Where to find money for a startup: 14 hot opportunities

From hackathons and grants to large-scale international exhibitions and competitions — these 14 opportunities will help startups secure funding, attract investor attention, and enter new markets. Choose the right program and develop your project!

Invest Day with Funders Ventures
Astana Hub, together with Funders Ventures, invites FinTech startups to Invest Day — an opportunity to present your project to international venture capitalists. Funders Ventures is a venture firm investing in post-revenue FinTech startups worldwide. Participants will be able to present their projects, receive feedback from experts, and discuss cooperation prospects. Technological startups in the fields of FinTech, AI, B2B SaaS, and cybersecurity with monthly revenue of $10,000 or more are invited to participate.

Application deadline: March 6 at 18:00
When: March 11 at 16:00
Where: Online

Online Pitch in The Tech Telegram Channel
Want to receive expert feedback on your presentation, advice from experienced investors from Central Asian countries, and learn how to make your pitch perfect? You can join as a guest and listen to how other startups present. To participate, register via this link. The pitch jury is Madina Rakhimzhanova, VS Associate, Scout.

When: March 13 at 18:00
Where: Online, The Tech Telegram Channel

Giveaway in The Tech Telegram Channel
The IT communities of Central Asia have prepared valuable gifts: career mentoring, exchange programs, essay writing, and self-presentation from Women Techmakers Kyrgyzstan; three hours of mentoring with STEM experts from Women in Tech Kazakhstan; assistance in joining MAANG companies, startups, and accelerators from Women Techmakers Kazakhstan; internships at C-Technology from Women in Tech Kyrgyzstan; as well as merch and a magazine from IT Ladies Uzbekistan. Residents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan can participate.

Giveaway results: March 15

SCALE2US Program
An eight-month program for IT services startups designed to help you enter the US market, attract clients, and scale. Participants will gain access to Silicon Valley experts, structured preparation, deal-closing support, and the opportunity to complete a residency in the US. The program includes company analysis, online learning, and practical work in the States.

Application deadline: March 15

Yandex Open Source Grants Program
The Yandex Open Source Grants Program continues to support independent open-source projects. Developers can apply in one of three areas: data processing and storage, development, or machine learning. Organizers will select 12 winners, each of whom will receive a Yandex Cloud grant and financial support to develop their project.

Application deadline: March 15

Swiss Venture Acceleration Program
A unique opportunity for startups to accelerate their entry into the European market. Over five days in Zurich, only 15 participants will network with leading venture investors, refine their presentation through individual coaching, prepare for fundraising, and navigate the legal and financial aspects of scaling.

Application deadline: March 15
When: May 7-12
Where: Zurich, Switzerland

GreenTech Hackathon
An opportunity for startups, students, and specialists to develop innovative solutions in the field of eco-technologies. Over three days, participants will be able to create an MVP, receive training from experts, get mentoring support, and present their projects to leading industry specialists. Finalists will receive recognition and valuable prizes, while the best ideas will attract the attention of investors and potential partners.

When: March 18-19 / March 20
Where: Tashkent, Ziyolilar St., 9, INHA University / Rajabi St., 1, Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Course "AI Tools and Freelancing: From Skills to Earnings"
Vilsur Garifov, CEO and founder of Q Core Center, will conduct a four-week course "AI Tools and Freelancing: From Skills to Earnings," covering content generation, 3D graphics and animation, AI design and video, as well as monetization, freelancing, AI in storytelling, negotiation analysis, coaching, and chatbot development.

When: March 3-28 at 12:30
Where: Online / Karaganda, IT Hub Terricon Valley

12th Global Lee Kuan Yew Business Plan Competition
The 12th Global Lee Kuan Yew Business Plan Competition, organized by the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Singapore Management University, focuses on urban solutions and sustainable development in 2025. Participants have a unique opportunity to present their innovative projects, attract investor attention, and strengthen their position in the global market.

Application deadline: March 31

Startup World Cup
Startup World Cup – Silicon Valley Regional opens the opportunity for startups to present their projects to leading investors and industry leaders, expand their professional network, and gain international recognition. The regional winner will have the chance to compete in the grand final and vie for a $1 million investment prize.

Application deadline: April 18
When: May 1
Where: Silicon Valley, California

GITEX Europe 2025
Astana Hub provides startups with the chance to present their solutions at the largest IT forum, GITEX Europe 2025. Participants will be able to present projects to global investors, find strategic partners, and open new markets. Eight startups will receive the opportunity to participate. Selection is based on the following criteria: presence of an MVP or ready-made product, relevance to forum themes, existence of an active website, and independent company status.

Application deadline: March 7
When: May 21-23
Where: Berlin

BuildX Program
A free six-week online program for creative creators, developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs ready to bring their ideas to life. Participants will attend lectures from experts, hear from founders of successful projects, receive weekly updates with feedback, and benefit from community support. The flexible format allows working on the project at a convenient time.

E-commerce Central Asia Expo
A key event in the e-commerce sector, combining an exhibition, conferences, and training sessions. Participants will be able to present their products and services, study the latest trends and technologies, network with industry leaders, investors, and potential clients, and gain valuable insights from the professional community. Residents of IT Park Uzbekistan can take advantage of special participation conditions.

When: April 9-10
Where: Tashkent, Labzak St., 12/1, Anhor Park

International Forum CASC-2025
A large-scale event for Central Asian startups, bringing together over 1,000 ecosystem participants, including investors, business, and government sectors. Participants will be able to learn from mentors, receive feedback from leading regional investors, build useful connections, and compete for a $10,000 prize. The top 25 best startups will have the opportunity to attract funding from a $100,000 fund.

Application deadline: April 12
When: April 24-25
Where: Bishkek, Technopark