Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 29–30 July 2025, discussions dedicated to the development of Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem and venture financing were held in Tashkent Region.

The event brought together more than 50 participants, including representatives of government agencies, the private sector, international organizations, investors, startups, and the expert community.

The forum was organized within the framework of a joint project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, titled “Empowering Youth for the Development of the Digital Economy and Digital Entrepreneurship.” The initiative, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is aimed at preparing young people for active participation in the country’s emerging digital economy.

Building Entrepreneurial Skills and Sharing Experience

The first day focused on the practical aspects of building startups. Young entrepreneurs, representatives of incubation and acceleration programs, and international experts discussed market entry strategies, the creation of MVPs and prototypes, marketing issues, and building effective teams. Special attention was given to the challenges faced by startups at the early stages of development.

A panel discussion with representatives of venture funds, the Startup Garage and Venture Fund platforms, and the IT Park of Uzbekistan addressed prospects for co-investment, pre-acceleration initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration between public and private institutions to expand access to financing.

Public–Private Dialogue: Joining Forces for Development

The highlight of the second day was a Public–Private Dialogue (PPD) session attended by more than 40 representatives of ministries, investment funds, accelerators, startups, and international organizations. The central topic was the need to address the imbalance between available investment resources and the limited investment readiness of startups.

Participants discussed the barriers holding back ecosystem growth: insufficient mentoring support, limited coverage of acceleration programs in the regions, and a lack of international contacts. Donor organizations presented approaches to increasing the investment appeal of projects, while startup founders shared personal case studies of entering the market.

A Roadmap for a Systemic Approach

Based on group work, development began on a Roadmap for Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem. The document will include proposals to launch joint investment mechanisms, expand pre-acceleration programs, and support regional initiatives. It is also planned to strengthen coordination among the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and international partners.

The development of innovative entrepreneurship remains one of the priorities of Uzbekistan’s state policy.

In recent years, the country has implemented programs to support young entrepreneurs, created accelerators, and established elements of a venture infrastructure. However, sustainable growth requires the consolidation of efforts by all stakeholders and the development of joint strategic solutions.