On October 25, 2025, Femmes Digitales – “Supporting Women in Tech” Public Union successfully held the 11th Regional STARTECH Conference at the Shamakhi ASAN Service Center, bringing together dozens of bright schoolgirls from rural communities eager to discover the world of technology and innovation.
The conference, held with organizational support from “ASAN xidmət” and the Ministry of Science and Education, with the main partner of the program – The Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM). The event was also powered by financial support from Fominov Consulting, B.EST Solutions, and STEP IT Academy. Robotics and AI workshops were delivered by leading industry experts, with Bloom Group providing organizational assistance and InfoCity magazine serving as the information partner. 70–80 schoolgirls aged 12–16 years from Shamakhi and surrounding villages gathered to the program.
The STARTECH 2025 program strengthened girls’ digital literacy and inspired them to explore STEM fields with curiosity and confidence. By combining mentorship, practical sessions, and real-life role models, the event empowered participants to see themselves as future innovators and changemakers in technology, fostering lasting motivation to pursue their ambitions in the digital world.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Elchin Hacagayev, Director of the Shamakhi Regional “ASAN xidmət” Center, followed by motivational talks where mentors shared their personal journeys into the world of technology.
The hands-on “Robotics is for Girls!” workshop powered by STEP IT Academy introduced participants to the basics of robot design and coding. Under the guidance of experienced trainers, they assembled and programmed their own robots.
Another highlight of the day was “AI Adventures in Real Life”, where the girls learned how artificial intelligence is already transforming everyday life and multiple industries. They experimented with distinguishing between real and AI-generated videos, creating prompts, writing lyrics, and composing music using tools such as Sora and other AI platforms. Participants also explored the future of professions, learning which careers are likely to evolve and which may disappear in the age of digital transformation.
Jana Krimpe, Founder and Chairwoman of Femmes Digitales, shared: “Each time we bring STARTECH to a region, we see that the spark of curiosity is everywhere. Here in Shamakhi, the girls impressed us with their creativity and confidence to try something new. When we started Femmes Digitales, our mission was to show that technology belongs to everyone and today, seeing these young girls code, create, and dream big, we know the future of Azerbaijan’s digital ecosystem is in capable hands. What makes STARTECH even more special is that many of our mentors’ own children are now taking part in the program, learning, inspiring, and even helping younger girls, showing how Femmes Digitales has become a true family movement where generations unite through technology and shared values.”
Nuray Temishova, a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Shamakhi, said: “Today was a very meaningful day for me. I loved learning how to build robots and explore artificial intelligence. This program showed me that technology is not just for others, it’s for girls like me too!” Shahla Eyubova, a local schoolteacher, added: “STARTECH was a truly inspiring experience for our students. It helped them believe in their abilities, think creatively, and see how technology can open real opportunities for their future.”
About the STARTECH Regional Program:
Launched in 2016, STARTECH has reached over 3,500 schoolgirls across Azerbaijan, with regional events held in Masalli, Gabala, Guba, Shamakhi, Mingachevir, Lankaran, Ismayilli, Sheki, Nakhchivan, Ganja. The initiative plays a critical role in encouraging girls to pursue vocational and higher education in ICT fields through mentorship, real-life examples, and interactive learning.
