IT Park Uzbekistan and KISED Discuss Expanding Startup Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Korea

The discussions covered opportunities for collaboration in building startup ecosystems, facilitating the global expansion of technology firms, and enhancing connections between entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea.

KISED is a public organization operating under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea, responsible for implementing national initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and support technology startups. The institute provides assistance to companies at different stages of growth, including entrepreneurship training, business launch, acceleration, commercialization, investment acquisition, and international market expansion.

During the meeting, the parties explored the possibility of launching a joint startup exchange and soft landing program for Uzbek companies seeking to enter the Korean market and Korean startups interested in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The program could involve market-entry consulting, mentoring, identification of local partners, and B2B meetings.

Special focus was given to the potential involvement of high-potential IT Park Uzbekistan startup members in international initiatives supported by KISED, such as the K-Startup Grand Challenge, Global Market Expansion Program, K-Startup Centers, as well as exhibition and business matching events.

The parties also examined the possibility of organizing an Uzbekistan–Korea Startup Forum in 2027, involving startups, investors, accelerators, and corporate partners from both countries. They also considered arranging reciprocal business missions to Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea, including B2B meetings, investment sessions, visits to technology companies, and market-entry activities.

Another topic of discussion was the exchange of experience in developing startup ecosystems. The parties considered organizing workshops and educational programs for staff at IT Park Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Digital Technologies, focusing on Korea’s startup support systems, technology commercialization, corporate open innovation models, and the development of innovation infrastructure.

Additionally, the parties discussed utilizing KISED’s network to assist Uzbek startups in building connections with Korean venture capital firms, investors, corporations, and other participants in the technology ecosystem.

After the meeting, the participants pinpointed areas for further development of practical cooperation formats designed to broaden access for startups from both nations to new markets, investment opportunities, and international partnerships.