Uzbekistan and Finland discuss IT startup cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a working visit to the Republic of Finland, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov visited Maria 01, one of the country’s largest startup and innovation hubs.

During the visit, he held talks with Sarita Runenberg, where the sides discussed the development of the startup ecosystem between Uzbekistan and Finland, expansion of innovation cooperation, and the implementation of joint initiatives in the field of information technology.

Particular attention was given to cooperation between IT Park Uzbekistan and Maria 01.

The discussions covered prospects for Uzbek startups entering European and Scandinavian markets, as well as attracting international venture capital.

The sides also considered the possibility of launching joint acceleration and mentoring programs for startups aimed at supporting technological entrepreneurship.

The meeting further addressed potential areas of cooperation, including the study of Finland’s experience in developing innovation infrastructure and improving mechanisms for supporting startup ecosystems in Uzbekistan.

Following the talks, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening direct ties between the startup communities of the two countries and organizing joint investment and educational initiatives in the future.