The Government of Azerbaijan has made a significant capital investment through which ADA University has been building a world-class campus. The government’s strong financial support during the launch years has also ensured the university’s continuous promise to quality. ADA University’s goal, instead, is to ultimately become self-sufficient, to help meet the needs of the Azerbaijani people through research and learning. This will be made possible by a permanent endowment fund. Back in 2007, we incorporated two foundations: one in Azerbaijan and one in the United States. These foundations are non-profit organizations, also serving as endowment-building arms of the university. Since then, we have built and managed a modest endowment in both countries.
The ADA University Foundation is dedicated to supporting ADA University's mission of cultivating highly intellectual solution providers. We develop strong connections and establish a model collaboration between the university and industry to achieve this objective.
In addition to bringing a noticeable impact to the community, partnering with the ADA University Foundation offers sponsors greater visibility and recognition opportunities to solidify their standing in the ecosystem and among key groups. By forming a partnership, businesses can promote their brand and contribute to the social responsibility with ADA University, the rapidly expanding higher education institution in Azerbaijan.
ADA University and “Azerenergy“ signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2019 to initiate collaborative endeavors. Supported by the ADA University Foundation, the MOU features the training of senior personnel in the domain of electrical engineering and strengthens the sector's potential.
Furthermore, under the Memorandum, the ADA University Foundation and “Azerenergy” have reached an agreement to provide tuition fee scholarships to fifteen selected students (valid for the following five years) who have completed dual-degree diplomas in electrical and electronics engineering from the ADA University and a prestigious foreign university.
The key to a successful partnership lies in open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to long-term collaboration. Therefore, the students of the Master of Science in Electrical and Power Engineering jointly offered by ADA University and George Washington University who had recently returned from D.C., paid a visit to “AzerEnergy“, where they engaged in a discussion with the organization's president, Mr. Baba Rzayev, regarding their aspirations for the energy sector's advancement.
ADA University Foundation and its sponsors come together for a collaborative effort to contribute to the nation, in line with the philanthropic traditions of Azerbaijan and in honor of the visionary Azerbaijani educators who founded the Gazakh Teachers' Seminary, which is carrying on the legacy of the Gori Teachers' Seminary. Firudin Bey Kocharli, the Azerbaijani enlightener and founder of Azerbaijan literary historiography, and his mission aide, his wife Ms. Badisaba Kocharli (mainly recognized as “Badisaba ana” or “Mother Badisaba” due to her remarkable services) took a mission and relocated the Azerbaijani branch of Gori Teachers' Seminary in 1918. ADA University Foundation embraced their mission, and encouraged its philanthropic partners to forge a commitment to breathing a second life into the Gazakh Teachers' Seminary. On October 1, 2021, ADA University Foundation and sponsors, “Regional Development” Public Union of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, NEQSOL Holding, and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed an Agreement of intent to jointly implement the restoration and reconstruction works of the Gazakh Teachers' Seminary. This document highlights that ADA University's historical mission of restoring and reconstructing the Seminary is a commendable example of a successful public-private partnership in Azerbaijan.
The first ADA University Alumni Forum abroad was held in Budapest in 2022. On November 6, the first ADA University Alumni Forum was held at the premises of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Hungary. The event was held on the eve of Azerbaijan's Victory Day and attended by more than 100 guests, including Azerbaijani and foreign graduates of ADA University living in Europe, the head of the Department of Diplomatic Academy of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the representatives from the diplomatic corps, including the ambassadors of Türkiye and Georgia. The head of the Representation Office of the Organization of Turkic States in Hungary and delegations from academic centers were also among the guests. The ADA University Foundation contributes to fostering a strong sense of community among graduates by supporting alumni forums held in Baku and abroad.
ADA University's Career Week is along-awaited event of the year for students and alumni. It’s a week filled with events, workshops, and seminars that aim to shed light on job market, and recent and upcoming labor trends. The Career Week is designed to provide training and workshop series that are supported by various industry partners. This initiative educates students about current career trends. Supported by ADAF and organized by ADA University Career Services, the event hosts over 100 companies/organizations that provide numerous internships and career opportunities to 1,000+ ADA University students and alumni. Career Week held at ADA University is a tradition organized on an annual basis that serves as a cooperation bridge between industries and young talents.
Over the last ten years, it has become a proud mission for ADA University to celebrate student success and showcase their intellectual capacity and career readiness for the competitive job market.
“Empower girls: Invest in education” project provides mentorship, educational resources, and skill development to empower school girls in orphanages, fostering resilience and self-confidence. We provide a financial support to the girls studying at sixth grade of boarding school until their admission to university. Besides a financial support, we offer a moral backup to girls by involving them in diverse sessions conducted by top professionals and celebrities. This is how we strive to empower girls through educational accumulation.
