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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Azerbaijan
Winners were announced at the Award Ceremony.
Winner
After a successful 13-year career, Gulbaniz was inspired to launch a company that not only tackles complex challenges, but also supports local talent and businesses. Princeps Legem offers a comprehensive range of services from consulting to workforce development, supporting major industry players. Gulbaniz attributes much of her success to the strong representation of women, who make up 80-85% of her team. As her business grows and enters new markets, she remains committed to her values —integrity, excellence, and meaningful social impact.
Tertium non datur
Innovation nomination
Bahruz Rustamov, the CEO of Upsystems, an IT consulting firm specializing in Robotics Process Automation (RPA) and Intelligent Automation (IA). As a Platinum Authorized Reseller Partner of Automation Anywhere—an industry leader in RPA— Upsystems empowers organizations to drive efficiency through AI-based automation solutions. Under Bahruz’s leadership, Upsystems focuses on transforming business processes by leveraging AI-powered software bots to automate repetitive tasks, thereby enhancing productivity and customer experience. The firm offers end-to-end services, from identifying automation opportunities and conducting feasibility studies to implementing robust automation solutions and providing ongoing training and support.
We don’t rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.
Regional Development nomination
Driven by a personal mission to bridge the healthcare gap between Baku and underserved regions, Elchin transformed a 3,500 m² building into a modern medical center offering a wide range of services while also creating job opportunities for the local community. In 2024 alone, the hospital performed surgeries across multiple specialties, including eye surgery, urology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, ENT, and more. With cutting-edge equipment and a dedicated team of specialists, the hospital has become a lifeline for critically ill patients.
Success is shaped by vision, innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit
Driving Force in the Industry nomination
The company is the first in Azerbaijan to offer a fully integrated suite of QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) services with comprehensive solutions ranging from engineering and technical support to maintenance and final certification. Spektr Group is also the only company in Azerbaijan accredited by the ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board), enabling it to serve as a certified training provider. Under Kamran’s leadership, Spektr Group is rapidly expanding, with new offices planned for Kazakhstan, Dubai, and Uzbekistan.
Custom solutions to complex industrial demands.
Woman-Led Entrepreneurial Excellence nomination
Sabina is reshaping the real estate industry in Azerbaijan by helping developers bring bold ideas to life. SDA Consulting provides expert guidance in both residential and commercial property development, locally and internationally. The Company offers tailored and profitable solutions through in-depth investment analysis and end-to-end services, ranging from concept development to project completion. Sabina's leadership is based on two key principles: love what you do and always strive for excellence.
Every challenge leads to discovery and discovery fuels growth.
Arzu is the founder of Abfarma who transformed his childhood fascination with the therapeutic properties of Naftalan oil into a thriving business. Established in 2005, Abfarma produces medical and cosmetic products including shampoos, soaps and therapeutic creams and exports them to markets in Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Georgia. With decades of expertise, an innovative approach and purpose-driven leadership, Abfarma has positioned itself as a global brand.
We're spreading healing across the globe.
From launching an IT startup during his university years to leading the growth of GuavaLab, Fakhri has driven innovations in the fintech sector of Azerbaijan. GuavaLab specializes in IT development, QA testing, and creative solutions that fuel advancements and serves as the IT development provider for Guavapay, a trusted partner for financial technology offerings. Under Fakhri’s leadership, GuavaLab has experienced impressive growth, expanding from a team of just 6 to over 250 employees. Alongside introducing flexible banking services in Azerbaijan, GuavaLab is strategically expanding into new international markets.
Success begins with ideas and actions
Farrukh Bakhshiyev is the CEO of ALS Global Transport, a company specializing in cargo transportation and freight forwarding. With a strong focus on digital transformation, Farrukh aims to create a world-class logistics hub to modernize Azerbaijan’s logistics sector and strengthen its infrastructure. ALS Global Transport collaborates with major companies in the country and is recognized by reputable organizations for its contributions to the industry.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do
Under his leadership, Neon Agency has quickly established itself as a top-tier digital marketing firm, renowned for its innovative approach and creative solutions that engage audiences and deliver measurable results. Neon Agency partners with industry-leading clients to deliver a comprehensive range of services, including strategic planning, branding, digital marketing, creative design, content creation, and data analytics.
Dedication and patience are key to success
Sabina made a bold leap from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, launching Bloom Group just months before the pandemic hit. While many event companies struggled, she leveraged her global marketing expertise to create engaging online events, turning challenges into opportunities. Bloom Group is a full-service marketing and event agency, specializing in branding, PR, digital marketing, content creation, influencer campaigns, and turnkey events. With 18 full-time employees and a strong presence in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the UAE, Sabina leads with purpose and innovation.
My approach is turning challenges into opportunities, leading with passion, staying true to my values and driving meaningful change.
What began in 2020 as a family investment in a single laser machine has grown into a successful beauty business, driven by Saidanur's hard work and strategic vision. At just 21, she took full ownership of the business, opened a salon in the city center, and overcame various challenges.
If no one dares, it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. If everyone follows, it doesn’t mean it’s right
With a background in engineering, event management, and project leadership, Shaig took on the challenge of transforming his family’s business. At the time, AzeriExpress operated under franchise names lacking a distinct identity. Through digital innovation, branding, and PR, he turned it into Azerbaijan’s leading courier company. Today, AzeriExpress is the country’s largest private postal service and the official FedEx representative, delivering parcels domestically and internationally.
With every setback, you're one step closer to success