IT Park Uzbekistan strengthens ties with Silicon Valley

The delegation of IT Park Uzbekistan, led by Executive Director Abdulkhadi Kuchkarov, concluded a business visit to San Francisco. The visit program included the event Unlocking Central Asia: Opportunities for IT Outsourcing and Startup Development, as well as a series of meetings with leading companies and organizations in San Francisco.

Unlocking Central Asia: Opportunities for IT Outsourcing and Startup Development

The conference Unlocking Central Asia: Opportunities for IT Outsourcing and Startup Development, organized by IT Park Uzbekistan, Astana Hub, and Silkroad Innovation Hub within the framework of the global TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 conference, became an important platform for representatives of the US IT industry to connect with the dynamically developing Central Asian region and the opportunities created for startup ecosystem development.

Investors had the opportunity to learn about regional startups, while IT companies and entrepreneurs could discuss outsourcing prospects with leading market players. The program included presentations on IT Park Uzbekistan, Astana Hub, and Accelerate Prosperity, a panel discussion, B2B meetings with IT Park Uzbekistan, Astana Hub, and regional startups, as well as a networking session.

The Central Asian Innovation Hubs Alliance, created by IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub, serves as an excellent example of such cooperation. Thanks to this close partnership, 16 startups from the Central Asian region had the opportunity to showcase their projects in Silicon Valley and attract the attention of potential partners and investors.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

As part of the visit to California, the Uzbek delegation, with the participation of the IT Park Uzbekistan team and eight startups, took part in TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 under the brand Central Asian Innovation Hubs.

On the first day, startups had the opportunity to participate in the exhibition, presenting their products to event participants. Representing Uzbekistan were Uzum, Uzinfocom, Datagaze, Geomotive, Smartup, Point AI, Billz, and Call 24.

On the second and third days of TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, the startups Uzum, Uzinfocom, Datagaze, Geomotive, Smartup, Point AI, Billz, and Call 24 presented their innovations on the Pitch Session stage, where dynamic presentations took place.

Alchemist Accelerator

The meeting with Alchemist Accelerator concluded with the signing of a memorandum on the launch of the AlchemistX & Silicon Valley Residency Program for entering the US market. The program will be implemented jointly with Alchemist Accelerator, Silkroad Innovation Hub, and Astana Hub within the framework of the Central Asian Innovation Hubs initiative, with a launch scheduled for June 2025. Director Ravi Belani shared plans to expand cooperation for the development of the startup and venture ecosystem, within the framework of which IT Park will help startups from Uzbekistan enter the MENA market with Alchemist's support in 2025.

Memorandum with Network VC

As a result of the meeting between Executive Director Abdulkhadi Kuchkarov and representatives of Network VC, a memorandum of cooperation was signed for the implementation of joint initiatives to develop and promote startups from Uzbekistan. Under the agreement, pitch sessions are planned to be held every three months with the involvement of major foreign investors and venture funds, which will open access to capital and new partnership opportunities for young IT companies.

Cooperation with Network VC, an international investment company that invests in seed and early-stage companies, focused on the software, artificial intelligence, and SaaS industries, will have a significant positive impact on the development of the startup ecosystem not only in Uzbekistan but also in Central Eurasia as a whole.

Stealth

On October 25, a meeting took place with Stealth, during which co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Danny Danishev discussed with representatives of IT Park Uzbekistan the prospects for IT outsourcing and the advantages of opening an office in Uzbekistan.

EffectiveSoft

During negotiations, opportunities for creating a development center in Uzbekistan and implementing joint educational initiatives to train IT specialists were discussed, as well as tax incentives and stimuli for expanding the company's activities.

Silicon Valley in Your Pocket

The visit program also included negotiations with Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, where co-founder Jeff Wallace discussed experience exchange and support for startups in the region.

Adviad

During the visit, a meeting also took place with the company Adviad, which specializes in the use of artificial intelligence in advertising. As part of the agreements, the company confirmed its plans to open an office in Uzbekistan and intends to allocate a portion of its revenues to develop a new division.

StartX

As part of the visit, the IT Park Uzbekistan delegation held a meeting with StartX, where cooperation on the development of the startup ecosystem, startup mentoring, and support for founders in entering the US market was discussed. The partnership with StartX will be aimed at helping Uzbek startups prepare for global expansion and attract investment.

Draper University 

Negotiations with Draper University focused on the opportunities for Uzbek startups to participate in educational programs, such as Hero Training within the framework of the Central Asian Innovation Hubs initiative.

R136 Ventures

To conclude the visit on October 29, the IT Park delegation met with R136 Ventures. Founder and Managing Partner Viktor Orlovsky discussed investment opportunities in fintech and AI startups in Uzbekistan, as well as joint initiatives to develop entrepreneurship. Mechanisms for supporting venture investments and opportunities for strategic partnership were considered.

IT Park Uzbekistan continues to actively strengthen its position on the international stage, establishing connections that contribute to economic growth and technological progress in Central Asia. These meetings in San Francisco open new horizons for partnership, international initiatives, and further development of the technology sector in Uzbekistan and the region as a whole.