We are proud to announce that the inaugural Central Asia Regional Finale of the Global Startup Awards will take place this September in Uzbekistan during the region's biggest event ICT Week.- hosted in collaboration with IT Park Uzbekistan.

 

With its rich cultural heritage, rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, and commitment to digital transformation, Uzbekistan is fast becoming a global 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 and Startup Genome, Uzbekistan has been recognised 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, 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.

 

The competition will feature nominations in the following categories:

 

• Accelerator/Incubator Program
• Founder of the Year
• Diversity Model of the Year
• Best Newcomer
• Ecosystem Hero of the Year
• Investor of the Year
• Best Coworking Space
• Healthtech Startup of the Year
• Youth Startup of the Year
• Startup of the Year
• Greentech Startup of the Year
• Fintech Startup of the Year

 

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.

 

GSA: numbers that speak for themselves

 

In its 12 years of existence, the Global Startup Awards have formed the world's largest independent platform for recognising innovation and technology entrepreneurship. Here are a few facts about the scope and impact of the competition:

 

• 12 years in the global startup ecosystem
• 19 regions of coverage around the world
• 154 participating countries
• 16 unicorn companies previously featured among the nominees
• More than 160,000 nominations submitted since launch
• More than 822,000 public votes for startups and entrepreneurs
• GSA-affiliated unicorn companies have a combined valuation of $64.4 billion

 

These figures confirm: participation in the GSA is not just a competition, but part of an international movement shaping the future of technology business.

 

Stay tuned as we count down to an unforgettable celebration of innovation in Uzbekistan this September.