AZCON and AzTU Launch a New Model in Engineering Education: AZSET Program Introduced

The presentation ceremony of the “AZCON School of Engineering and Technology” (AZSET), established through the collaboration between AZCON Holding and Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), with academic support from “TUM International GmbH” (TUMint), has been held.

The event featured speeches by the Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, the CEO of TUM International GmbH, Friederike Hettinger, and the Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University, Vilayat Valiyev.

In his speech, Minister Emin Amrullayev highlighted that international experience demonstrates more effective outcomes when universities, innovation-driven companies, and business institutions collaborate closely. He noted that one of the key objectives is to increase the contribution of higher education institutions to economic development and the formation of an innovative ecosystem. According to the Minister, achieving successful results in this direction requires universities to strengthen their own capabilities.

Emin Amrullayev emphasized that cooperation with German universities and leading innovation companies contributes significantly to the future of Azerbaijani youth and students. He stated that while such initiatives were previously implemented separately, the current goal is to consolidate them within a unified collaboration platform. He also underlined the important role of business representatives and partners involved in the initiative.

Concluding his remarks, the Minister thanked all partners and emphasized that the emerging cooperation model serves Azerbaijan’s development goals through a strong platform combining business, academia, and international partnership.

Minister Rashad Nabiyev stated that the newly established school introduces an innovative cooperation model between industry and higher education in Azerbaijan — one that is more practice-oriented, aligned with international academic quality standards, and focused on the technological professions of the future. He described the AZSET program as a strategic investment in the development of Azerbaijan’s technological human capital.

Rashad Nabiyev also noted that students will have the opportunity to study under a modern educational program developed in accordance with the quality standards of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) without leaving Azerbaijan. Within the framework of the program, each student will be directly connected with one of the companies operating within the AZCON Holding ecosystem and will gain practical experience through real-life projects.

Friederike Hettinger, CEO of TUM International GmbH, stated that it is a great honor to announce a partnership that is both ambitious and strategically important for Azerbaijan’s future. She noted that the initiative will begin with a bachelor’s program in Computer Science, followed by a bachelor’s program in Computer Engineering.

“This is not simply the launch of a new school. It marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to establishing a regional center of excellence in computer science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in Baku,” she emphasized.

Rector Vilayat Valiyev highlighted that the AZSET project represents an investment in Azerbaijan’s digital future, a new model of university-industry collaboration, and a strategic step toward regional technological leadership. According to him, the project’s most significant outcomes will include highly qualified engineers, emerging technologies, a startup ecosystem, and internationally competitive human capital.

Following the speeches, an agreement on the establishment of the “AZCON School of Engineering and Technology” (AZSET) was signed. The agreement was signed by Executive Director Shahin Babayev on behalf of AZCON Holding, Rector Vilayat Valiyev on behalf of Azerbaijan Technical University, and CEO Friederike Hettinger on behalf of TUM International GmbH.

About the AZSET Program

Established under Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU), the AZCON School of Engineering and Technology will operate with the support of TUM International GmbH (TUMint), the international academic partnership platform of the Technical University of Munich (TUM). As a result, world-class academic expertise will be integrated into the AZSET educational model.

TUM specialists will participate in the educational process both in person in Baku and online. The teaching process will be delivered by instructors trained according to TUMint’s academic approach, curriculum, teaching methodology, and assessment standards.

The school, which aims to prepare internationally qualified specialists, will provide education entirely in English. The AZSET program is designed for students who have completed the first year of relevant educational, natural sciences, technical, and technological specialties at Azerbaijani higher education institutions.

Applicants wishing to apply to the program must have a minimum GPA of 81 across both semesters of their first academic year, as well as at least a B2 level of English proficiency. Registration for the internal admission exam will take place between June 15 and July 15 of this year. Successful candidates will continue their studies within the program starting from the second year.

Study visits to TUM’s Munich campus are planned for high-performing students. Graduates who successfully complete the program will receive both an official bachelor’s degree diploma from AzTU and a certificate from TUM International GmbH. In addition, graduates demonstrating outstanding academic performance will be offered career opportunities within companies operating under the AZCON Holding ecosystem.

For more information about the AZSET program: https://www.azsetedu.az/