Baku State University (BSU), in cooperation with the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, the Azerbaijan community of the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC), and Caspian Event Organisers, held the “R.M 90” programming competition.

The competition was dedicated to the legacy of Ramin Mahmudzade, Azerbaijan’s first programmer, recipient of the “Shohrat” Order, and former BSU associate professor. Its aim was to pass his legacy on to the younger generation, strengthen students’ knowledge and skills in programming, and identify new talents.

The event began with the national anthem and a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

In his opening remarks, BSU Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations, Huseyn Mammadov, emphasized that fostering competitive human capital and an innovation-driven environment is among the national priorities outlined in “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development.” He stressed that BSU aims to remain a leading university in the country and become a world-class science and education hub in the region. Computer and programming sciences are priority fields at BSU, with a modern Digital Research Laboratory in place. He noted that the “R.M 90” competition aligns with these goals and wished success to participants.

Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Vusal Khalilov, shared memories of Ramin Mahmudzade, highlighting his role in establishing the first programming classes in the 1970s and preparing Azerbaijan’s first international programming competition participants after independence. He underlined that the competition also resonates with the Central Bank’s “2024–2026 Financial Sector Development Strategy,” which prioritizes digital finance initiatives, innovation, cybersecurity, and resilience of financial markets.

Shahin Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, noted that the competition also contributes to the implementation of the “Digital Development Concept of the Republic of Azerbaijan” and will introduce Azerbaijani winners at the ICPC 2025 World Finals, to be held in Baku for the first time.

A video dedicated to Ramin Mahmudzade’s life and contributions was screened, followed by speeches from Fuad Hajiyev, Director of the 49th ICPC World Final, and Etibar Seyidzade, Director of ICPC Azerbaijan Community, who highlighted the importance of the contest in fostering knowledge, discovering new talents, and expanding cooperation among programmers.

The competition then began, with around 50 students from different universities solving special programming tasks within four hours.

Following the automated evaluation process, the top three winners will be awarded special prizes and certificates at the ICPC 2025 World Finals in Baku (August 31 – September 5, Baku Convention Center).

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