An Info Session on the “AzTU GAMEDEV PROGRAM” Has Been Held
The event was held on October 22, 2026, at the Incubation Center of Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU).
Startup.az reports that the “AzTU GAMEDEV PROGRAM” is being implemented through a joint initiative of Xsolla, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, and AzTU. The program is organized by Nomadman Studio, IGDA Azerbaijan, and the AzTU Incubation Center. The info session was organized for participants selected for the program. A total of 110 students will take part, including students from AzTU and eight other universities.
The event opened with a welcome speech by Osman Gündüz, Digital Affairs Adviser to the Rector of AzTU. Welcoming the participants, he emphasized that the gaming industry is currently one of the rapidly growing sectors of the digital economy. He also described the growing interest among young people in this field as a positive development. Gündüz encouraged participants to remain active throughout the program, make the most of the trainers’ experience, and place particular emphasis on teamwork. He also noted that such programs give students an opportunity to test their theoretical knowledge through real projects and take their first steps toward their future careers.
Azad Musayev, Coordinator of the AzTU Incubation Center, then delivered a brief speech. Welcoming the participants, he stated that game development is one of the center’s key areas of activity. Musayev emphasized that the center works to support students’ technological ideas and startup initiatives. He also noted that the center would remain open to participants throughout the program and wished them success.
This was followed by a speech by Ilgar Alirzayev, Head of IGDA Azerbaijan and founder of Nomadman Studio. He first discussed the work carried out by IGDA Azerbaijan and Nomadman Studio to develop the country’s gaming industry between 2023 and 2025. During this period, more than 60 training sessions, workshops, and masterclasses were organized, along with over 10 game jams, leading to the formation of more than 20 indie teams. These activities covered Baku, Ganja, and Nakhchivan. The organizations also participated in international events such as GDC, Digital Dragons, and Mobidictum.
Alirzayev then provided a detailed overview of the program, explaining its stages, training areas, rules, bootcamp, and award procedures. He also answered participants’ questions.
Participation in the program is free of charge. From October 23 to November 19, participants will attend 20 practical training sessions covering Game Design, Game Art, Unity Programming, and Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine training sessions will be conducted online, while the other sessions will take place in person at the AzTU Incubation Center. Attendance is one of the program’s key requirements.
From November 20 to 22, participants will take part in a 48-hour bootcamp, during which teams will develop game prototypes and present them to a jury. A total prize pool of AZN 27,200 (approximately USD 16,000) will be distributed among the five best projects. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive certificates.
