Uzbekistan is introducing a new national system to support startups as part of a broader drive to strengthen the digital economy and modernise public services.
The reforms come amid rapid growth of the country’s innovation sector. The value of Uzbekistan’s startup and venture ecosystem reached $3.9 billion in 2024–2025. The number of active startups has exceeded 750, supported by 15 venture funds with total capital of more than $180 million, positioning Uzbekistan as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in Central Asia.
The government has set ambitious targets for the coming years. By 2030, Uzbekistan plans to increase the number of startups to 5,000, ensure that at least 200 local startups enter international markets, and raise total venture investment to $2 billion.
To reach these goals, a new four-stage support system will be introduced, based on international best practice. The system will accompany startups through all key phases of development: idea, development, launch and scaling, offering tailored support at each stage.
The package will include grants, tax incentives, co-financing mechanisms and compensation for export-related costs, aimed at lowering entry barriers for entrepreneurs and improving access to capital.
The startup reform is closely linked to the large-scale digital transformation of public services. The government plans to expand the number of digital public services to 900, significantly widening access to online procedures for citizens and businesses.
Key processes such as opening a business, issuing bank cards, obtaining SIM cards, as well as insurance and advertising services, are set to be fully digitised. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be introduced in more than 50 public services to improve speed, transparency and efficiency.
Uzbekistan is also investing in the infrastructure needed to support the digital economy. A supercomputer has already been launched, while AI laboratories are planned to open in 15 universities across the country. These facilities are expected to boost research capacity, train specialists and support the development of domestic AI solutions.
Looking ahead to 2026, authorities plan further deployment of 5G technologies, wider coverage of high-speed internet across populated areas, and broader use of satellite communications. These measures are intended to reduce the digital divide and improve access to online services nationwide.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that digital technologies directly contribute to raising the competitiveness of the economy, improving the effectiveness of public administration and enhancing the quality of life, and instructed officials to ensure the practical implementation of the outlined tasks.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk...
A failure by the U.S. and Iran to reach an agreement on a UN-backed fertiliser shipping plan for the Strait of Hormuz within weeks could trigger a ...
Armenia and Russia have agreed to establish a joint working group to tackle railway infrastructure problems as Yerevan considers changes to Russian...
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said late Monday that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia hit at least six energy targets in deadly strikes across Ukraine, showing Moscow is unwilling to accept the energy ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Kremlin on Monday rejected a 60-day ceasefire idea proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to allow his country to hold presidential elections, saying it wanted an overall peace deal instead.
Thousands of young Georgians leave the country each year in search of better economic opportunities, with many moving west. As questions grow over Georgia’s European path, AnewZ spoke to people who have emigrated about what it would take for them to return.
Armenia and Russia have agreed to establish a joint working group to tackle railway infrastructure problems as Yerevan considers changes to Russian management and pushes ahead with plans to restore regional transport links.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said late Monday that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Georgia and Uzbekistan are aiming to nearly quadruple annual trade to $1 billion, up from $267.6 million in 2025, as the two countries seek to strengthen economic ties and expand transport links.
Iran has warned against the military use of Starlink, saying it has developed domestic technology capable of countering cyber threats linked to the satellite internet service.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment