Plug and Play: How Startups Can Join a Global Acceleration Program

Plug and Play — one of the largest startup support platforms in the world, helping young companies find corporate clients and investors. Its programs operate in dozens of countries, including Uzbekistan. We tell you how the accelerator works, what participants receive, and how to apply.

What is Plug and Play

The company was founded by Saeed Amidi in 2006 in Silicon Valley, and its headquarters is located in Sunnyvale, California. Today, Plug and Play operates in more than 60 locations worldwide. In 2025, the company ran more than 2,800 startups through its accelerator programs and made more than 250 investments.

In different years, Plug and Play invested in PayPal, Dropbox, LendingClub, N26, and Rappi.

How the accelerator works

The key feature of Plug and Play is connecting startups with large companies. Each program has corporate partners from its own industry: fintech, insurance, retail, healthcare, AI, mobility, and others. Startups meet with them, launch pilot projects, and seek long-term cooperation. More details about the platform's working model can be found on the official Plug and Play website.

Typically, the program lasts three months. Participants attend workshops with mentors, hold meetings with corporations and investors, and finally present their projects at a final event. Participation in the accelerator is free, and startups do not need to give up equity in the company to join the program. At the same time, Plug and Play's venture division can separately invest in the most promising projects.

Who is selected

Plug and Play selects startups that have already confirmed demand for their product and fit the theme of the program. The interest of corporate partners plays an important role: often they themselves participate in the final selection.

Plug and Play in Central Asia

Since 2023, Plug and Play has been working in Uzbekistan together with IT Park and the country's Ministry of Digital Technologies. In Tashkent, an international accelerator takes place — a 12-week program with in-person and online modules, which ends with startups presenting to investors and corporations. Participation is free and does not require transferring equity in the company. The program accepts both local startups and foreign teams looking to enter the Uzbek market. More details about the launch of the program can be read in the IT Park Uzbekistan publication.

The best participants may get the opportunity to participate in the GOAL program in Silicon Valley.

In 2026, Plug and Play also launched its first international incubation program in Bukhara. It is designed for startups at the idea or prototype stage and helps them work with international experts, enter foreign markets, and meet investors.

How to apply

Information about open programs and application forms can be found on the official Plug and Play website. First, the startup fills out an online application, then the Plug and Play team reviews the project, and the final decision is made after the selection process.

You can also follow new cohorts in Uzbekistan on the IT Park Uzbekistan website.