Uzbekistan to launch a startup contest with a $5 million fund

Starting from April 2027, Uzbekistan will begin hosting the Land of Startups international startup competition with a total prize fund of $5 million. The corresponding resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 593 was adopted on October 28, 2026.

The competition will take place annually and is designed to attract foreign startup projects and their founders to the country, accelerate technology transfer, and develop Uzbekistan as a regional startup hub.

The document was adopted pursuant to Presidential Decree No. PP-59 dated February 11, 2026, "On measures to introduce a comprehensive startup support ecosystem."

The competition will cover five areas: artificial intelligence technologies; digital solutions in the social sector, including education, healthcare, and public services; financial technologies; creative industries and the development of computer and mobile games; and solutions for business and industry.

Each of the 25 winning teams will be eligible to receive investments of up to $200,000 from the venture fund under the IT Park directorate. The funds will be allocated after completing a due diligence process.

The resolution also amends the operational rules of IT Park.

In particular, the requirement for mandatory integration of accounting and measurement tools in the field of automation developed by IT Park residents with the information systems of tax authorities is revoked.

In addition, the directorate of IT Park is exempted from the obligation to submit tax and statistical reporting, as well as information on conducted training courses in the field of information technology.

The list of permitted activities for IT Park residents is being expanded. It will now include the production and sale of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence devices, micro- and nanoelectronics, intelligent robots, as well as the activities of business angel clubs.