Uzbekistan wants to become the leading tech hub in Central Asia

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are pursuing ambitious plans to establish themselves as leading technology centers in Central Asia. To achieve this goal, both countries are increasingly focusing on attracting international investors, startup founders and technology companies looking for new growth regions outside the established tech markets. An important step in this direction was the premiere of the Global Tech Weekend Tashkent 2026, which brought together startups, investors, entrepreneurs and technology leaders from Central Asia and international markets and developed into one of the largest innovation and technology events in the region. The three-day festival was organized in cooperation with IT Park Uzbekistan and underlined the country's ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for technology, digital innovation and entrepreneurship. Tashkent showcases its growing startup ecosystem The Global Tech Weekend included more than 40 events and activities, including startup competitions, demo days, mentoring sessions, investor meetings, roundtable discussions on artificial intelligence, e-sports events and community gatherings. Hundreds of speakers and thousands of participants discussed venture capital, AI technologies, startup funding and the development of innovation ecosystems in emerging markets. A special focus was placed on the event "Roots: Local Strategies for Investment and Business Creation in Central Asia", where founders and investors discussed the next growth phase of the regional innovation economy. At the same time, local start-ups were given direct access to international investors, mentors and technology experts. The event reflected the growing international interest in Uzbekistan's startup scene. In recent years, the country has developed into one of the most dynamic technology markets in Central Asia thanks to a young population, growing digital infrastructure and increasing investment in entrepreneurship. Investors rediscover Central Asia Speaking to media representatives, Nodo Ivanidze, co-founder of Global Tech Weekend, explained that Uzbekistan is one of the most exciting technology markets in the region today. "We chose Tashkent because Uzbekistan is rapidly becoming one of the most promising technology markets. We were impressed by the level of talent, creativity and openness," said Ivanidze. In his opinion, Central Asia benefits from several factors at the same time: a young population, comparatively low market saturation and reform programs that specifically promote international investment. "Investors who ignored the region just a few years ago are now observing it very closely. The economic fundamentals are right and the first investors are already achieving attractive returns," he explained. The active role of state institutions is also a key success factor. The IT Park Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Digital Technologies in particular not only provide organizational support for the ecosystem, but also actively promote its international visibility. "This institutional support gives international investors confidence and signals stability as well as a clear strategic direction," emphasized Ivanidze. The next step: from momentum to concrete results Despite the positive development, Ivanidze sees the biggest challenge now as turning the current momentum into long-term economic success. "Uzbekistan already has events, institutions and enormous energy. Now it is a matter of building sustainable structures, promoting business deals and further strengthening the links between founders and investors," he said. International technology events could help to connect local entrepreneurs directly with global capital and reduce the distance between emerging markets and large investors. Ivanidze was particularly impressed by the high level of professionalization of Uzbek founders. "I expected ambition, but not this level of preparation. The founders knew their markets, had a track record of success and asked very specific questions," he explained. He was also surprised by the quality of the local players in accelerators, innovation centers and technology programs. "The gap between Tashkent and established international technology centers is closing much faster than many assume," he said. According to Ivanidze, investors are increasingly looking for new growth regions, as many established technology markets are already highly competitive and returns there are declining. With around 36 million inhabitants, a young population, a growing digital infrastructure and an investor-friendly reform policy, Uzbekistan has exceptionally good conditions. The organizers of the Global Tech Weekend therefore see their activities as a long-term commitment. The aim is to build sustainable networks between technology companies, investors and innovators. "Tashkent has all the prerequisites to develop into an important technology and innovation center in Central Asia," said Ivanidze. "This year's event was just the beginning. We look forward to returning in 2027 with an even bigger platform and stronger international participation." The post Uzbekistan aims to become Central Asia's leading tech hub appeared first on ostwirtschaft.de.