In alignment with its mission to address climate action, this partnership actively supports endeavors aimed at shaping a sustainable future for recent and next generations. The tree-planting campaign, organized in collaboration with the ADA University Foundation, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, contributes to the restoration of balance in our ecosystems. The goal of this action is to further enhance the ecological culture and foster a sense of responsibility towards nature while also encouraging society to actively participate in tree-planting initiatives. What is next for us? To effectively address the current global water scarcity challenge. Why water resources? Water is a vital source of life. Therefore, we aim to actively encourage the efficient utilization of water resources and raise awareness among communities about the significance of water conservation. We strive to inspire behavioral changes and cultivate a sense of responsibility toward using water resources. While Azerbaijan is celebrating hosting COP29, the ADA University Foundation is continuing its efforts to safeguard the environment.
Within the "Idea Incubation Program" jointly initiated by ADA University Foundation and Azercell, students started working on the development of their innovative ideas with the support of professionals. Within the program, a group of 20 team members were chosen to participate in mentoring sessions and seminars led by both local and international experts. The high-caliber professionals from Azercell and the experienced faculty members of ADA University offered students valuable opportunities to gain knowledge and practice in entrepreneurship. The sessions on topics such as 'Business diversification strategy' and 'Technological solutions in the field of education and sports', etc., provided valuable insights into the effective management of startup projects. ADAF and Azercell cultivate young talents who will contribute country's startup ecosystem.
As of 2019, ADA University, ADA University Foundation, Coca-Cola Company, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and AzEkol LLC started a joint project, "Təmiz Ölkəm," promoting the recycling of plastic waste. This eco-project addresses littering concerns not only in the capital Baku but also in regions of Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on recycling plastics and raising awareness about protecting the environment. It encourages society to consume plastic bags rationally based on minimum demand.
The project's implementation was mainly comprised of two directions:
Within the promo campaign on promoting plastic recycling, the specially designed bins were fixed on the pedestrian side of Formula 1, a road-course race held in Baku. We introduce a model of collaboration through diverse projects with our partners.
ADA University Volunteers Movement comprised of students, as well as University staff members, collected inorganic trash, plastic bottles, polystyrenes and other kind of wastes from the Mardakan beach within the "Təmiz Ölkəm" recycling project implemented jointly by ADA University, ADA University Foundation (ADAF), the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, AzEkol LLC and the Coca-Cola Foundation. Following the clean-up of the beach area, the volunteers had an opportunity to visit the AzEkol LLC company to learn more about the on-site plastic recycling process. We aimed to decrease hazardous pollution caused by anthropogenic activities by keeping in mind that all our green efforts can make a significant impact in preserving the natural environment and saving the beauty of beaches. This campaign was a real showcase of our team spirit.
The event featured representatives from 39 countries who showcased their traditions and cuisine. We brought together delegations from Latin America, Europe, and Asia, creating a bridge between different cultures and reinforcing unity among community members. Over five hundred participants attended the festival, including ambassadors, local and international guests keen on celebrating cultural diversity.
Attendees enjoyed colorful country stands, delicious foods, engaging quiz games, and 15 spectacular musical performances, making the festival an unforgettable experience for the ADA community and guests. The International Festival continues to be a milestone event, promoting cultural understanding and unity at ADA University.
The Annual Baku Summer Energy School, organized by the Institute for Development and Diplomacy of ADA University in partnership with the ADA University Foundation, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), BP Azerbaijan, KOLIN Azerbaijan, Masdar, and other partners, is usually held during the two weeks of July every year. 17 years in a row, participants representing various countries have a chance to discuss challenging issues with the representatives of relevant ministries, who are among the key speakers, along with executives of leading energy companies such as SOCAR, BP, Equinor, Masdar, and many others. The ADA University Foundation and its partners provide a learning platform on the Caspian Basin and a discussion ground on the geopolitics of the region.
The state-of-the-art campus of ADA University annually hosts the "Bahar" (Spring) Youth Festival, one of the University’s landmark events symbolizing the awakening of nature and showcasing Azerbaijan’s cultural values and ADA University’s community spirit. By bringing together students, families, and faculty members, the Festival contributes to the mission of ADA University in fostering a sense of community on campus. Prominent Azerbaijani singers, dancers, and performers mesmerize the guests through their performances and make this Festival more memorable.
ADA University, ADA University Foundation, Global Water Challenge, and Coca-Cola constructed the Groundwater Replenishment System, an instillation to making a significant impact on preserving the environment. The generous support of the ADAF partners in maintaining this facility marks a milestone in the university-industry partnership toward replenishing water, building water-efficient technologies, and gaining new practices. The Groundwater Replenishment System is an innovative concept that provides water purification and transforms wastewater into quality water. Through this System, ADA University Foundation and its partners provide long-terms water supply safety and resilience. This is one of the unique examples of ADAF's action to protect the blue life.
Community education and participation in water source management are crucial in tackling the issue. The ADA University Foundation collaborates with the Institute for Development and Diplomacy to organize a range of workshops and seminars to empower communities with knowledge. Workshops facilitated by water specialists play a vital role in enlightening the audience, sharing best approaches and methodologies, and cultivating a shared sense of accountability towards water resources.