Uzbekistan showcased its growing IT potential at GITEX GLOBAL 2025

The delegation from IT Park Uzbekistan, headed by CEO Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, participated in GITEX GLOBAL 2025, recognized as one of the largest global platforms for technology and innovation. In addition to their exhibition presence, representatives from IT Park engaged in a series of strategic discussions with international IT firms, accelerators, and venture capital funds.

The primary focus of these discussions revolved around enhancing IT services exports, supporting startups in Central Asia, and attracting investments.

Central Asian Innovation Hubs and the Unlocking Central Asia Conference

A significant highlight of Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL was the Unlocking Central Asia conference, which was organized by IT Park Uzbekistan in collaboration with Astana Hub. This event attracted over 120 representatives from technology companies, venture funds, accelerators, and IT organizations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.

At the conference, the Tumar Innovation Hub—a new startup platform established through a partnership among IT Park Uzbekistan, Astana Hub, and White Hill Capital—was officially launched. This platform is designed to foster the regional startup ecosystem, initiate international acceleration programs, and draw investment into Central Asia.

In his speech, CEO Abdulakhad Kuchkarov underscored the rapid growth of Uzbekistan’s IT ecosystem, highlighting the benefits of tax incentives, administrative simplifications, and robust infrastructure available to member companies. He also introduced the Digital Startups Scale-Up Program, which is being implemented in Dubai to assist Central Asian startups in preparing for entry into international markets and establishing connections with venture funds in the MENA region.

The panel discussion titled “Bridging Regions, Building Futures: Central Asia–MENA” received particular attention, during which Mr. Kuchkarov elaborated on IT Park’s initiatives to support startups, boost export capabilities, and strengthen strategic alliances with foreign technology hubs.

Following the conference, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed among IT Park Uzbekistan, Astana Hub, Al-Farabi Innovation Hub, and 1More Thing. This memorandum outlines collaborative efforts to support startups, develop investment instruments, and launch innovative projects that will enable Central Asian companies to penetrate MENA markets.

Furthermore, with the backing of the DIFC Innovation Hub, Investor’s Day was organized, marking the inaugural event under the Tumar Innovation Hub initiative.

Ten regional startups showcased their projects to investors and corporations during a pitch session that attracted over 20 representatives from venture funds and major companies across the MENA region. Consequently, five startups received invitations to pursue discussions regarding potential collaboration and investment.

Under the unified brand Central Asian Innovation Hubs, IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub jointly exhibited solutions from startups such as Geomotive, Gleon, BRB Tech, Delever, Fleetroot, IOKA, Finflow, eXpace, Alem, and Qulla.ai. This stand emerged as one of the most frequented at the exhibition, capturing the interest of investors and representatives from international corporations.

The IGNYTE Challenge Final: Regional Startup Achievement

In collaboration with DIFC Innovation Hub, the final stage of the IGNYTE Challenge Demo Day was held at GITEX Global, featuring over 400 projects focused on financial inclusion and AI-driven public services.

Five startups advanced to the final: Ai On The Fly Technologies, Platma, Dhahaby, InvoiceMate, and ConfirmU. The winner, Dhahaby, introduced an innovative solution aimed at enhancing public access to digital financial services within the financial inclusion sector.

The company was awarded a $10,000 grant from IGNYTE Platforms to establish an office in Uzbekistan. This decision by the international startup to set up operations in the country further highlighted the increasing interest of foreign companies in Uzbekistan’s innovation ecosystem.

Enhancing International Collaboration

During a working visit to Dubai, the IT Park delegation, led by CEO Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, engaged in a series of strategic meetings with international companies and organizations focused on developing export potential, supporting startups, and strengthening partnerships throughout the MENA region.

IFZA Business Park: Supporting Startups and Exporting IT Services

In a meeting with IFZA CFO Holger Schlechther and Head of Partnerships Carla Naji, the parties explored opportunities for collaboration in IT services export, establishing branches of Uzbek companies in the UAE, and providing support for startups on an international scale.

Founded in 2018, IFZA is among the largest free economic zones in the UAE, offering businesses flexible registration conditions, tax incentives, and a robust business infrastructure.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): Development of Regional Initiatives

Discussions with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the organizer of GITEX, centered on IT Park Uzbekistan’s involvement in upcoming GITEX events, including GITEX Central Asia 2026. The parties explored possibilities for co-hosting events, enhancing the participation of Uzbek IT firms, and exchanging knowledge on organizing international exhibitions. Both parties committed to ongoing collaboration to further elevate Uzbekistan’s IT ecosystem on the global platform.

Established in 1979, DWTC is the largest exhibition organization in the UAE. The center annually hosts significant events such as GITEX Global, Gulf Food, and Arab Health, drawing over three million participants from across the globe. In addition to its activities in the Middle East, DWTC is actively forging partnerships in Asian and African markets, positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and technological cooperation.

