Startups in Uzbekistan are increasingly considering international accelerators as a means to enter global markets, attract investment, and scale their ventures. These programs provide access to mentorship, investment networks, and global ecosystems. According to Stanford University Professor Ilya Strebulaev, these very accelerators most frequently invest in startups which later attain unicorn status — with valuations exceeding $1 billion. Below is an overview of 10 leading accelerator programs and guidance on how to apply.  

 

The data is drawn from a study by Professor Ilya Strebulaev of Stanford University. In his research, he identified the number of unicorn startups that had passed through the following major accelerators: Y Combinator — 101, Plug and Play — 40, 500 Global — 39, Techstars — 24, Capital Factory — 18, StartX — 10, Idealab! — 7, MassChallenge — 6, Neo — 5, betaworks — 5.

 

Y Combinator is the largest and one of the most influential startup accelerators globally. Its alumni include Airbnb, Stripe, Coinbase, DoorDash, and Dropbox. The program is conducted offline in San Francisco, spans three months, and runs four times per year. Participants receive seed funding, access to a vast network of mentors and investors, and comprehensive support throughout all stages of development.

 

Application deadline: August 4 at 8:00 PM (Pacific Time)

 

Submit application

 

Plug and Play Tech Center is an international platform offering acceleration programs in more than 60 locations worldwide. Among the companies that have completed the program are PayPal, Dropbox, and LendingClub. Programs are tailored to specific industries (fintech, logistics, healthcare, etc.) and may last from three to twelve months.

 

Since 2022, Plug and Play has maintained an official presence in Uzbekistan and implements its programs in collaboration with IT Park Uzbekistan. The Uzbek office has successfully completed four batches to date. A detailed overview of the most recent batch can be found in this article.

 

Additionally, startups led by members of the Uzbek diaspora abroad, or those operating outside Uzbekistan, have the opportunity to apply to Plug and Play’s global programs. This represents a valuable opportunity for teams to enter international markets, benefit from expert mentorship, and scale their ventures globally.

 

Applications are accepted year-round.

 

Register

 

500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is a global accelerator working with international teams. Its notable alumni include Canva, Credit Karma, Grab, and Talkdesk. The four-month program offers investment, mentorship, and comprehensive preparation for Demo Day. 500 Global has offices in the United States, Eurasia, MENA, and other regions.

 

Application deadline: October 11, 2025 (Batch 36)

 

Register

 

Techstars is a global network of startup accelerators operating in more than 10 cities, with remote participation options available. Among its alumni are SendGrid, DigitalOcean, and Remitly. The program spans 13 weeks and provides investment, access to an international network of mentors, and support in go-to-market strategies.

 

Application deadline: Temporarily closed

 

Program page

 

Capital Factory is a startup platform headquartered in Austin, Texas (USA). Its model emphasizes long-term support: rather than traditional acceleration, participants receive ongoing access to infrastructure, mentorship, and partner programs. Notable alumni include Cart.com, Beamery, and ZenBusiness.

 

Application deadline: Open year-round

 

Submit application

 

StartX is a non-profit accelerator affiliated with Stanford University and is open exclusively to founders connected to the university (students, alumni, faculty). The program runs for 10 to 12 weeks and does not require equity. Residents include Lime, Patreon, and Truepill.

 

Application deadline: Open year-round

 

Submit application

 

Idealab! is a venture studio based in Pasadena, California, known for launching companies such as Overture, GoTo.com, and NetZero. It does not operate as a traditional accelerator, but rather functions as a closed studio where companies are developed internally and external applications are not accepted.

 

Application deadline: Closed to external applicants

 

Studio website

 

MassChallenge is an international accelerator with offices in Boston, Israel, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Texas. The four-month program distinguishes itself by not requiring equity participation. Alumni include Ginkgo Bioworks.

 

Application deadline: Varies by region; intakes occur in batches

 

Learn more

 

Neo is an accelerator and venture community focused on young technical founders. The program includes a three-month bootcamp in Oregon and sessions in San Francisco. Successful alumni include Delv AI, OneSafe, and Dispatch. Applications for 2025 are currently closed.

 

Application deadline: Closed for 2025

 

More information

 

betaworks is a New York-based startup studio and accelerator behind projects such as Kickstarter, Medium, and Tumblr. The program lasts 13 weeks and is conducted in thematic batches (e.g., AI-driven products).

 

Application deadline: Open for Spring 2026

 

Submit application

 

Reimbursement of expenses for international acceleration

 

As part of the state support program for digital startups, IT Park Uzbekistan has introduced a mechanism for reimbursing up to 50% of expenses — up to a maximum of $20,000 — for startups that have participated in international acceleration programs.

 

Eligible expenses for reimbursement include:

• registration fees;
• airfare;
• accommodation.

 

This initiative is designed to support startups in obtaining high-quality international training and scaling their projects abroad.

 

Participation in international accelerators enables Uzbek startups to gain visibility on the global stage and build direct connections with venture capitalists, corporations, and industry experts. For startups affiliated with IT Park Uzbekistan, this presents not only a gateway to new markets but also a strategic tool for enhancing export potential, improving competitiveness, and integrating into the global technological ecosystem.