# ZƏKA — National AI Award of Azerbaijan

> ZƏKA (meaning "Intelligence" in Azerbaijani) is Azerbaijan's first and most prestigious National Artificial Intelligence Award. It recognizes outstanding AI projects, startups, creators, and leaders across six categories. The award ceremony takes place on October 18, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

## About

ZƏKA is organized by Safaroff Agency and InnMedia Services with official support from IDDA (Innovation and Digital Development Agency of Azerbaijan) and KOBİA (Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan). It unites AI engineers, robotics specialists, data scientists, and technology companies operating in Azerbaijan.

## Award Categories

- **İlin Hökumət Süni İntellekt Həlli** — Best Government AI Solution of the Year: public sector AI improving citizen services
- **İlin Özəl Süni İntellekt Həlli** — Best Private Sector AI Solution of the Year: commercial AI with market impact
- **İlin Süni İntellekt Startapı** — AI Startup of the Year: innovative early-stage AI ventures
- **İlin Fiziki Süni İntellekt Həlli** — Best Physical AI Solution of the Year: robotics, hardware-software integration
- **İlin Süni İntellekt Yaradıcısı** — AI Creator of the Year: creative use of AI tools and content
- **Tech Xəbər Seçimi** — Tech Xəbər Editor's Choice: editorial pick for outstanding AI contribution

## Key Dates (2026)

- **August 1 – September 20, 2026**: Applications open
- **September 21 – October 10, 2026**: Public voting
- **October 11–17, 2026**: Expert jury evaluation
- **October 18, 2026**: Award Ceremony, Baku

## Judging Process

Winners are determined by a combined score: 30% public vote + 70% expert jury evaluation. The jury includes 23+ senior leaders from Microsoft, Amazon, P&G, NEQSOL Holding, Pasha Holding, Visa, Lenovo, AmCham Azerbaijan, Plug and Play Tech Center, IE University, and others.

## Application

Free to apply. No entry fee. Applications accepted via online form at https://aiawards.az/#apply

## Contact

- Partners: partners@aiawards.az
- Applicants: apply@aiawards.az
- Website: https://aiawards.az
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/zeka_awards
- TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@zeka_awards
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeka.awards
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeka-awards/

## Partners & Supporters

**Organizers:** Safaroff Agency (safaroff.com), InnMedia Services (innmediaservices.com)
**Official Support:** IDDA (idda.az), KOBİA / SME Development Agency (smb.gov.az)
**Media Partners:** Tech Xəbər (techxeber.az), ALR Media Group (autolife.az), Info City (infocity.tech), Marja.az (marja.az)