Current opportunities for startups in Central Asia for October 2026

New opportunities have emerged in Central Asia for startups and specialists: investment and exit readiness programs, an accelerator for entering the Chinese market, corporate programs for AgroTech and AI startups, startup studios, and short-term courses. We have compiled the participation requirements and application deadlines.

Startup Discovery Sessions with Sturgeon Capital
Astana Hub invites startups to individual offline meetings with Robin Butler, Partner at Sturgeon Capital for venture and impact investments. In 30 minutes, participants will be able to present their project, receive feedback, and discuss cooperation prospects with an international investor. Startups from any industry at the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Pre-Series A stages are invited to participate.

Application deadline: October 13 at 18:00

Investment Readiness and Exit Readiness Accelerator
MOST programs for startups looking to prepare for raising investment or a potential business sale. The Investment Readiness Accelerator helps strengthen the business model, metrics, and investment case. The Exit Readiness Accelerator is designed for more mature companies considering selling the business or attracting a strategic buyer. Over seven cohorts, IRA graduates have raised over $5 million in investments. 

Application deadline: October 15

Cybersecurity Hackathon
A two-day cybersecurity hackathon by Uzum, School 21, and OFFBOX. Participants will solve a real-world information security case, develop an MVP, and present their project to the jury. The program includes expert lectures and mentoring support. Top participants can advance to the next selection stage for an internship at Uzum. The prize fund is 60 million UZS. All participants will receive certificates and merch.

Application deadline: October 15

Industrial AI & Smart Industry Accelerator for startups from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
The program is designed for 10 startups from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan working in the field of industrial AI and smart manufacturing who want to enter the Chinese market. Participants will undergo three weeks of online preparation and five weeks offline in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. Participants cover their own travel, visas, meals, and personal expenses. To participate, applicants must be ready to potentially raise investment through a SAFE agreement and have a legal entity suitable for signing it.

Application deadline: October 15

AICA Awards 2026
As part of AICONF-2026, an awards ceremony for the best AI projects in Central Asia will take place on October 31 in Dushanbe. The event will bring together AI industry representatives, startups, and investors from the region. Participants will be able to present their projects, receive recognition from the expert jury, and meet leaders of IT companies.

Application deadline: October 18

KEL start
A competition for inventors, developers, and startup founders with innovative ideas. Participants will be able to receive support for developing their projects, find like-minded people, and turn an idea into a working business.

Application deadline: October 20

FinTech Hackathon 2026
A two-day fintech hackathon will take place in Tashkent, organized by Inha University in collaboration with United Ventures and the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Participants will be able to develop and present innovative solutions for the future of finance. The prize fund will be 50 million UZS.

Application deadline: October 26

Decentrathon 6.0 — Republican IT Hackathon
Decentrathon 6.0 will take place in 19 cities in Kazakhstan. Participants will solve real business problems of partner companies and develop projects in the field of AI and digital technologies. The program includes working with mentors and industry experts, networking with IT companies, and career development opportunities. Tasks will open on October 30 at 11:00, and completed projects must be submitted by 23:59 on October 31. Winners will be announced online on November 10.

Application deadline: October 29

AgroVentures Corporate Accelerator
Agrobank and AgroVentures have opened applications for a 12-week program for startups in agriculture, FinTech, and AI. Up to 20 teams will be selected to launch pilot projects with Agrobank, receive mentoring support, and present their solutions to investors. Participation is free. Startups that successfully complete the program will be eligible for investments of up to $500,000. 

Application deadline: November 9

Startup Studio Parvaz from Azerbaijan
Parvaz helps create startups from scratch: the team develops initial product versions and then seeks founders who will develop the business. The studio offers four formats of cooperation — from managing an existing project to implementing your own idea and finding a co-founder. Participants receive support in product development, engineering, scaling, and raising investment. In addition, Parvaz helps startups enter the Central Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

JOLTAP
JOLTAP offers short-term courses on digital skills. Areas include creating chatbots for business, using neural networks for advertising photos and videos, targeting, graphic design, and basic digital skills. Training lasts from 5 to 22 days and, according to the project, consists of 80% practice and 20% theory. After completing the courses, participants can use the JUMYSTAP platform to find job vacancies and clients. Enrollment depends on the chosen course.