The “Industry 4.0: Hackathon 2025”, organized by the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) with the support of the Ministry of Economy, has successfully concluded.

Held over two days, the hackathon aimed to accelerate the automation of industrial production processes, improve operational efficiency through the application of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, and develop practical solutions to address pre-identified technological gaps within industrial enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of C4IR, emphasized the strategic importance of such initiatives for advancing the digital economy and ensuring sustainable technological transformation. He noted that Industry 4.0: Hackathon 2025 was organized within the framework of the “Science–Industry Cluster 4.0” initiative envisaged under the Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022–2026.

It was highlighted that building a competitive industrial sector increasingly depends on aligning knowledge and skills with real-world production and technological requirements. In this context, practice-oriented initiatives play a critical role in strengthening the preparedness of young professionals, fostering innovation, and reinforcing linkages between industry and education.

The hackathon attracted 230 team applications, with more than 800 participants registering for the competition. Following an initial selection process, 30 teams (114 participants) advanced to the final stage. Participants included students as well as professionals from public and private sector organizations.

On the first day, teams competed in an Industry 4.0 idea challenge. With guidance and mentorship support, participants worked on transforming their concepts into functional prototypes on the second day, designed to respond to real industrial challenges.

Throughout the event, local and international experts delivered training sessions on “Team Building,” “From Idea to Industry,” and “How to Pitch a Business Idea.” A range of interactive and intellectual team-building activities were also organized to strengthen collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Hackathon participants presented solutions across a wide spectrum of Industry 4.0 domains, including AI- and machine learning–based industrial solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart sensor systems, smart manufacturing and automated factories, predictive maintenance systems, energy efficiency and smart energy management, AI-powered ERP platforms, cybersecurity, big data and real-time analytics, as well as AR/VR-based industrial training and technical support solutions. Following mentor voting, 10 top projects were selected for final presentations and evaluation by the jury.

Based on the final assessment, DataSapiens (automated monitoring solutions for production processes) secured first place; DeepSense (the HydroSense solution for predictive detection of energy losses and accidents in hydropower plants) was awarded second place; and Nummix (an AI-based ERP platform for SMEs and micro-entrepreneurs) ranked third. The winning teams received cash prizes and certificates.

The event was supported by the Economic Zones Development Agency, Pasha Holding, and SABAH.HUB Innovation Center, which provided technical and organizational assistance.