On June 4, 2026, the opening ceremony of the largest and most advanced Cybersecurity Laboratory in the region was held at Mingachevir State University (MSU). On the occasion of the laboratory’s inauguration, a delegation led by bp’s Vice President for the Caspian Region, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, visited the university.

The event was attended by bp’s Head of Social Investment for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, Khalid Rajabov; Social Investment Manager for Azerbaijan, Babek Hamidov; Social Investment and Sponsorship Advisor, Rana Hasanova; Social Investment Coordinator, Jamila Sultan; as well as the university leadership and academic staff.

Welcoming the guests, MSU Rector Anar Eminov provided detailed information about the university’s digital transformation agenda, reforms implemented in the fields of engineering and information technologies, and ongoing efforts to train highly qualified professionals in line with labor market demands. The Rector emphasized that the steady increase in the number of students studying information technologies and cybersecurity at MSU in recent years reflects the growing interest in these fields.

Anar Eminov noted that the newly established laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, will create extensive opportunities for students to strengthen their theoretical knowledge through practical experience, gain hands-on skills in analyzing and managing real cyberattack scenarios, and acquire competencies aligned with international standards. Expressing his gratitude to bp and its partners for their support, the Rector described the project as a successful example of university–industry collaboration.

In his remarks, bp Vice President for the Caspian Region Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli highlighted the significance of the project titled “Establishment of Modern ICT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Laboratories in Higher Education Institutions of Azerbaijan.” He stated that the initiative makes a substantial contribution to the development of digital skills within Azerbaijan’s higher education system, the formation of professional human capital in cybersecurity, and the strengthening of the country’s technological resilience.

Emphasizing MSU’s important role and active support in the implementation of the project, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli noted that the innovative environment created at the university carries strategic importance for enhancing the knowledge and skills of young people in the region in the field of modern technologies. He also underscored that the visit took place on the eve of the 30th anniversaries of the giant Shah Deniz gas-condensate field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea and the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field development project implemented under the “Contract of the Century.” He stressed that bp’s support for education, human capital development, and social investment initiatives in Azerbaijan remains an integral part of its long-term partnership philosophy.

Following the official speeches, the bp delegation toured the laboratory and became closely acquainted with its modern technological infrastructure. The guests were provided with detailed information on the technical capabilities of the installed equipment, its application in teaching and research activities, and the organization of students’ practical cybersecurity training.

The delegation highly appreciated the modern learning environment established within the laboratory and emphasized that such initiatives make a significant contribution to the development of digital skills in the country and the preparation of highly qualified professionals who meet the demands of the labor market. The guests also exchanged views on the practical projects presented by students and the opportunities offered by the laboratory.

At the end of the event, the participants highlighted the strategic importance of the laboratory in strengthening the university’s research capacity, accelerating digital transformation processes, and preparing highly skilled specialists who will contribute to the development of Azerbaijan’s cybersecurity ecosystem.