The Science and Technology Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) has launched the second edition of a youth training program on setting up and developing start-ups in the field of technology and innovation in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This edition is implemented by ICESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, the “MOST” Business Incubator, and the “New Space Innovation” foundation. The first edition was launched last week in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The program, which benefits ten ICESCO Member States, includes a two-day training camp and intensive coursework lasting between four to six weeks to put into practice the training received by the participants to start up their projects.

At the start of the second edition, which kicked off today, Monday, 20 September 2021, via videoconference, Dr. Muhammad Sharif, Advisor at ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, explained that the program aims at enhancing the skills of young people in the Islamic world, through the development of pioneering and innovative youth businesses in the field of technology, and promoting investment in human capital in science and entrepreneurship. He noted the great success of the first edition of the program in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the past week.

For his part, Mr.  Alim Khamitov, CEO of the “MOST” Business Incubator, stressed the importance of ICESCO’s training program in creating a work environment that encourages the youth of the Islamic World to be creative and innovative, hone their talents and enhance their ambitions.

In his speech, Mr. Ramil Abbakirov from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan commended ICESCO’s initiative, praising the role of youth in creating and leading positive change in the world.

The program aims to support the creative economy in the Islamic World, promote technology startups, and launch more than 150 companies by the end of 2025. Under this program, a special jury will select the best three teams from each country to participate in the final stage, present their project ideas to several donors and investors, and obtain the necessary funding for their implementation.