The Digital LevelUP Program, implemented by StrategEast in partnership with Azerbaijan’s Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), has completed its first year of operation, marked by the graduation ceremony of Cohort 3 on December 22, 2025.
Launched as a national IT capacity-building initiative, Digital LevelUP has quickly established itself as one of Azerbaijan’s most competitive and sought-after digital skills programs. Over the course of one year and three cohorts, the program attracted more than 2,500 applications from across the country. Following a selection process, around 500 participants were admitted, with more than 200 successfully completing the program’s intensive, industry-oriented training tracks.
Cohort 3 demonstrated particularly strong demand, receiving 934 applications with nearly equal participation from women and men. A total of 180 candidates were selected to join mentor-led tracks in Data Science, Data Analytics, and DevOps. The cohort began training in September and concluded in mid-December. As a result of consistent participation and performance, 86 students graduated, including 36 in Data Science, 26 in Data Analytics, and 24 in DevOps. Participants also utilized 40 Oracle Professional certification vouchers, further enhancing their international credentials.
The graduation ceremony, held in person at IDDA, brought together program participants, partners, and representatives of Azerbaijan’s digital ecosystem. Opening remarks were delivered by Vusala Gurbanova, Head of the Digital Competencies Development Department at IDDA, who emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership with StrategEast and highlighted the program’s rapid growth and alignment with national digital priorities.
During the event, Leyla Zeynalova, Community Manager at IDDA, introduced graduates to opportunities within the IDDA Alumni Community, underscoring the value of continued engagement, peer learning, and long-term professional networking. Representing StrategEast, Gunay Hajili, Country Manager for Azerbaijan, led a practical session on interview preparation, providing graduates with tools and strategies to support their transition into the technology workforce.
Over its first year, the Digital LevelUP Program has combined structured online learning, live mentorship, and internationally recognized Oracle certification pathways to deliver job-ready digital skills. With the successful completion of Cohort 3, StrategEast and IDDA reaffirm their commitment to developing future-ready digital talent and supporting Azerbaijan’s broader digital transformation agenda.
