Business and Innovation Center for Urban Housing to Open in Baku as Part of WUF13

As part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku, a Business and Innovation Hub will be presented, aimed at promoting innovative approaches in the field of housing provision.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this hub, through its special program, will highlight practical solutions, implementation methods, and partnerships covering all stages of the urban development process (value chain).

Within the framework of the WUF13 theme "Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements," the hub will facilitate the development of approaches to overcoming the global housing crisis. The main focus is on issues of innovation, investment, and practical implementation.

The main objectives of the Business and Innovation Hub are to demonstrate practical housing provision mechanisms and create a platform for effective cooperation and coordination. The program will bring together representatives of the private sector and other stakeholders working on innovative solutions in the field of housing provision and basic services.

The Urban Development Value Chain in Action

At the Business and Innovation Hub venue, 15 sessions will be held on the topic "Practical Application of the Urban Development Value Chain."

During interactive sessions, it will be demonstrated how sustainable urban development and adequate housing provision are advancing through real projects and practical experience implemented by partners, companies, and business associations. The hub, reflecting the private sector in all its diversity, will cover a wide range of participants — from large companies to small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and business associations — and will highlight new approaches to addressing challenges of innovation, technology, and urban development.

The hub will also facilitate exchanges between cities, investors, and practitioners applying their knowledge in practice, helping to transform ideas into implementation-oriented approaches and strengthening cooperation within the urban development value chain.

Support for Startup Projects and New Entities

In addition, the Business and Innovation Hub will feature a dedicated space — the Startup Pavilion — designed to showcase innovations by newly established companies and young entrepreneurs.

This pavilion features 14 startup projects selected from 10 countries around the world, and its goal is to give new organizations a voice and highlight ideas for addressing housing construction and urban planning challenges.