"Uzbekistan has chosen a strategy for exporting knowledge and digital solutions," said Jamila Khalibayeva, commenting on the growth rates of IT Park.

Mark, Global Marketing Director of IT Park Uzbekistan, discusses Uzbekistan’s transformation into a technology hub for Central Asia, highlighting strategic initiatives and support for startups.

Jamila Khalibayeva, from Tashkent, Global Marketing Director of IT Park Uzbekistan, LinkedIn

How 2025 began

This year started particularly brightly for Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem. For the first time, the country entered two international rankings simultaneously: StartupBlink and Startup Genome. Notably, Uzbekistan’s inclusion in Startup Genome as the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in Central Asia holds significant importance. In the global ranking, we rose by 12 positions at once, securing second place in terms of growth rate.

Such a leap occurred due to a series of systemic changes. In the autumn of last year, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan issued a decree on the development of the startup ecosystem. Key decisions included permission to establish venture studios within private companies with state participation, as well as the opportunity to test startup solutions for free.

As a result, while nearly six venture funds were operating in the country last year, their number has now reached 13. The total volume of investments exceeded $150 million. New venture funds and studios emerge every month, and startups are increasingly attracting investments both domestically and internationally.

Artificial intelligence development is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Uzbekistan. We are particularly observing the global growth trend of AI solutions in management and practical application areas. The number of strong startups operating in this field in the country is steadily increasing. Developing AI, cloud solutions, and data processing requires robust infrastructure. Therefore, we are simultaneously developing a network of data centers.

Currently, construction is underway for the largest data center in Central Asia, with over $5 billion in investments. This is the first Contact Green data center, operating on 85% renewable energy. It is being built in Tashkent, within the IT Park Uzbekistan territory. Five additional data centers are planned to be launched across Uzbekistan.

One of the most notable events was the FlexSoft startup, which attracted $1 million in funding just a few days ago. The company operates in the micro-lending sector and offers an interesting technological solution.

It is also worth highlighting AI-driven projects such as Unitlab and Tass Vision, both of which are actively developing and have already gained recognition on the international stage. Another promising startup, Datatruck, operates in the logistics sector and is entering the US market.

Developing IT Park Uzbekistan’s infrastructure and regional expansion

One of Uzbekistan’s advantages is that the IT sector is developing not only in the capital but throughout the entire country. Currently, IT Park Uzbekistan has 14 branches, one in each region. Each branch is responsible for developing the local ecosystem. These serve as attraction centers where communities form, projects are launched, and networking opportunities are created.

IT Park Uzbekistan also operates abroad—in Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Japan, and recently in Shanghai. These offices act as a marketplace for Uzbek IT solutions: they establish contact with clients, promote local companies, facilitate orders coming to Uzbekistan, and assist in opening offices. These are not just representative offices—they are bridges between Uzbekistan and the global market, strengthening the country’s and the region’s position in the technology sector.

Last year, IT Park Uzbekistan joined forces with Astana Hub to launch the Central Asia Innovation Hub initiative. Now, regional startups present Central Asia as a single technological space. Participants have already taken part in major international IT events, from TechCrunch Disrupt to Web Summit Qatar.

Central Asia is home to over 80 million people, half of whom are citizens of Uzbekistan. The average age is approximately 29 years, making the region particularly promising for IT development. However, there is still limited information about it abroad—which is why we decided to promote a unified "Central Asia" brand, describing the region as a bridge between the East and the West, rich in the heritage of the Great Silk Road.

Recently, a visit by the heads of IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub to Stanford confirmed growing interest in the region: listeners at lectures on regional cooperation showed they were already aware of Central Asian projects. As a result, a partnership was established with Alchemist, an American accelerator, enabling startups to receive education and enter the US market. Additionally, applications are ongoing for a program in Dubai to access the MENA market, and preparations are underway to launch a similar project for China.

Support for startups and entrepreneurs

IT Park Uzbekistan’s ZERO RISK program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting foreign IT companies wishing to enter the Uzbek market. It allows businesses to start operations in the country for the first year without financial and operational risks.

IT Park takes on all organizational tasks, from searching for and equipping offices to selecting staff and resolving administrative issues. A company submits a request—for example, an office in Samarkand and a team of 30 people—and receives ready-made infrastructure: workstations, equipment, candidate resumes, assistance with interviews, and help opening bank accounts.

If the company decides to stay at the end of the year, it begins paying rent and other expenses. Otherwise, it can leave freely without any obligations. This solution is particularly relevant for large companies wishing to test the market without investment and evaluate the region’s potential.

We cooperate with almost all countries. Within the scope of IT exports, we have identified five main regions: APAC, the European Union and the United Kingdom, MENA, North America, and the CIS. Separate teams have been formed for each direction, consisting of specialists who understand the specific characteristics of their region, speak the relevant languages, and maintain contacts with local partners.

About challenges

The main problem today is the low level of awareness of the region among foreign clients and investors.

If everyone has a clear idea about India or the Philippines as IT outsourcing hubs, most people know almost nothing about Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, or Kyrgyzstan. The region lacks a formed image, and stereotypes often prevail.

Our current main task is to increase the region’s visibility. Together with Kazakhstan, we are promoting Central Asia as a single IT direction. At international exhibitions, we showcase the entire region: 80 million people, thousands of startups, and rapidly developing infrastructure.

