Page 53 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

Odiljon Abdurazzakov: Role of technology transfer catalysts in stimulating
innovation: how to apply finnish experience to emerging economies

AppLab incubation program lasts only 3 months and specializes only on mobile
applications. Another difference between Barama Incubation Program of Azercell
and AppLab Program of Bakcell is that AppLab does not invest any capital in any of
the stages. AppLab offers support as a corporate social responsbility and doesn't
own any share in the startups that graduate from AppLab. Teams can apply online
and selection takes place about once a month. After screening applicants, AppLab
invites selected teams to pitch their business ideas. In addition to 30 minute
presentation, teams are also required to submit an action plan for 3 months. No
business plan is required from the teams.

Table 3.2: Incubators and accelerators in Azerbaijan

Source: prepared by the author based on interviews with founders of incubators

Teams which are admitted to AppLab are provided with free office, computers
as well as mentorship during the incubation period. Bakcell's experts from
Marketing, Finance departments as well as software engineers work closely with the
teams. Bakcell's mentors also include local and international entrepreneurs with
significant experience. Although AppLab doesn't invest any capital in startups, it
helps to attract investments to startups by organizing events during which startups
can pitch their business ideas to local and international investors. One of such
prograsm were organized in partnership with Wayra, startup accelerator of a Spanish
Telecom Company Telefonica in 2016. In this event Azerbaijani startup teams
pitched their business ideas to representatives of Telefonica. AppLab hosts up to 7
startup teams at a time. During the 3 months of incubation period, AppLab
admnistration and mentors monitor the progress of the teams to ensure that startups

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