Azernews.Az

Nazrin Abdul

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On September 8, the official opening ceremony of the AI Academy was held in Baku, marking a significant step in Azerbaijan’s efforts to build a robust artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

The event was attended by Minister Rashad Nabiyev and Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, alongside educators, students, and industry experts.

During the ceremony, details were presented about the Academy’s educational programs, operational roadmap, and its role in supporting the development of the country’s AI ecosystem. Attendees toured the facilities, engaged with students, and held discussions on the learning environment, expectations, and future opportunities.

Established with the support of AZCON Holding, the AI Academy was created in line with the goals outlined in the “Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028.” Its primary mission is to train highly skilled AI specialists and accelerate digital transformation in the country.

“The establishment of the AI Academy holds strategic importance for training a new generation of professionals, strengthening the digital economy, and reinforcing Azerbaijan’s position on the global AI map,” said Tuncay Baghirov, Director of the National Artificial Intelligence Center.

The curricula have been developed in accordance with international standards, drawing on the best practices of leading global universities. The Academy’s academic staff includes experts with extensive experience in AI and emerging technologies.

A key priority for the AI Academy is integration into the global scientific community. To this end, partnerships have been established with world-renowned institutions such as MIT, University of California, Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard University, and Stanford University. Professors and researchers from these universities will be invited to deliver guest lectures and workshops.

The Academy will also emphasize research and innovation, providing students and professionals with opportunities to work on startup projects, engage in applied research, and benefit from international collaboration.

At the launch event, the Academy also unveiled a prototype of a large language model (LLM) developed using 10 billion tokens and 1.2 million synthetic data entries through targeted training and fine-tuning. The project not only demonstrates the potential for sovereign AI development in Azerbaijan but is also viewed as a milestone in advancing the country’s national innovation ecosystem.

All programs offered by the AI Academy will be fully scholarship-based, ensuring accessibility for talented students. Further updates on upcoming admissions and program details will be published on the Academy’s official website and social media channels.