LikeCard: Opening a Branch in Uzbekistan and Expanding into CIS Markets

A meeting with representatives from fintech company LikeCard, led by Business Development Manager Anatoliy Trofimov, was a highlight of the visit. The company affirmed its plans to establish a branch in Uzbekistan, which will function as a regional hub for the CIS countries. In this regard, IT Park Uzbekistan will support the company in recruiting IT talent, handling legal registration, and securing member status.

Founded in 2016 in the UAE, LikeCard is a prominent fintech firm specializing in digital payments and card issuance, providing solutions for both individual and corporate users in the realm of online transactions and digital ecosystems. The company is actively broadening its footprint in the MENA region, and the opening of an office in Uzbekistan represents a significant advancement in solidifying its presence throughout Central Asia and the CIS.

MiCZON: Establishing an Office and Outsourcing Development in Uzbekistan

MiCZON has confirmed its plans to open a branch in Uzbekistan and acquire IT Park member status. The parties discussed the establishment of an outsourcing center that will unite a team of developers and technical support personnel. They also explored potential collaborations with Uzbek universities and IT training centers to foster workforce development.

MiCZON is an international IT firm with an annual revenue exceeding $20 million and a workforce of approximately 250 employees. It specializes in system integration, enterprise software development, and cloud services.

The company is actively engaged in Asia and the Middle East, offering digitalization services for the financial, industrial, and public sectors.

Zag Technology: Collaborating on FinTech and Digital Solutions

In a meeting with Zag Technology, the participants reviewed the company's intentions to set up a representative office in Tashkent and initiate collaborative projects in FinTech, mobile application development, and intelligent banking platforms. The company showed interest in recruiting Uzbek IT professionals for projects aimed at international clients.

Zag Technology is a tech firm with an annual revenue of around $10 million and a workforce of 150 employees. It focuses on creating digital solutions for financial institutions, retail, and logistics, employing cutting-edge methods in cybersecurity and business process automation.

Missan Global: Growth and Establishment of an Engineering Center

Missan Global also confirmed its intention to open an office in Uzbekistan and join IT Park. During discussions, the parties explored the potential for creating an engineering center dedicated to software development and offering DevOps, QA, and systems analysis services to international clients.

Missan Global is a technology firm with an annual revenue of $12 million and a workforce exceeding 200 employees. It delivers digital consulting services and develops enterprise solutions and platforms in e-commerce, FinTech, and data management.

Ace Management Concepts: Investment and Outsourcing in Business Consulting

Ace Management Concepts indicated its willingness to establish a representative office in Uzbekistan and engage in investment projects related to business process outsourcing and consulting. Conversations centered on the benefits of IT Park’s jurisdiction, including tax incentives, streamlined registration processes, and access to a skilled workforce.

Ace Management Concepts is an international consulting firm with an annual turnover of approximately $8 million and a team of 100 professionals. The company offers services in digital transformation, financial management, and project consulting, serving clients across the MENA and South Asia regions.

Cybertronics: Innovation Center and Collaboration in Cybersecurity

The meeting with Cybertronics concentrated on fostering collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and industrial process automation.

The company is contemplating the creation of an innovation center in Uzbekistan focused on research and development initiatives.

Cybertronics is a global technology integrator with an annual revenue of approximately $15 million and a workforce of 180 employees. Its areas of expertise include cybersecurity, industrial automation, and the deployment of AI-driven solutions.

New International Partnerships

Additionally, the IT Park delegation conducted meetings with Core42, Monty Capital, HUB71, HRSG, HLB Hamt, DXC Technology, and StarzPlay. Representatives from these organizations underscored Uzbekistan’s potential as a burgeoning IT outsourcing center and expressed a desire to forge partnerships. The discussions encompassed potential collaboration areas such as cloud technologies, enterprise solutions, venture investment, and educational programs.

After the meetings, the companies highlighted Uzbekistan’s strategic benefits, including governmental support for the IT sector, robust infrastructure, and favorable business conditions. Five companies—MiCZON, Zag Technology, Missan Global, Ace Management Concepts, and Cybertronics—have already declared their plans to commence operations in Uzbekistan, which will create over 300 new jobs and generate IT service exports estimated at around $4 million in the first year.

The outcomes of the visit to the United Arab Emirates represented a significant milestone in enhancing IT Park Uzbekistan’s international partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for its members. The agreements established provide a foundation for attracting investments and partners from MENA countries, broadening IT services exports, initiating joint acceleration programs, and incorporating international startups into Uzbekistan’s ecosystem.

These efforts bolster the country’s status as a regional hub for digital technologies, aid in the development of its outsourcing capabilities, generate new job opportunities, and elevate Uzbekistan’s profile on the global innovation landscape.