The Ministry of Digital Technologies announced the initiative following a Cabinet of Ministers resolution adopted on October 28, which approved the rules for the competition, named Land of Startups.
The competition will cover five categories: artificial intelligence; digital solutions for education, healthcare and public services; financial technology; creative industries, including computer and mobile game development; and business-to-business and industrial solutions.
The event is intended to bring international startup projects to Uzbekistan, encourage technology transfer and help develop the country into a regional center for innovation. It will be held annually, with the first edition scheduled to begin in April 2027.
IT Park expands list of eligible activities
Separately, the government has expanded the range of activities that qualify companies for residency at IT Park, adding several technology-related fields.
The revised rules cover the development and commercialization of Internet of Things and artificial intelligence devices, microelectronics and nanoelectronics, intelligent robots, and business angel clubs.
The amendments also ease some administrative requirements for existing residents. Companies developing automation equipment will no longer have to integrate their measurement and metering devices with tax authority systems.
IT Park residents will also be exempt from submitting tax and statistical reports, as well as information on their IT training courses, to the park’s directorate.
The changes build on a presidential resolution adopted in February aimed at creating a comprehensive startup support system in Uzbekistan.
The framework provides for startup competitions among school and university students and a four-stage support programme intended to take projects from the initial idea and development stages through to expansion and export.
