A startup competition titled “OceanLab Hackathon” was organized at Mingachevir State University with the aim of promoting environmental protection, sustainable management of water resources, and ecological innovations. The event was jointly organized by the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Regional Development Research, the Department of Energy Engineering, the Department of Physics and Ecology, and the Department of Mechanics.

The main objective of the hackathon was to encourage young people to propose innovative and technological solutions to environmental problems and to support the development of new ideas aimed at preventing pollution in seas and other water bodies.

Within the framework of the event, participants analyzed pollution problems occurring in seas and other water basins and worked on innovative startup projects aimed at addressing these issues. The teams presented projects in various areas, including the collection of plastic waste from aquatic environments, the development of water filtration and purification technologies, the creation of smart monitoring systems, and the development of digital platforms to increase environmental awareness.

Working in teams, the participants developed their ideas from the conceptual stage to project models. The event also played an important role in developing young people’s analytical thinking, teamwork, innovative approaches, and presentation skills.

During the final stage of the hackathon, the participating teams presented their projects to the jury panel. The projects were evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, technological justification, practical applicability, and positive environmental impact. The most promising projects selected by the jury were specially highlighted, and recommendations were provided for their further development.

It should be noted that the “OceanLab Hackathon” became one of the important initiatives encouraging the active participation of young people in solving environmental problems and contributing to the development of the innovation and startup ecosystem at the university. Such events enable students to combine their academic knowledge with practical projects and foster the creation of new and effective ideas aimed at protecting the environment.