Quick Start Business Accelerator and Astana Hub Battle: Competitions and Incubation Programs for Startups from Central Asia

We have compiled a selection of competitions, incubation, and acceleration programs that will help you find investments and receive support in developing your project.

She Loves Tech

She Loves Tech is the world's largest startup competition and acceleration program for IT startups led by women and having an impact on women. It has been running for nine years, covering more than 70 countries.

The total prize pool for winners will be $500,000, and winners will also have access to mentoring from leading investors and technology influencers.

You can submit your application on the website.

Deadline: August 17

SABAH.incubation

Benefits of the incubation program:

— lessons from experienced mentors

— assistance in developing a minimum viable product

— preparation for acceleration

— 24/7 access to the SABAH.HUB office

— access to the online library and other SABAH.HUB resources.

Application requirements:

— knowledge of the English language

— a good startup idea that benefits the world.

The program will last three months, starting in September 2023.

Deadline: August 20 until 23:59

Registration is available via this link.

Quick Start Business Accelerator by NURIS

Application criteria:

— the team must consist of at least two people

— be willing to dedicate at least 25 hours per week during the 10-week acceleration program

— have a functioning product

— have traction: proof of demand for the product/service

— at least one team member must be fluent in English

— willingness to establish a legal entity to participate in the acceleration program.

Registration is available via this link.

Deadline: September 3

Startup Nation

The goal of Startup Nation is to educate youth and engage them in the business sector, providing them with a platform to gain entrepreneurial experience, find creative solutions, and develop startup thinking.

At the event, 1,000 startuppers will present their national-scale startup projects.

The prize fund is $15,000.

When: September 16-17

Where: 7. Bishkek, Aaly Tokombaev Street, 7/6, AUCA

You can register via this link.

Deadline: September 14

Astana Hub Battle

Winners will be selected in three categories: Best Social Impact, The Most Innovative, Exponential Growth.

The contest prize fund is $75,000, with $25,000 allocated for each category.

Startup projects with an IT component at the MVP, PMF, or Scale stage can participate.

Winners of previous Astana Hub Battles and recipients of Seed Money from Astana Hub are not eligible to participate.

When: October 1-13

Number of spots: 100. Registration is available via this link.

Registration deadline: September 20

Startup Alley at Digital Bridge 2023

Here you will have a unique opportunity to find an investor, increase your project's visibility, and meet the best startups from Central Asia. Startups from all over the world are invited to participate.

What awaits you at the Startup Alley:

— a booth where you can present your project

— design and printing of a project card

— workspace

— a shelf for your promotional materials

— necessary technical equipment: table, chair, power supply.

You can submit an application via this link.

Deadline: September 25

“Future Scientist” Startup Competition

The proposed startup project must include an innovative element and scientific novelty. The maximum amount that can be requested for project implementation is 990,000,000 UZS.

Project founders can have any academic degrees and positions, provided they are no older than 40 years old. Only one application per team is accepted.

The following documents must be attached to the application:

— description of the startup project

— information about the leader and the startup team

— recommendation letter.

You can submit your application through the Youth Academy website.

Deadline: November 30