Plans

In the coming month, important international events aimed at developing Uzbekistan’s IT ecosystem and promoting the region will take place.

On July 24, the Global Business Services Forum (GBSF) conference will be held for companies and investors in the APAC region. Participants will be presented with the opportunities of Uzbekistan and Central Asia, success stories, and ways to enter the market.

At the end of September, the country’s largest annual technology event, ICT Week Uzbekistan, will be organized. The program includes conferences, summits, an exhibition with companies from 20 countries, and for the first time, a local version of Web Summit Spotlight.

Additionally, the following themed events are planned: the Tumaris Tech project for female entrepreneurs, a conference on game development, and a forum dedicated to artificial intelligence and IT education.

It is worth separately highlighting game development and creative industries. Last year, the Law on the "Creative Economy" was adopted in Uzbekistan. Thanks to this law, IT Park residents have expanded their activities. Now, companies exporting creative services ranging from design and animation to 3D modeling and CGI graphics can join their ranks.

Uzbekistan is paying special attention to developing the startup ecosystem and exporting innovative IT products. It is particularly inspiring to see how young entrepreneurs turn ideas into companies creating dozens of jobs in a short time. The development rate is astonishing: the growth in the number of startups, the improvement of specialists’ skills, and recognition by international organizations are clear evidence of this.

The main factor in this success has been state support. Considering the country’s geographical position as doubly landlocked, Uzbekistan chose a strategy of exporting knowledge and digital solutions. As a result, in recent years, the number of foreign residents in IT Park Uzbekistan has grown from 17 to over 750, and IT service exports have increased from $40 million to $900 million.

A full ecosystem has been created at IT Park: incubators, accelerators, startup studios, and partnerships with international programs such as Plug and Play are available. Students can create a minimum viable product (MVP), work with mentors, and enter global markets. All of this forms a sustainable growth ladder for new technology companies.

The IT Park Uzbekistan ecosystem is not a single organization but a group of companies united under a single brand. IT Park Uzbekistan includes:

IT Park University — established in partnership with EPAM Systems to train future IT specialists. This year, the first graduates are completing their studies.

IT Park Ventures — a venture fund that invests in startups and provides mentoring support.

IT Park Capital — deals with allocating subsidies to IT companies and training centers, and assists in opening branches in regions.

Data Centre — the data processing center under construction.

Enterprise Uzbekistan — a future international digital technology center serving as a regulatory sandbox based on English law and featuring a digital bank for investors. The project is based on Irish and UAE experience and is planned to be launched this year.

10 courier services in Uzbekistan for fast document delivery

International and local logistics operators are actively working in Uzbekistan. They offer a wide range of services, from courier document delivery to various international transportation options.

Aramex

An international logistics company operating in over 165 countries. In Uzbekistan, its representative office operates under the name IZZ Express. The company provides a full range of express services: delivery of documents, shipments, and goods both within the country and abroad. Shipments are carried out on a "door-to-door" basis.

BTS Express Cargo Servis

One of the most reliable logistics companies in Uzbekistan with over 20 years of experience. BTS’s network has over 300 branches across the country, creating convenient opportunities for fast delivery in Tashkent city and regions. The company delivers shipments within the country within 24 hours and also provides international delivery services. BTS serves a total of 89 countries.

Express Mail Universal

A courier service specializing in international and domestic delivery of documents and shipments. The company has been operating since 2016 and delivers shipments to 165 countries. It offers discounted tariffs for delivery to Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as fulfillment and cargo services.

SpacExpress

SpacExpress is an international logistics operator operating in various transportation sectors. The company provides a full range of logistics services: receiving cargo from the client, warehousing, customs clearance, insurance, security, and delivery to the designated country.

E‑LOGISTIC

A logistics company with over five years of experience offering a full range of services: international and domestic transportation by all modes of transport, customs clearance, consulting, and warehouse logistics. It handles cargo of any size and complexity, serving routes through Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, and other countries, offering reliable solutions for business in Uzbekistan and abroad.

Benma

Transport and forwarding services with a personalized approach. Benma Logistics is an Uzbek company specializing in international freight forwarding, offering flexible solutions to clients, and paying attention to details. It is convenient for small and medium-sized business partnerships.

Buraq Logistics

An Uzbek logistics company providing services for international and domestic freight transportation, customs clearance, and cargo processing. Thanks to its network of partner warehouses in Europe, China, Turkey, Iran, and the CIS, the company organizes delivery via all modes of transport and helps clients optimize logistics.

Ardena Transport

An international logistics company headquartered in Riga with a representative office in Tashkent, operating since 2011 and specializing in "door-to-door" cargo delivery. The company organizes transportation by all modes of transport, providing warehousing, customs clearance, and logistics monitoring services.

High Speed Logistics

A transport and forwarding company in Tashkent with 20 years of experience, specializing in international and multi-modal cargo transportation by all modes of transport. It organizes delivery across the CIS, Europe, China, the UAE, Asia, and Middle Eastern countries, offering reliable service, favorable tariffs, and fast logistics.

Arrow Green Logistics

A Tashkent-based transport company engaged in international and domestic cargo transportation since 2016. The company has its own fleet and GPS tracking system, providing various logistics, insurance, and customs clearance services. Orders are accepted online and by phone.