On November 8, 2025, a startup competition titled “Sustainable Fisheries – Solutions” was held at the High Technology Park of Mingachevir. The event was organized on the initiative of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Regional Development Research of Mingachevir State University, with the joint organization of the Departments of Energy Engineering, Physics and Ecology, and Mechanics.

The main aim of the startup competition was to support students’ creative ideas in developing innovative technological solutions for the fisheries sector, ensuring ecological balance, and promoting the efficient and sustainable use of aquatic bioresources.

Students representing different departments of the university participated in the competition and presented startup projects aimed at the development of the fisheries sector. In total, five teams representing three departments took part in the competition: two teams from the Department of Mechanics, two teams from the Department of Energy Engineering, and one team from the Department of Physics and Ecology.

The projects presented by the participants covered topics such as monitoring fish resources in water bodies, implementing digital management systems in fisheries, technologies aimed at preserving ecological balance, optimizing aquaculture systems, and increasing energy efficiency in fisheries enterprises. While developing their startup ideas, participants combined engineering and ecological approaches to propose practical and applicable solutions to existing challenges in the fisheries sector.

The presented projects were evaluated by a jury panel based on criteria such as innovation, scientific justification, practical applicability, environmental impact, and economic efficiency. The jury highly appreciated the students’ multidisciplinary approach and their ability to integrate technological and ecological knowledge in their projects.

According to the results of the competition, the best startup ideas were identified and the winning teams were awarded. It was emphasized during the event that such initiatives significantly contribute to the development of students’ innovative thinking and research skills, as well as to strengthening the entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem within the university.