The final of Global Startup Awards — Central Asia took place in Tashkent as part of ICTWEEK 2025

On September 26, 2025, the Global Startup Awards — Central Asia, the regional segment of the largest global competition for startup ecosystems, took place in Tashkent as part of ICTWEEK 2025. This event gathered startups from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, alongside prominent experts, investors, accelerators, and media representatives, solidifying its role as a vital platform for promoting innovation in Central Asia.

The Global Startup Awards (GSA) is recognized as the largest global platform dedicated to innovation and technological entrepreneurship, encompassing 154 countries and 19 regions. Since its inception in 2012, the competition has attracted over 160,000 applications and garnered more than 822,000 votes, with its alumni including 16 unicorn companies collectively valued at over $64 billion.

Keynote Addresses

The final's program began with opening 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, presented a keynote titled “Central Asian Startup Ecosystem: Emerging Markets Everyone is Looking For.” In his speech, he highlighted Tashkent's significant advancements in developing its startup ecosystem, noting that its growth is surpassing that of neighboring countries in both deal volume and value.

Panel Discussion: Central Eurasia — Rising Innovation Hub

A key feature of the day was the panel discussion titled “Central Eurasia: Rising Innovation Hub,” which was moderated by Bokhodir Ayupov, CEO of IT Park University. The panel included contributions from 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, emphasized the swift increase in the country’s IT exports — rising from $600,000 a few years ago to nearly $1 billion today — and pointed out the vital role played by tax incentives and support programs.

Anarbek Utegulov, Head of the “Industry 4.0” Office at Astana Hub, shared Kazakhstan’s ambitions to foster five unicorn companies by 2030 and announced the establishment of a $1 billion Fund of Funds.

George Kezherashvili, Head of Technopark Development at GITA (Georgia), introduced an international acceleration model aimed at assisting startups in penetrating global markets.

Chubak Temirov, Deputy CEO of HTP Kyrgyzstan, highlighted the significance of cultural proximity and regional collaboration in scaling entrepreneurial initiatives.

Masrur Ishanov, CEO of Technohub Dushanbe, referenced the success of Zipl.ai as an exemplary model for the entire region.

Salar Imamaliev, Commercial Director of IDDA Azerbaijan, underscored the country's focus on economic diversification, educational advancement, and the cultivation of international partnerships.

Winners of the final

During the Global Startup Awards — Central Asia final in Tashkent, winners were revealed across key categories:

Fireside chat: challenges and opportunities for startups in global markets

The final also included a fireside chat titled “Scaling Startups in Emerging Markets,” where participants examined the challenges and opportunities that regional startups encounter in their pursuit of global market access.

Asset Abdualiyev, Founder of Silkroad Innovation Hub, remarked that entering the U.S. market is obstructed by visa restrictions, business registration processes, and the challenge of attracting investors without established networks. His hub aids entrepreneurs in navigating these challenges, allowing them to concentrate on business development.

Rinata Ilyubayeva, CEO of Tumar Innovation Hub, emphasized that the Middle East does not function as a singular market; each nation has its own regulations and unique characteristics. Startups must consider cultural and linguistic barriers, yet the region presents substantial opportunities due to rapid digital transformation and the growth of venture investment.

The closing remarks were made 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 initially set out on this journey, we could not have envisioned achieving such outcomes in merely a few years — and I am certain that this is just the beginning. There remains a considerable amount of work to be done. Uzbekistan boasts a plethora of startups and exceptionally skilled individuals — we simply need to put in the effort. No miracles, no magic — just diligent work. That is the sole path to attaining truly extraordinary results.”

For Uzbekistan, hosting the finale not only signified acknowledgment of the country's expanding role in the global startup ecosystem but also offered a chance to draw the attention of investors, media, and international experts to the region.

Media partners for the event included: Aniq.uz, Daryo.uz, Frank.uz, Kursiv, Nova 24, The Tech, UzbekFintech, Weproject, Vzglyad.uz, and Oriat Dono radio station.