Xsolla Set to Launch the Xsolla StarNest Academy and Incubator Program in Baku

Collaboration in Azerbaijan Aims to Build a Thriving Game Development Ecosystem and Empower Local Talent with New Programs Launching in 2025

BAKU, Azerbaijan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, has announced a strategic partnership with StarNest and Azerbaijan’s Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) to establish the Xsolla StarNest Academy and Incubator Program. This transformative collaboration was unveiled at the region's largest gaming festival, Gamesummit Winter Edition 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Gamesummit Winter Edition 2024 spotlighted the growth of the gaming industry in Azerbaijan, featuring discussions on trends, global best practices, and presentations of locally developed games. At the festival, IDDA and Xsolla revealed plans to empower local developers, game designers, and studios with cutting-edge training, incubation and accelerator programs, and access to financial and technological resources. This partnership will redefine Azerbaijan's role in the global gaming industry while fostering local talent and innovation.

“This collaboration opens up extensive opportunities for implementing joint projects that will drive the development of Azerbaijan's gaming sector,” said Yevgeniya Bikmurzina, Head of IDDA's Innovation Ecosystem Department. “Azerbaijani game studios will have access to the tools and resources needed to make a mark in the global market.”

“This partnership represents a significant milestone for Xsolla as we collaborate with Azerbaijani leaders to unlock the region’s potential,” said Rytis Joseph Jan, SVP of Global Strategic Partnerships at Xsolla. “By combining our global expertise with the visionary leadership of our partners, we aim to empower the next generation of talent in Azerbaijan and drive meaningful innovation with global impact.”

Xsolla Incubator & Accelerator in Azerbaijan

The Xsolla Incubator and Accelerator will support Azerbaijan's game development community by providing tools, mentorship, and resources to turn ideas into successful projects. The Incubator will help early-stage developers refine concepts, gain technical expertise, and collaborate with international experts. The Accelerator will assist established studios in scaling their projects, offering access to funding, mentorship, and global industry connections. These programs aim to position Azerbaijan as a key player in the gaming industry, creating opportunities for local talent to succeed globally.

Xsolla StarNest Academy

The Xsolla StarNest Academy will provide 90 young individuals with specialized training in game development. Additionally, an incubation program will launch in 2025 to support local game studios, offering mentorship from international experts, access to financial resources, and opportunities to showcase games globally.

StarNest, an Azerbaijani telecommunications company, will lead efforts to secure a dedicated facility for the Academy, ensuring an environment conducive to growth and learning. IDDA will offer strategic oversight to align the initiative with Azerbaijan’s national goals for digital transformation.

Regional Headquarters

Xsolla is also exploring options to establish its regional headquarters for Central Asia in Baku to further support its commitment to the community and game developers in the region. Not only will it serve as a regional hub, but also a technology center for the leading edge development and support of its industry leading solutions.

With the Xsolla StarNest partnership this marks a new chapter for Azerbaijan’s gaming sector reflecting the shared vision to position the country as a regional game development and digital innovation leader.

This groundbreaking collaboration sets the stage for Azerbaijan to become a hub for gaming innovation and talent development. For more information, please visit: xsolla.blog/azerbaijan

About Xsolla

Xsolla is a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the industry. Since its founding in 2005, Xsolla has helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch, and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. As an innovative leader in game commerce, Xsolla’s mission is to solve the inherent complexities of global distribution, marketing, and monetization to help our partners reach more geographies, generate more revenue, and create relationships with gamers worldwide. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, with offices in London, Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Raleigh, Tokyo, Montreal, and cities around the world.

For more information, visit xsolla.com

About the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA)

IDDA is an Azerbaijani government agency specializing in digital diplomacy and analytics, offering research, training, and consultancy to enhance the digital presence of institutions. It plays a pivotal role in shaping modern diplomatic strategies through digital tools and data analysis.

For more information, visit idda.az

About StarNest

StarNest is a leading Azerbaijani telecommunications company providing internet and networking solutions, including broadband services, corporate connectivity, and IT infrastructure support. StarNest is dedicated to enabling technological growth and digital transformation across Azerbaijan.

For more information, visit starnest.io

About GameSummit

GameSummit is a prominent organization in Azerbaijan focused on the development of the gaming industry. Through events like Gamesummit Winter and Summer Editions, it creates opportunities for local game studios, promotes innovation, and raises awareness about career prospects in gaming and esports.

For more information, visit gamesummit.ai