The INMerge Innovation Summit 2025, organised by Pasha Holding in strategic partnership with the Centre for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Azerbaijan) under the Ministry of Economy, concluded in Baku on 29–30 September 2025.
Global Thought Leaders Discuss Innovation, Investment, and the Future of Technology
The second day of the summit featured Mark Randolph, Co-founder of Netflix, who shared insights into the company’s journey from an idea to a global success story. He offered practical advice for entrepreneurs on navigating the key stages of start-up growth and innovation.
Professor Hal Gregersen of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) discussed future trends in leadership and the evolving dynamics of the global innovation ecosystem.
Throughout the day, panel sessions explored diverse topics such as venture capital in the region, the impact of marketing and social media on local business culture, the realities of the AI era, and the intersection of data, energy, and modern business trends. Speakers emphasised the alignment of global best practices with regional experiences and the need for agile adaptation in a rapidly changing world.
C4IR Azerbaijan Showcases Industrial Transformation Initiatives
C4IR Azerbaijan’s Executive Director, Fariz Jafarov, spoke at the InTalks session organised by SOCAR, during a panel titled “Innovation in the Energy Sector: Purpose, Approach, and Ecosystem Collaboration.” He highlighted ongoing initiatives in human capital development and the implementation of the Industry 4.0 Readiness Programme, which supports technological transformation across Azerbaijani enterprises.
Additionally, Soltan Bayramov, Deputy Executive Director of C4IR Azerbaijan, took part in the “Venture Capital as a Driver of Economic Growth” panel, discussing the evolving role of innovation financing in national development.
C4IR Azerbaijan also organised an information session for local businesses and stakeholders participating in the Industry 4.0 Readiness Programme, where Fariz Jafarov outlined how the initiative enhances industrial efficiency and competitiveness. Presentations by Barış Arıkan, Executive Director of MEXT Technology Center, and Yigit Oktay, an international expert, provided Turkish and global perspectives on digital transformation and industry–academia cooperation.
A Regional Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
Now in its fifth edition, the INMerge Innovation Summit has become a major regional platform for innovation, investment, and collaboration. The event brought together more than 5,000 participants, including 150 speakers, 100 start-ups, and over 80 venture funds from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan — fostering dialogue and partnerships across sectors.
By convening global leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, the summit reinforced Azerbaijan’s growing role as a regional innovation hub, driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution through collaboration, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.
