Uzbekistan will introduce a four-stage ecosystem to support startups, from idea generation to export expansion, under a presidential decree signed on February 11.
The document establishes a comprehensive system covering the identification of startup ideas, product development, launch, and scaling to foreign markets. By 2030, the government aims to increase the number of startups to 5,000, attract up to $2 billion in venture investment, and create more than 20,000 jobs.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, students in grades 9–11 as well as in secondary specialized and vocational institutions will participate in “Skills and business hour” sessions at least twice a month, focused on generating startup ideas.
A “Best startup idea” competition will be organized, with prizes of up to UZS 5 million at the district level and up to UZS 10 million at the regional stage.
Educational institutions will also be allowed to sell products created by students through online marketplaces.
From April 1, 2026, government agencies will submit sector-specific challenges to startups through crowdsourcing mechanisms, and monthly “Startup day” meetings will be held.
Starting in 2026, a national “Most innovative idea” competition will be held annually at state universities. Winners will receive grants of UZS 100 million each, with a total prize fund of UZS 10 billion allocated for the national stage.
Winners of ideathons and hackathons will be eligible for:
From 2027, research and development centers equipped with laboratories, digital infrastructure, and coworking spaces will be established at universities, youth technoparks, and in the city of Nurafshon.
Up to 50 percent of the cost of developing a minimum viable product, capped at $50,000, will be covered annually for up to 10 promising projects.
Under the “Universities – startup generators” program, student accelerators, internships, and exchange initiatives will be introduced. Universities will be granted the right to invest up to the equivalent of $20,000 per project in promising student and research-based startups through incubation centers and accelerators.
From 2026, the annual “Young entrepreneurs” championship will identify and reward the best youth-led business and startup projects. Up to 100 winning projects will receive investments of up to UZS 1 billion each.
Marketing and consulting services aimed at building brands will also be financed, up to 100 times the base calculation amount.
The Council of the State Target Fund for Youth Entrepreneurship Development will submit proposals to nominate winners for state awards and honorary badges recognizing active entrepreneurs.
From April 1, 2026, startup projects participating in the Digital startups program will receive IT Park resident status and will be eligible for relevant benefits and preferences without meeting minimum export requirements set by law.
Participants registered on the unified electronic startup ecosystem platform will be reimbursed up to 50 percent of expenses, capped at $20,000, related to specialized training courses, certification, and participation in reputable acceleration and incubation programs.
Up to 20 projects per year will receive interest-free loans of up to UZS 5 billion for up to five years, with a one-year grace period, to establish startup studios and incubation or acceleration centers.
Monthly grants will also be provided to cover participation fees in local incubation or acceleration programs, up to 100 times the base calculation amount.
Startup clubs will be created in the regions under the leadership of local governors to provide practical assistance to entrepreneurs.
From 2026, an annual Startup Expo exhibition will present startup ideas and products to investors, venture funds, large enterprises, government bodies, and higher education institutions.
Successful startups registered on the platform will receive advance payments when participating in public procurement – 50 percent for contracts up to UZS 500 million and 30 percent for contracts exceeding that amount.
They will also be allowed to transfer up to $500,000 annually to foreign bank accounts without a separate decision in order to establish companies or branches abroad. Negotiations will be conducted to facilitate visa procedures for startup founders.
In 2026–2027, a total of $160 million and UZS 130 billion will be allocated to develop the startup ecosystem. Funding will be provided through the World Bank, venture funds, and state funds.
Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov has been designated responsible for implementation of the decree, while overall oversight will be carried out by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.
Source: kun.uz