UZBEKISTAN IS THE OFFICIAL HOST OF THE CENTRAL ASIA REGIONAL FINALE

PART OF ICT WEEK 2025

We are proud to announce that the inaugural Central Asia Regional Finale of the Global Startup Awards will take place on the September 23, 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as part of ICT Week - a national event hosted by our official Country Partner, IT Park Uzbekistan.

The Regional Finale itself is being organized in collaboration with IT Park, underscoring our joint commitment to spotlighting innovation across Central Asia.

With its rich cultural heritage, rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, and commitment to digital transformation, Uzbekistan is fast becoming a regional powerhouse for technology and entrepreneurship. It’s the perfect setting to gather and celebrate the most visionary startups and ecosystem leaders from across Central Asia.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 by StartupBlink, Uzbekistan has emerged as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in Central Asia, ranked 2nd in the world by growth rate, and has entered the Top 100 global startup ecosystems for the first time. The country reached 98th position in the global rankings, driven by strategic reforms, increased investment activity, and the rise of leading tech players like Uzum. Tashkent also made a remarkable leap, solidifying its position as a regional innovation hub.

The Central Asia Regional Finale will shine a spotlight on bold changemakers driving the future of business, technology, and innovation across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

This milestone event will unite the region’s top entrepreneurial talent, fostering new connections, cross-border collaboration, and collective ambition to shape a stronger, more connected startup ecosystem.

Our heartfelt thanks go to IT Park Uzbekistan, whose leadership and unwavering support for local and regional innovation have made this landmark event possible.

More than a competition, this celebration marks a pivotal moment for Central Asia’s startup movement - a global stage where creativity, resilience, and bold ideas take center spotlight.

Stay tuned as we count down to an unforgettable celebration of innovation.