EDITION 11 - REGIONAL FINALE

GSA - CENTRAL ASIA

UZBEKISTAN AS THE OFFICIAL

HOST NATION

For the first time in Global Startup Awards history, we are gathering the brightest minds, boldest startups, and most inspiring ecosystem builders from across Central Asia in one unforgettable location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

This regional finale, powered by IT Park Uzbekistan, marks a new chapter for GSA, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in the dynamic Central Asian startup scene.

Tashkent is emerging as Central Asia’s beating heart of entrepreneurship.

With its rapidly developing tech infrastructure, youthful energy, and strategic location, it’s the perfect backdrop for a regional finale that’s all about building bridges and unlocking opportunity.

In Tashkent, you’ll find:

  • A fast-growing innovation and startup ecosystem.

  • Rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

  • A crossroads between East and West.

  • Incredible local cuisine, sights, and sounds.

WHY TASHKENT?

ICTWEEK Uzbekistan is one of the largest and most influential events in the field of information technologies in the region.

Held annually since 2004, ICTWEEK brings together a series of specialized events under one unified platform.

This year’s edition will be especially significant as it will also host the inaugural Central Asia Regional Finale of the Global Startup Awards, marking a historic first for the region.

This special collaboration will spotlight the most promising startups and ecosystem leaders from across Central Asia, further positioning Uzbekistan as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

PART OF ICT

WEEK 2025

Finalists from across the region, along with key ecosystem stakeholders, including investors, accelerators, government partners, industry experts, and innovation leaders, are scheduled to meet and attend this special finale.

It’s a unique opportunity to strengthen regional connections, spark new partnerships, and celebrate the innovation shaping Central Asia’s future.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

SDG-ALIGNED

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

RECOGNIZING IMPACT-DRIVEN INNOVATION

The categories that the startups and ecosystem builders are competing in are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure we highlight initiatives that contribute to long-term, responsible progress.

Each category reflects a specific aspect of innovation and aims to recognize those working on practical solutions to real-world challenges.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES -
STARTUPS:

Startup Of The Year

  • A startup that inspires the next generation of founders by positively impacting the economy and the world in general. It should have a product and/or service that is already a success on the market, disrupting its industry with an innovative approach.

    • The startup must showcase significant industry innovation, disrupting market norms for substantial change.

    • Highlight positive economic and societal impact, including job creation and sustainability initiatives.

    • Outline clear plans for scalability, growth strategies, target markets, and future milestones.

    • Emphasize the founding team's quality, diversity, and expertise in driving innovation.

    • Demonstrate consistent and sustainable monthly recurring revenue for financial viability.

BEST HEALTH TECH STARTUP

  • A startup that is strategically positioned to transform the healthcare sector through cutting-edge technology and innovative business models, positively impacting lives.

    • Clinical Efficiency Enhancement: Innovations improving clinical workflows and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.

    • Patient-Centric Engagement: Solutions fostering active patient involvement and satisfaction in their healthcare journey.

    • Revolutionary Medical Devices: Impactful, unique devices transforming patient care and treatment outcomes.

    • Comprehensive Digital Health Solutions: Bridging gaps and improving access to quality care through digital innovations.

    • AI-Driven Predictive Analytics: Personalized interventions for disease prevention and optimized treatments.

    • Innovative Fitness & Wellness Solutions: Promoting healthier lifestyles and preventive care through novel approaches.

      🌎 The startup's solution should align with at least:

    • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, optionally also:

    • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

best newcomer

  • A startup up to 2 years of age with the potential to become Startup of the Year in the future. Its product and/or service is already on the market on a path to disrupt its industry and positively impact the economy and the world.

  • All criteria of the Startup of The Year apply except for the age of the startup. The startup must be a maximum of 2 years of age (calculated from the establishment date until public nominations open).

BEST FINTECH STARTUP

  • For startups leveraging technology in areas like e-commerce, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, directly impacting payments, lending, insurance, investments, or data analytics. These startups introduce novel approaches and disruptive technologies, transforming traditional financial practices and earning recognition for reshaping the industry.

  • Startup solution should match with at least one of the following:

    • Financial Services Integration: by offering products or services that directly impact financial activities, such as payments, lending, insurance, investments, or data analytics.

    • Technological Focus: The startup centers its operations around technology to innovate in e-commerce, mobile-commerce, blockchain, cryptocurrency, insurtech, or big data markets within the financial sector.

    And, the Startup must:

    • Introduce novel approaches, business models, and technologies to improve or disrupt traditional financial practices within the market segments above.

