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Public vote · October 1–7, 2026

ZƏKA 2026 public vote

The public vote evaluates the societal relevance, benefit and presentation clarity of approved nominees in ZƏKA’s four open nominations.

Time until public voting opens0 daysOctober 1–7, 2026 · ZƏKA
00hours00minutes00seconds

How it works

The role of public voting

Public voting does not create the shortlist. Its average score contributes to the final result for the four open nominations and provides additional context for the Jury and Expert stages.

01

Approved nominees only

Only projects that pass eligibility review and are approved for public presentation appear in voting.

02

Three criteria scored 0–5

Each nominee is assessed for relevance, public benefit and clarity.

03

The Jury forms the shortlist

The public score does not decide shortlist advancement. With 9 or more nominees, the TOP-8 are selected by Jury average.

04

Manipulation is prohibited

Bots, mass fake accounts and technical manipulation are prohibited; suspicious votes may be cancelled.

Evaluation

3 public criteria · each scored 0–5

0–5

Relevance

How important, real and timely the problem addressed by the project is for the country, market and society.

0–5

Public benefit

The positive value the project creates for people, organizations, public services, business or the broader ecosystem.

0–5

Clarity

How simply, clearly and transparently the AI solution explains what it does, whom it helps and what result it creates.

Voting scope

Four open nominations participate in public voting

Real nominee cards are published only after organizer approval and when the public-vote stage opens.

Government AI Solution of the Year

Government AI Solution of the Year

Approved nominees in public services, public administration and digital transformation.

Nominees will appear here when the voting stage opens.

Private AI Solution of the Year

Private AI Solution of the Year

Approved AI solutions creating business results, customer value and operational efficiency.

Nominees will appear here when the voting stage opens.

AI Startup of the Year

AI Startup of the Year

Approved startups where AI is the core product value and there is credible growth potential.

Nominees will appear here when the voting stage opens.

AI Creator of the Year

AI Creator of the Year

Approved individuals and teams creating original, ethical and impactful work with AI tools.

Nominees will appear here when the voting stage opens.

Tech Xəbər Choice

Tech Xəbər Choice

This editorial nomination does not participate in public voting. Candidates are evaluated directly by the Jury and Expert Council.

Voting access

Voting tools activate when the stage opens

Secure identity verification and anti-manipulation controls apply during public voting. Only validated votes accepted by the voting system contribute to official results.

Share

Share the public vote page

When voting opens, direct your audience to the official ZƏKA public voting page.