Xsolla partners with StarNest to launch game development academy in Azerbaijan 

Games commerce company Xsolla has partnered with telecommunications firm StarNest and Azerbaijan’s Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) to establish the Xsolla StarNest Academy and Incubator Program.

The academy will train 90 young individuals in game development and introduce an incubation program in 2025 to support local game studios. It will also offer mentorship from international experts, financial resources, and opportunities to exhibit at global game showcases. 

Efforts are underway to secure a dedicated facility for the academy. Xsolla is also considering establishing its regional headquarters in Baku to act as a technology hub for Central Asia. 

A new milestone 

The strategic collaboration is aimed at empowering local developers, game designers, and studios with training, incubation and accelerator programmes to position Azerbaijan as a key player in the global games industry. 

“This partnership represents a significant milestone for Xsolla as we collaborate with Azerbaijani leaders to unlock the region’s potential," said Xsolla SVP of global strategic partnerships Rytis Joseph Jan. 

“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.”

The IDDA's head of innovation ecosystem department Yevgeniya Bikmurzina added: “This collaboration opens up extensive opportunities for implementing joint projects that will drive the development of Azerbaijan's gaming sector. Azerbaijani game studios will have access to the tools and resources needed to make a mark in the global market.”

Before its efforts in Azerbaijan, Xsolla signed an MOU with Busan Metropolitan City to establish Busan as a global game development hub and to set up its Asia-Pacific (APAC) headquarters in the South Korean city. 

Elsewhere, Xsolla has recently partnered with Uzbekistan's IT Park through another MOU to support the local games industry by launching the Xsolla IT Park Academy in 2025.