higher education institutions into education-research-innovation centers; the commercialization of the results of scientific research work in higher education institutions. The main business idea of ICC is to develop, research, apply and commercialize innovative startup projects based on engineering specialties under SSU.
The tasks of the ICC are as follows:
1. Submission of startup applications for the creation of a database of innovative ideas, their verification by specialized experts, evaluation and placement with mentors;
2. Organization of work of startups with mentors, preparation of business plans, receipt of startup certificates, provision of participation in startup competitions, search and selection of venture investment funds;
3. Conducting theoretical research of startup projects, verification and evaluation through laboratory experiments and practical preparation and testing of initial versions of project models (with the help of 3D printers). Determination of technical, quality and economic indicators of projects, comparison with prototype works, identification of advantages and disadvantages;
4. Creation of working conditions in the ICC incubation department for resident activities of startups with grant and investment support, provision of all technical, software, computer network and information support.
5. Submission of startup projects to the Intellectual Property Agency and support for ASAN patenting procedures.
6. Providing solutions to business, marketing, finance, accounting and audit issues of startup projects.
Specializations of the ICC and the tools used:
1. Personal computers for automated workplaces for creating, maintaining and information-searching databases of startup projects (in specialties: process automation, mechatronics and robotics; artificial intelligence systems, programming; biology and medicine, health; chemistry and ecology; physics and astronomy; military equipment and systems);
2. Workplaces consisting of personal computers for automating the design and development process, software tools equipped with AutoCAD and 3D printers;
3. Mechanical machines for the preparation of startup projects;
4. Automated workplaces and special application software tools for modeling robots;
5. Computer network system.
Infrastructure of the ICC, relevant rooms and their designations:
1. ICC management department (room 1);
2. ICC startup registration and expertise department (room 1);
3. ICC education and training department (rooms 2 and 3);
4. ICC business incubation department (room 4);
5. ICC resident departments (room 5)
6. ICC production department (1 room with 3D printers, 1 room with training benches);
7. ICC conference, seminar and exhibition organization department (1 exhibition hall, 1 conference hall)
Stages of the ICC's operation:
1. Creation of the ICC's infrastructure section for meetings, discussion of startups and expert assessment;
2. Equipping the ICC's sections with appropriate inventory, communication tools, installation of personal computers in workplaces, connection to a wireless local area network and the INTERNET;
3. Equipping the ICC with a 3D printer (2 units) and mechanical machines.
4. Organization of workplaces for residents in the ICC's robotics and artificial intelligence specialties. Creation of a database management system for startup projects.
5. Creation and launch of the ICC's production area.
6. Development of startup projects together with mentors, conducting research, preparation of a model project option on a production line consisting of 3D printers and machines, implementation of startup business in the commercial department and organization of an exhibition.
address: Azerbaijan Republic, Sumgayit city, Az 5008, 43rd district
Tel: +994 70 6644009
E-mail: cavanshir.mammadov@sdu.edu.az
