In 2025, Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem marked a significant milestone by entering the global top 100 startup ecosystems for the first time, rising to an impressive 98th place worldwide. This breakthrough underscores the nation’s rapid transformation into a vibrant technology hub within Central Asia, fueled by ambitious government initiatives, growing venture capital activity, and expanding international partnerships.
Rapid growth and rising global standing
Uzbekistan achieved an extraordinary annual ecosystem growth rate of nearly 90%, one of the fastest-growing rates globally. The capital, Tashkent, experienced a remarkable 132% growth, propelling it into the global top 400 startup cities at 350th place. Within the Asia region, Uzbekistan climbed to 17th position, firmly establishing itself as the second strongest ecosystem in Central Asia, overtaking regional peers like Kyrgyzstan.
Strategic government support and infrastructure
This momentum is driven in large part by strong government commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Central to this effort is the Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, which positions technology and digital transformation as pivotal to the nation’s economic future.
A flagship institution in this ecosystem is IT Park Uzbekistan, established in 2019, which serves as a national technology hub providing startups with infrastructure, mentorship, and access to capital. IT Park also facilitates critical programs such as the IT Visa initiative, launched in 2022, aimed at attracting foreign IT professionals and entrepreneurs by simplifying visa and residency processes.
Further bolstering the ecosystem, Uzbekistan has developed a network of 22 Free Economic Zones (FEZs) offering incentives for startups and investors, alongside government-backed public-private partnerships designed to accelerate growth and foster innovation.
Growing investment and ecosystem players
Tashkent now hosts more than 10 venture capital funds with combined capital exceeding $126 million, and the country’s total startup funding reached approximately $90.3 million in 2024. The emergence of Uzbekistan’s first unicorn, Uzum, highlights the ecosystem’s maturing potential and capacity to scale globally.
Beyond capital, a range of ecosystem players contributes to the country’s dynamism. Local accelerators like StartupFactory provide early-stage support, while educational institutions such as TEAM University nurture entrepreneurial talent, supporting sustainable growth.
International collaboration and globalization efforts
Uzbekistan is also actively connecting its startups to global markets. The partnership between IT Park and the global accelerator Plug and Play introduces Uzbek startups to international networks and investment opportunities.
Innovative programs like Local2Global provide financial support for startups to participate in international events, receive consulting, and accelerate export activities. The Zero Risk Program, developed with the Ministry of Digital Technologies, incentivizes foreign investment through benefits like free office space, technical resources, and payroll support.
Events such as ICT WEEK Uzbekistan 2025, scheduled for September in Tashkent, are becoming critical platforms to showcase local innovation and foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, government officials, and global investors.
Uzbekistan’s rapid rise in the global startup ecosystem rankings signals a transformative era for the country’s tech landscape. Strong government leadership, a growing venture capital presence, supportive infrastructure, and active international partnerships are laying the foundation for Uzbekistan to become a regional and global innovation hub. As the ecosystem continues to mature, Uzbekistan is poised to attract more talent, investment, and successful startups, contributing significantly to the country’s economic diversification and digital future.
