No startup can thrive on an isolated island. Behind every successful project stands a robust ecosystem—a network of accelerators, investors, government support, universities, and experienced mentors. In recent years, Uzbekistan has emerged as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in Central Asia.
To better understand the difference between a startup and a traditional business, visit our pillar article: What is a startup, and how does it differ from a traditional business?
1. Key components of a startup ecosystem
- Founders and talent pool: Idea creators, software engineers, and business leaders.
- Capital and investors: Angel investors, venture capital funds, and accelerators.
- Infrastructure and incubators: IT Park, IT academies, and coworking spaces.
- Government and regulation: Tax incentives, legal framework, and regulatory sandboxes.
Uzbekistan IT Park residents are guaranteed the following tax incentives through 2040: Corporate Tax — 0%, VAT — 0%, Customs Duties — 0%, and Personal Income Tax — 7.5%. Additionally, the President Tech Award feature a total prize pool of $5 million.
2. Major ecosystem players in Uzbekistan
- Venture funds and accelerators: Plug and Play Uzbekistan, AloqaVentures, UzVC, Yoshlar Ventures, United Ventures, Imkon Ventures.
- Startup competitions and grants: President Tech Award ($5M), mGovAward, Startup Initiatives.
- Successful local startups: Uzum, Iman, Zypl.ai, MyID, Didox, Joymee, Depozit.uz.
Read our guide on becoming an IT Park resident: Registering a startup in Uzbekistan and joining IT Park. Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, making today one of the most opportune times to launch a venture.
