Prestige
We promote local talent and successful projects by presenting them to a wider audience.
Why ZƏKA?
ZƏKA is Azerbaijan’s first and prestigious national award recognizing innovation and achievements in artificial intelligence. We evaluate projects, teams, and leaders who contribute to the development of AI technologies.
Opportunity
We create new collaboration opportunities and help projects scale.
Value
We celebrate and preserve the achievements of specialists and projects contributing to artificial intelligence.
About Us
ZƏKA — a specialized award that prioritizes artificial intelligence within Azerbaijan’s technology sector and celebrates achievements in this field.
We bring together talented AI engineers, robotics specialists, data scientists, and technology companies operating in our country, recognizing their work and presenting it to society. Our goal is to support innovation and help develop the artificial intelligence ecosystem in Azerbaijan.
Every year, outstanding AI projects and leaders are recognized and awarded across different nominations.
Timeline
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Application periodApplications are accepted across all nominations. Participants submit the project description, technical information, demo, and other supporting materials through the online form.
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Public votingNominees are presented to the public, and open voting begins. This stage measures project visibility, audience interest, and public support.
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Jury evaluationThe Jury professionally evaluates nominees based on technological novelty, application potential, real-world impact, team strength, and nomination fit.
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Experts Council evaluationA confidential 5-member Experts Council determines the winners in each nomination, taking into account public voting results and the Jury evaluation. The Council’s composition remains in stealth mode until the final stage to protect objectivity.
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Award ceremonyThe official award ceremony will take place at JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Şərq Hall. Winners will be announced, awards will be presented, and the members of the Experts Council will be officially revealed.
Nominations
The ZƏKA award is presented in five main nominations. Each nomination reflects the application and development of AI technologies across different fields.
Government AI Solution of the Year
Key criteria
Quality of public services, impact on citizens, technological innovation, and efficiency.
Private Sector AI Solution of the Year
Key criteria
Commercial results, innovation, market impact, and technological advantage.
AI Startup of the Year
Key criteria
Innovation potential, team, market prospects, and investment attraction.
AI Creator of the Year
Key criteria
Creative content, use of AI tools, originality, and public impact.
Tech Xəbər Choice
Key criteria
Editorial choice, special contribution to AI, and an innovative approach.
Jury
The award jury includes experienced executives and industry leaders with practical expertise and broad knowledge in the development, application, and technology of artificial intelligence.
Chingiz Safaroff
Managing Partner at Safaroff Agency
Zaur Karimov
Executive Director at AmCham Azerbaijan
Irakli Gabriadze
General Manager at P&G Central Asia & Caucasus Markets
Cihan Nazmi BIYIKLI
Vice President of Technology at NEQSOL HOLDING
Muhammad Makhmudov
Director for Central Asia and Caucasus at Plug and Play Tech Center
Nadir Alasgarov
CEO at KIBRIT
Orkhan Baghirov
Board Member at InvestAZ Investment Company
Viladi Maniyev
Chairman of the Board of Directors at AzSigorta ASC
Yunis Salayev
Managing Partner at BDO Azerbaijan
Javid Akhundov
Managing Director at Develor Azerbaijan
Zaur Gardashov
Adviser to the Chairman at SME (KOBİA)
Fuad Karimov
Regional Managing Director at Xsolla
Venisse Castro
Senior Regional Manager for Asia Pacific at IE University
Orkhan Abbasov
Board Member at SABAH.HUB
Rasim Bakhshi
Director at Lenovo Azerbaijan
Tughra Musayeva
Head of Innovations at Pasha Holding
Jeykhun Imanov
Founder, Jeykhun Imanov Studio
Elvin Babayev
Head of Public Relations and Communications at Avrora Group of Companies
Dr. Valeria Sadovykh
Senior Data and AI Consulting Lead at Microsoft
Narmin Farzaliyeva
Head of Marketing at Amazon
Hokuma Karimova
Director of Corporate Communications and PR at Nar
Esmira Gasimova
Head of Marketing and Awareness at Electronic Security Service (RİNN)
Fatima Mammadova
Senior Manager at Visa Azerbaijan
Stealth mode • Experts Council
Experts Council — final evaluation stage
At the final stage of ZƏKA, a separate 5-member Experts Council will operate. The Council is formed only from C-level executives and people with a strong reputation in artificial intelligence, technology, innovation, and strategic management. Its main role is to determine the winner in each nomination, considering public voting results, the Jury evaluation, and the real impact of nominees.
The composition of the Experts Council is kept in stealth mode to protect the objectivity of the selection process and minimize any possibility of influence over participants. The names of the Council members will be officially announced closer to the final stage or during the award ceremony.
Have questions?
ZEKI — ZƏKA’s AI assistant. Ask any question about the award, nominations, timeline, application, or participation — and get an instant answer. Type or ask by voice.
ZEKI — ZƏKA AI assistant
Hello! I’m ZEKI. I’m ready to answer all your questions about the ZƏKA National Artificial Intelligence Award. Start the conversation — type your question or tap the microphone.
What documents are required to apply?
To apply, you need a project description, technical documents, examples, or a demo version. Specific requirements for each nomination are listed in the application form.
Is the application free?
Yes, the application is completely free. No payment is required.
Can one person participate in several nominations?
Yes, you can participate in different nominations with different projects.
How are winners determined?
Winners are determined through a multi-stage selection process: public voting, Jury evaluation, and evaluation by a confidential 5-member Experts Council. The Experts Council is formed from C-level executives, and its composition remains in stealth mode until the final stage.
How can I become a sponsor?
Contact us for sponsorship. Different sponsorship packages are available. For details, partners@aiawards.az please write to this address.