Artificial Intelligence Institute to Be Established at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University

On January 28, the Academic Council of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University adopted a decision to establish an Artificial Intelligence Institute under the university.

According to the decision, the institute’s main purpose is to provide scientific support for the implementation of the 2025–2028 Artificial Intelligence Strategy, contribute to strengthening national security, support technological sovereignty, and improve efficiency in public administration.

The new institute is expected to be located in SABAH.city, on the territory of the High Technologies Park.

 

Main Research Areas

The institute’s activities will cover several key areas of the modern artificial intelligence ecosystem:

• computer vision and robotics;
• development of large language models for the Azerbaijani language;
• safe artificial intelligence systems;
• statistical learning and data analysis.

These areas are highly important for the development of artificial intelligence technologies in the country, the creation of local solutions, and the wider use of AI in various sectors.

Establishing an Institute Is Only the First Step

The establishment of the institute is an important initiative. However, the main challenge is not limited to buildings, equipment, or technical infrastructure.

Each of the listed fields requires qualified instructors who can provide students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills through real-world projects.

Buildings can be constructed, laboratories can be established, and equipment can be purchased. However, specialists who can explain complex fields such as computer vision, robotics, large language models, and safe artificial intelligence in a clear, structured, and practical way cannot be trained overnight.

The Main Shortage in the Market: Instructors Who Can Explain Knowledge Clearly

One of the main challenges observed during corporate artificial intelligence training is precisely this issue. The scarcest resource in the market is not only algorithms, software, or technology.

The real shortage is of instructors and trainers who can explain complex topics clearly, connect theoretical knowledge with real business and technology projects, and guide learners toward practical results.

Creating a curriculum is possible. Adding topics, modules, and assignments to a training program is also relatively easy. Finding an instructor who can make that curriculum work in a live classroom, answer students’ questions, and lead them toward measurable outcomes is far more difficult.

A Strong Institute Requires Strong Human Capital

The success of the Artificial Intelligence Institute will depend not only on its technical infrastructure but also on the quality of its human capital.

To achieve this, it will be important to:

• involve both local and international experts in the teaching process;
• develop continuous professional development programs for instructors;
• establish cooperation between universities, government institutions, and the private sector;
• ensure students participate in real projects;
• connect scientific research with practical applications.

A decision to establish an institute can be made during a single meeting. However, developing the specialists who can deliver high-quality education and produce real results takes years.

For this reason, alongside the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Institute, the training of qualified instructors and researchers should also be treated as one of the main priorities.