Baku: The semi-final stage of the 'Azercell Cup - 2026' programming competition has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in the event's aim to inspire school students to explore digital technologies while enhancing their programming and algorithmic thinking skills.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, a total of 211 students participated in the semi-final, collectively submitting 2,339 solutions. These submissions were evaluated using the competition's automated judging system. From the participants, 160 students who scored 200 points or more have earned a place in the competition's final stage. The final, which will be held in person, is scheduled for September 26, 2026.

The 'Azercell Cup', now in its fifth iteration, focuses on promoting programming skills, algorithmic thinking, and digital competencies among 6th and 7th grade students across Azerbaijan. A primary objective of the competition is to identify talented students early, providing support for their preparation for international Olympiads in informatics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity through specialized training programs.