Uzbekistan aims to become Central Asia's leading tech hub
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have ambitious plans to establish themselves as Central Asia’s leading technology hubs. To achieve this goal, both countries are increasingly focusing on attracting international investors, startup founders, and technology companies seeking new growth regions outside of established tech markets.
A key step in this direction was the premiere of Global Tech Weekend Tashkent 2026. The event brought together startups, investors, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders from Central Asia as well as international markets, and has become one of the region’s largest innovation and technology events.
The three-day festival was organized in collaboration with IT Park Uzbekistan and underscored the country’s ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for technology, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Tashkent showcases its growing startup ecosystem
Global Tech Weekend featured more than 40 events and activities, including startup competitions, demo days, mentoring sessions, investor meetings, panel discussions on artificial intelligence, esports events, and community gatherings.
Hundreds of speakers and thousands of participants discussed venture capital, AI technologies, startup financing, and the development of innovation ecosystems in emerging markets.
A special focus was placed on the event “Roots: Local Strategies for Investment and Business Building in Central Asia,” where founders and investors discussed the next phase of growth for the region’s innovation economy. At the same time, local startups gained 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 emerged as one of Central Asia’s most dynamic technology markets, thanks to a young population, growing digital infrastructure, and increasing investment in entrepreneurship.
Investors Rediscover Central Asia
Speaking with media representatives, Nodo Ivanidze, co-founder of Global Tech Weekend, explained that Uzbekistan is now one of the most exciting technology markets in the region.
“We chose Tashkent because Uzbekistan is rapidly developing into one of the most promising technology markets. We were impressed by the level of talent, creativity, and openness,” said Ivanidze.
In his view, Central Asia is benefiting from several factors simultaneously: a young population, relatively low market saturation, and reform programs specifically designed to promote international investment.
“Investors who ignored the region just a few years ago are now watching it very closely. The economic fundamentals are sound, and early investors are already achieving attractive returns,” he explained.
Another key success factor is the active role played by government institutions. In particular, IT Park Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Digital Technologies not only provide organizational support to the ecosystem but also actively promote its international visibility.
“This institutional support instills confidence in international investors and signals stability as well as a clear strategic direction,” emphasized Ivanidze.
The Next Step: From Momentum to Concrete Results
Despite the positive developments, Ivanidze now sees the biggest challenge as transforming the current momentum into long-term economic success.
“Uzbekistan already has events, institutions, and tremendous energy. Now the focus is on building sustainable structures, facilitating business deals, and further strengthening the connections between founders and investors,” he said.
International technology events could help connect local entrepreneurs directly with global capital and bridge the gap between emerging markets and major investors.
Ivanidze was particularly impressed by the high level of professionalism among 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 local players in accelerators, innovation centers, and technology programs.
“The gap between Tashkent and established international technology hubs is closing much faster than many suspect,” 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 a population of around 36 million, a young demographic, a growing digital infrastructure, and investor-friendly reform policies, Uzbekistan offers exceptionally favorable conditions.
The organizers of Global Tech Weekend therefore view their activities as a long-term commitment. The goal is to build sustainable networks between technology companies, investors, and innovators.
“Tashkent has all the prerequisites to develop into a major technology and innovation hub in Central Asia,” said Ivanidze. “This year’s event was just the beginning. We look forward to returning in 2027 with an even larger platform and stronger international participation.”