Best greentech STARTUP

  • A startup that focuses on providing innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and have a positive impact on energy efficiency and waste reduction. This could be implemented in industries such as energy, transportation, sustainable agriculture, logistics, or SCM, with a commitment to reducing carbon footprint and promoting overall environmental well-being.

    • The startup's solution should disrupt norms, reduce energy consumption, promoting renewables, or optimizing processes for environmental benefit.

    • The startup's solution should have a positive environmental impact, such as carbon footprint reduction, energy savings, or waste minimization.

    🌎 The startup's solution should align with at least one of the following UNSDGs:

    • Goal 6: clean water and sanitization,

    • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities,

    • Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy,

    • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,

    • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,

    • Goal 13: Climate Action.

    • Goal 14: Life Below Water or

    • Goal 15: Life on Land

BEST YOUTH STARTUP

  • A startup with at least one founder under the age of 26 (On the day that public nominations open) with the potential to become Startup of the Year in the future. Its product and/or service should already be on the market and on a path to disrupt its industry and positively impact the economy and the world.

  • All criteria of the Startup of The Year apply in addition to having at least one founder under the age of 26 (On the day that public nominations open).

COMPETITION CATEGORIES -
INDIVIDUALS:

founder of the year

  • A startup founder or co-founder who has shown strong leadership skills and achieved exceptional business results while also being an inspiration to their team and a role model for the next generation of founders.

  • The individual must be a founder or co-founder of a startup with a maximum of 5 years in age (calculated from the establishment date until public nominations open).

diversity role model of the year

  • An individual distinguished by exceptional role-model achievements and a notable commitment to empowering women and underrepresented groups to become founders, investors, and leaders within the local and international startup ecosystem.

    • An individual must perform their activity in the country that they are participating in, having a regional outreach/global impact is a plus. Additionally, they should be:

    • An individual who leads a specific organization and/or performs an activity to promote and enable more women and/or members of underrepresented groups to become professionals in the startup and innovation ecosystem.

    • Or, a woman or a member of an underrepresented group who is a leader/founder/entrepreneur who is leading a journey that is driven by innovation and impact.

    • 🌎 The applicant's leadership strategy should align with SDG Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

ecosystem hero of the year

  • An individual with a remarkable commitment to entrepreneurship and impactful contributions in nurturing startup growth and fostering collaboration. An individual who is a visionary spirit, actively shaping the entrepreneurial landscape by supportive and innovative initiatives.

    • The Ecosystem Hero of The Year must be an individual who leads a specific organization and/or performs an activity with exceptional dedication and impact in fostering entrepreneurship, nurturing startup growth, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders within the entrepreneurial landscape.

    • The individual must perform their activity in the country that they are participating in.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES -
ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT ENTITIES:

VC of The Year

  • An organization, or an entity that allocates capital with the expectation of generating a financial return while driving a positive impact on the Regional and Global levels.

  • The investor must be established in the country from which they are applying in the competition.

BEST ACCELERATOR/
INCUBATOR program

  • An Accelerator/Incubator Program that foster entrepreneurial ventures through fixed-term, cohort-based initiatives, etc.. These programs provide essential tools, resources, mentorship, and expertise,

  • The Accelerator/Incubator Program must be established in the country from which they are applying in the competition.

Best coworking
space

  • A co-working space that provides its services, support, and resources to fast-growth startups, and for creating a culture and an environment that fosters innovation and focuses on positively impacting the world.

  • The co-working space must be established in the country from which they are applying in the competition.

AUDIENCE-BASED CATEGORY:

people’s choice

  • Any applicant who has been announced a finalist in any of the categories above receives an automatic nomination to this category. The winner is the applicant with the highest number of accumulated public votes.

  • Collect the highest number of accumulated public votes.

WHO WILL TAKE THE

GLOBAL STAGE?

The Central Asia Regional Finale will reveal the standout startups, founders, and ecosystem players chosen as this Edition’s winners.

These are the individuals and teams who are pushing boundaries in their fields - and they’ll go on to represent Central Asia at the Global Startup Awards in February 2026.

  • STARTUP OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST NEWCOMER


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST HEALTH TECH STARTUP


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST FINTECH STARTUP


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST GREENTECH STARTUP


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • VC OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST ACCELERATOR/INCUBATOR PROGRAM


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • BEST COWORKING SPACE


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • FOUNDER OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • DIVERSITY ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • ECOSYSTEM HERO OF THE YEAR


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

  • PEOPLE'S CHOICE


    REGIONAL WINNER - EDITION 11

POWERED BY

GLOBAL STARTUP

AWARDS 2025