On September 26, 2025, the final of Global Startup Awards — Central Asia, the regional stage of the world’s largest competition for startup ecosystems, was held in Tashkent within the framework of ICTWEEK 2025. The event brought together startups from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as leading experts, investors, accelerators, and representatives of the media, establishing itself as a key platform for fostering innovation in Central Asia.
Global Startup Awards (GSA) is the world’s largest platform in the field of innovation and technological entrepreneurship, spanning 154 countries and 19 regions. Since its establishment in 2012, the competition has received more than 160,000 applications and over 822,000 votes, with its alumni including 16 unicorn companies with a combined valuation exceeding $64 billion.
The program of the final commenced with welcoming remarks from Kim Balle, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Startup Awards:
“We are witnessing a new era of entrepreneurship. Access to technologies, programs, and global networks is no longer restricted to a select few — it is open to many. This democratization is driving innovation, enabling founders to test ideas more rapidly and to scale ecosystems at an unprecedented pace. Today, there is more talent, more support, and more opportunities in the world than ever before, which makes the present moment one of the most favorable times to become a founder.”
Christopher Haley, Head of Research at Startup Genome, delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Central Asian Startup Ecosystem: Emerging Markets Everyone is Looking For”. In his address, he emphasized that Tashkent is demonstrating remarkable progress in the development of its startup ecosystem, with growth outpacing neighboring countries both in deal volume and value.
One of the central highlights of the day was the panel discussion “Central Eurasia: Rising Innovation Hub”, moderated by Bokhodir Ayupov, CEO of IT Park University. The panel featured the participation of Jamila Khalibaeva (IT Park Uzbekistan), Anarbek Utegulov (Astana Hub), George Kezherashvili (GITA), Chubak Temirov (HTP), Masrur Ishanov (Technohub Dushanbe), and Salar Imamaliev (IDDA Azerbaijan).
Jamila Khalibaeva, Global Marketing Director of IT Park Uzbekistan, underscored the country’s rapid growth in IT exports — from $600,000 just a few years ago to nearly $1 billion today — highlighting the critical role of tax incentives and support programs.
Anarbek Utegulov, Head of the “Industry 4.0” Office at Astana Hub, outlined Kazakhstan’s plans to nurture five unicorn companies by 2030 and announced the launch of a $1 billion Fund of Funds.
George Kezherashvili, Head of Technopark Development at GITA (Georgia), presented an international acceleration model designed to support startups in entering global markets.
Chubak Temirov, Deputy CEO of HTP Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the importance of cultural proximity and regional cooperation in scaling entrepreneurial projects.
Masrur Ishanov, CEO of Technohub Dushanbe, cited the success of Zipl.ai as a role model for the entire region.
Salar Imamaliev, Commercial Director of IDDA Azerbaijan, highlighted the country’s priorities in economic diversification, the advancement of education, and the development of international partnerships.
At the Global Startup Awards — Central Asia final in Tashkent, winners were announced across key categories:
The final also featured a fireside chat entitled “Scaling Startups in Emerging Markets”, where participants discussed the challenges and opportunities facing regional startups in their efforts to access global markets.
Asset Abdualiyev, Founder of Silkroad Innovation Hub, noted that entering the U.S. market is hindered by visa barriers, business registration procedures, and the difficulty of securing investors without established networks. His hub supports entrepreneurs in overcoming these obstacles, enabling them to focus on business growth.
Rinata Ilyubayeva, CEO of Tumar Innovation Hub, stressed that the Middle East does not represent a single market; each country has its own regulations and specifics. Startups must take into account cultural and linguistic barriers, but at the same time, the region offers significant opportunities owing to rapid digital transformation and the expansion of venture investment.
The closing address was delivered by Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan:
“Seeing all these startups, I am truly delighted to be here with you today. I am witnessing profound transformations in Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem. When we first embarked on this journey, we could not have imagined achieving such results in just a few years — and I am confident that this is only the beginning. There is still much work ahead. Uzbekistan is home to numerous startups and exceptionally talented individuals — we simply need to work hard. No miracles, no magic — just hard work. And that is the only way we can achieve truly remarkable results.”
For Uzbekistan, hosting the final not only marked recognition of the country’s growing role within the global startup ecosystem, but also provided an opportunity to attract the attention of investors, media, and international experts to the region.
Media partners of the event: Aniq.uz, Daryo.uz, Frank.uz, Kursiv, Nova 24, The Tech, UzbekFintech, Weproject, Vzglyad.uz, Oriat Dono radio station.
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