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Azerbaijan’s gaming future: Xsolla and partners unveil StarNest Academy and incubator program
December 9, 2024
Azerbaijan is stepping into the global gaming spotlight through an ambitious partnership between Xsolla, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), and StarNest. Announced at Gamesummit Winter Edition 2024 in Baku, the Xsolla StarNest Academy and Incubator Program represents a transformative effort to empower local talent, foster innovation, and position Azerbaijan as a rising force in the gaming industry.
This groundbreaking initiative will roll out in 2025, providing Azerbaijani developers, designers, and studios with resources to succeed globally. At its heart is a commitment to nurture the next generation of talent, offering specialized training, mentorship from international gaming leaders, and access to financial and technological resources.
Transforming Azerbaijan’s Gaming Industry
The program was introduced at the Gamesummit Winter Edition 2024, a landmark event for Azerbaijan’s gaming industry. The summit brought together local and international gaming experts to discuss trends, global best practices, and showcase the creativity of local developers. The event underscored Azerbaijan’s potential as a growing hub for gaming innovation. At the center of the program is the Xsolla StarNest Academy, which will train 90 young individuals in game development, providing them with industry-standard practices and hands-on experience. This is complemented by the Xsolla Incubator and Accelerator, which will guide emerging and established studios in refining their projects, scaling operations, and accessing global industry connections. “This collaboration opens up extensive opportunities for implementing joint projects that will drive the development of Azerbaijan's gaming sector,” said Yevgeniya Bikmurzina, Head of IDDA’s Innovation Ecosystem Department.A Partnership Driving Innovation
The success of the StarNest initiative is built on the strength of its partnerships. StarNest will secure a state-of-the-art facility for the Academy, creating an environment conducive to growth and learning. Meanwhile, IDDA’s strategic oversight will align the initiative with Azerbaijan’s national goals for digital transformation, driving innovation across the country’s tech landscape. Rytis Joseph Jan, SVP of Global Strategic Partnerships at Xsolla, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “This partnership represents a significant milestone for Xsolla as we collaborate with Azerbaijani leaders to unlock the region’s potential. By combining our global expertise with the visionary leadership of our partners, we aim to empower the next generation of talent in Azerbaijan and drive meaningful innovation with global impact.”Beyond Training: Building a Future
The StarNest initiative is more than just an educational effort. It’s a catalyst for Azerbaijan’s transformation into a global hub for game development. With plans to establish a regional headquarters in Baku, Xsolla is reaffirming its commitment to the region. The headquarters would serve as a hub for innovation and technology, further supporting game developers in Central Asia. The StarNest program aims to inspire the broader community and spark sustained growth in the gaming sector by creating pathways for Azerbaijani talent to showcase their work on the global stage.Looking Ahead
As the program takes shape, it promises to redefine opportunities for aspiring developers in Azerbaijan, marking a significant chapter in the country’s digital transformation journey. This initiative, built on collaboration and a shared vision, sets the foundation for a thriving gaming ecosystem with a global reach. Stay tuned for updates as Xsolla and its partners work to bring this vision to life. Learn more at xsolla.com.
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