IT Park Uzbekistan at Web Summit Qatar 2025: New Horizons for Startups

From February 23 to 26, 2025, IT Park Uzbekistan, as part of the delegation of the Ministry of Digital Technologies led by Rustam Karimjonov, took part in the second edition of Web Summit Qatar — one of the world's largest events for startups, investors, and technology leaders. The summit convened over 25,000 participants from 124 countries, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange, partnership development, and discussions on the future of technological innovation.

Web Summit stands as one of the most prominent annual IT conferences globally, bringing together industry leaders, startup founders, and investors to deliberate on the future of technology and innovation. Established in 2009 in Dublin, the conference is held across multiple locations worldwide. Its thematic scope encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects, including internet technologies, startups, fintech, e-commerce, machine learning, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data. The event attracts executives from Fortune 500 companies, startup representatives, and distinguished industry experts. 

IT Park Uzbekistan presented a national pavilion showcasing promising startups operating in artificial intelligence, fintech, EdTech, and other domains. The delegation included innovative projects such as Tuzuk, Unitlab AI, Datageze, and BITO, which were afforded the opportunity to present their solutions to an international audience.

Opportunities for Startups: Key Outcomes of Web Summit Qatar 2025

Participation in International Acceleration and Incubation Programs

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)

During a meeting with Jack Lau, CEO of Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), discussions centered on the potential participation of Uzbek startups in the Global Innovation Link program, which offers a fully funded two-week visit to Qatar, enabling participants to engage in training and knowledge-sharing activities.

Furthermore, the QSTP team arranged a guided tour of their facilities, providing the IT Park delegation and startup representatives with insights into the park’s resources and entrepreneurial support mechanisms.

Orbit Startups

A meeting with Mr. William Bao Bean, CEO of Orbit Startups, focused on investment opportunities and mentorship programs tailored for Uzbek startups. Mr. Bean elaborated on Orbit Startups’ operational model, which is designed to support early-stage startups and facilitate their scaling efforts.

Following the meeting, William Bao Bean conducted personalized mentoring sessions with Uzbek startups, including Tuzuk, Unitlab AI, Datageze, and BITO, providing them with strategic recommendations to advance their projects.

EdVentures VC

The IT Park Uzbekistan delegation also held discussions with Dalia Ibrahim, CEO of EdVentures VC, to explore avenues for the development of Uzbek startups.

During the dialogue, Ms. Ibrahim proposed adapting EdVentures’ EdTech acceleration program to accommodate Uzbek startups, thereby granting them access to educational resources and investment opportunities.

Meeting with Khalid Al-Tattan, 1K Leaders

The delegation engaged in a meeting with Khalid Al-Tattan, a renowned expert in startup ecosystem development within the MENA region. Mr. Al-Tattan outlined four strategic partnership directions aimed at fostering closer ties between Uzbekistan and Bahrain in the realms of entrepreneurship and technological advancement. These included networking sessions, the launch of incubation programs in Uzbekistan, the enhancement of government-to-government (G2G) cooperation, and the strengthening of universities' roles within the startup ecosystem.

Tenity

During their visit to Qatar, IT Park representatives held discussions with İlayda Bahadıroğlu, a representative of Tenity. The delegation presented its vision for the development of Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem and explored potential collaborations in acceleration and incubation program customized for the local market. Ms. Bahadıroğlu expressed keen interest in further examining this initiative, with subsequent steps to be coordinated in forthcoming meetings.

It’s Prodigy

As part of the summit’s business agenda, the delegation convened a meeting with Sano Musab Hijazi, Chairman of It’s Prodigy. IT Park representatives provided an overview of ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at bolstering the startup ecosystem in Uzbekistan. Discussions explored avenues for collaboration, including expanding the company’s presence in the Uzbek market and facilitating the engagement of Italian startups with the local ecosystem. Mr. Hijazi expressed enthusiasm for advancing this partnership and acknowledged the significant potential for future cooperation.

Opportunities for Investment Attraction

Doha Tech Angels

During the meeting, Ms. Sara Daniel, CEO of Doha Tech Angels, provided valuable insights into the organization’s investment strategy, outlining its key areas of focus and the typical size of investment transactions. 

Ms. Daniel expressed a readiness to facilitate a visit by venture capital investors to Uzbekistan to gain a deeper understanding of the local startup ecosystem. Furthermore, an agreement was reached regarding the provision of project selection criteria, which IT Park will submit for consideration. 

Leo Capital

Venture financing opportunities were discussed with Mr. Shwetank Verma, a representative of Leo Capital. He outlined the fund’s investment priorities and provided details on the scale of investment deals. During the discussion, Mr. Verma expressed interest in Uzbek startups and indicated a willingness to review their pitch decks with the potential for investment. This engagement presents a significant opportunity for local projects to attract international capital and achieve new levels of growth.

Rasmal Ventures

A meeting was held with Mr. Angus Peterson, a partner at Rasmal Ventures, to discuss the prospects of investing in Uzbek startups. Mr. Peterson provided an overview of the fund’s key investment criteria and expressed a readiness in assessing projects developed by Uzbek entrepreneurs. To facilitate further analysis, the IT Park delegation submitted relevant pitch decks, thereby opening new avenues for attracting venture capital and accessing international markets.

Karawani & Co

Expanding into international markets necessitates not only financial investment but also robust legal support. In this regard, Mr. Raed Karawani from Karawani & Co shared his extensive expertise in corporate consulting, financial structuring, and business scaling strategies. During the discussions, he highlighted potential areas for collaboration and expressed a willingness to assist in establishing connections with leading investors in the region. Further negotiations will continue, unlocking new prospects for the advancement of Uzbek startups.  

Expansion into International Markets

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

As part of the visit to the Qatar Financial Centre, the delegation of IT Park and participating startups engaged in a constructive dialogue with QFC representatives. The discussions encompassed key topics such as the registration of legal entities in Qatar, incentives available to Web Summit participants, and key legal considerations. Uzbek startups received detailed information on matters related to double taxation, regulatory frameworks, and market entry strategies.  

The meeting concluded with a networking session, facilitating connections between the startups and QFC representatives, thereby laying the groundwork for prospective collaboration.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB)

During the meeting with Mr. Khalid Abdullah Al-Mana, Vice President of QDB, discussions focused on supporting 50 Uzbek startups through the Startup Qatar initiative and the Talents Residency program for entrepreneurs.

Proposals included the establishment of a startup support center in Uzbekistan and the pilot implementation of biometric identification systems in Qatar. A preliminary agreement was reached to support 50 Uzbek startups under the Startup Qatar program.

TEAMO

The delegation met with Mr. Sohaib Malik, founder of TEAMO, to explore opportunities for assisting technical professionals in securing employment across 50 countries. The IT Park delegation shared details about government initiatives aimed at supporting IT specialists. In response, Mr. Malik expressed strong interest in forging a partnership to connect Uzbek IT talent with international career prospects.

Algeria Venture

The engagement with Algeria Venture, represented by Mr. Mouloud Khelif and Ms. Lamis Bousboula, was dedicated to the exchange of expertise in fostering startup ecosystems across both nations. Mr. Khelif proposed establishing a partnership between IT Park and the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Micro Enterprises of Algeria to enhance support for startups and streamline market entry processes.

Outcomes and Future Prospects

The participation of IT Park Uzbekistan in Web Summit Qatar 2025 underscored the increasing global interest in Uzbekistan’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. The series of meetings and agreements established during the event are poised to unlock new opportunities for educational initiatives, investment attraction, and market expansion, thereby reinforcing Uzbekistan’s position as an emerging technology hub on the international stage.