Azerbaijan’s Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on January 22, 2025, to expand cooperation in innovation, science, and technology. The MoU provides for the establishment of a joint Center of Excellence in Azerbaijan, the implementation of training programs, and the development of human capital in advanced technology fields.
IDDA Chairman Farid Osmanov stated that initial initiatives would focus on human capital development and innovative solutions in partnership with Azercosmos, Azerbaijan’s space agency. According to the IDDA announcement, “particular attention will be given to artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, sustainable space, and energy technologies.”
IAI Chief Technology Officer Eytan Eshel said the Center of Excellence would create opportunities for both countries to develop a strong human capital base in the innovation sector. Under the agreement, joint events, seminars, forums, and training programs will be organized to facilitate knowledge exchange. The MoU builds on collaboration initiated during COP29 in Baku in November 2024, where IDDA hosted a panel session with IAI on integrating government and technological solutions.