CENTRAL ASIA’S BRIGHTEST MINDS LIT UP TASHKENT FOR A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

26 Sept

The energy was electric in Tashkent on 26th of September, 2025, as the GSA Central Asia Regional Awards Ceremony – Edition 11 took place for the very first time.

As part of ICT Week 2025, this inaugural celebration brought together the brightest founders, boldest ideas, and most passionate changemakers from across the region.

Hosted in collaboration with our Country Partner, IT Park Uzbekistan, the awards unfolded at the stunning Central Asian Expo Centre (CAEx), right next to the Olympic stadiums — a fitting venue for a night that felt like a milestone in the region’s startup journey.

Youth, Tech & a Growing Culture of Entrepreneurship

A recurring theme of the evening was the rise of youth entrepreneurship. With Uzbekistan’s young and ambitious population leading the way, a new cultural narrative is taking shape.

One where innovation, IT, and digital solutions are becoming the backbone of progress.

Startups aren’t just building companies here, they’re shaping the future economy, driving opportunity, and putting Central Asia on the global innovation map.

At GSA, we are proud to celebrate this momentum and to stand alongside the next generation of builders driving a new wave of entrepreneurial energy and tech-driven growth.

Central Asia’s Brightest Ideas Take the Stage

Eight countries were part of this regional competition — Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, competing across 13 categories.

From health tech to fintech, green innovations to youth-led ventures, the evening shone a spotlight on the creativity and resilience of Central Asia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

81 regional finalists competed for the coveted titles, and by the end of the night, 13 winners were crowned. These champions will now carry the region’s pride to the Global Finals in 2026.

THE WINNERS ARE

BEST COWORKING SPACE -
ololo

**Ololo** took home this edition’s regional title as **Best Coworking Space**. The award was presented by **Anarbek Utegulov** from **Astana Hub.**

**Ololo** is a creative hub and workspace collective in **Kyrgyzstan**, blending work, community, and lifestyle. From freelancers to startups, it offers coworking spaces, offices, coliving, and resorts — a place to live, connect, and find daily inspiration.

WEBSITE

ECOSYSTEM HERO OF THE YEAR -
Rakhimakhon Nugmanova

**Rakhimakhon Nugmanova** won this edition’s regional title as **Ecosystem Hero of the Year**. The award was handed over by **Chris Haley** from **Startup Genome.**

**Rakhimakhon** is the CEO and founder of **INCODA**, developing gamified tools to teach programming in Uzbek, Russian, and English. A **University of Illinois** graduate, she has presented at **Stanford** and **Inha**, and through INCODA has empowered thousands of children—especially girls and rural youth—via AI-powered learning and inclusive hackathons across Central Asia.

diversity role model OF THE YEAR - Assem Bolatzhan

**Assem Bolatzhan** won this edition’s regional title as **Empowerment Champion of the Year.**

**Assem Bolatzhan** is the **CEO of Women in Tech Kazakhstan**, **Advisor to the Minister of Digital Development**, and **Founder of the Qazaq IT Community**. A leading Fintech and E-commerce expert, keynote speaker, and *Women in Tech of the Year Kazakhstan* awardee, she champions digital transformation and women’s empowerment — both in tech and beyond.

FOUNDER OF THE YEAR -
Akmaljon Musaev

**Akmaljon Musaev,** ran with this edition’s regional title as **Founder of the Year**. The award was handed over by **Mustafa Kopuk** from **DOMiNO Ventures.**

**Akmaljon Musaev** leads **Hyperapp**, driving innovation through cloud-native solutions. With expertise in software development, cloud architecture, and product strategy, he turns complex ideas into scalable, user-focused applications and inspires teams to deliver excellence.

HEALTHTECH STARTUP OF THE YEAR - Aidentis

**Aidentis** ran with this edition’s regional title as **Best Healthtech Startup of the Year.** The award was handed over by **Rinata Ilybaeva** from **Tumar Innovation Hub**.

**AIDENTIS** is transforming dentistry with AI-powered imaging that delivers precise diagnostic reports in just one minute. Its cloud platform helps clinics and educators detect anomalies with up to 95% accuracy, boosting doctor confidence and patient trust. Already used in dozens of clinics, AIDENTIS combines speed, accuracy, and transparencybringing the future of dental diagnostics to todays practice.

WEBSITE

STARTUP OF THE YEAR -
Hyper App

**Hyper App** ran with this edition’s regional title as **Startup of the Year**. The award was handed over by **Masrur Ishanov** from **Techno Hub Dushanbe.**

**Hyperapp** is a cloud-first software studio dedicated to crafting ambitious digital experiences. By combining clean architecture with modern technologies, they help startups and enterprises build scalable, user-centered products. Whether you’re launching a new app or optimizing complex systems, Hyperapp turns ideas into reliable, elegant solutions.

WEBSITE

PEOPLE’S CHOICE -
EduAI

**EduAI** won this edition’s regional People’s Choice. The award was handed over by **Ata Arguder** from **Academia Park London.**

**EduAI** is the first international AI-driven research program connecting students, educators, and young researchers across Uzbekistan, Central Asia and the world.

WEBSITE

a celabration to remember

The night wasn’t just about awards. It was about connection — founders, investors, and ecosystem builders networking, sharing stories, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

The evening showcased the energy, ambition, and optimism driving Central Asia’s startup scene.

With the first-ever GSA Central Asia Regional Awards Ceremony the region has officially joined the global conversation on innovation and entrepreneurship.

The winners will now move forward to compete on the Global Stage in 2026.