USolve Startup Program Winners Announced in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 18 March, the final of the international USolve startup support program was held, with ten teams from across Uzbekistan declared winners and awarded prizes.

Oleg Ryzhichenko, director of the U-ENTER Center, noted that the program is implemented with support from the UK government and has quickly attracted strong interest from youth. Out of 275 applications, 100 startups were selected to participate in the hackathon.

Subsequently, 50 projects advanced to the incubation program, and 20 of the strongest teams reached the final, presenting their solutions to a jury and potential investors.

The projects covered a range of areas, including support for small and medium enterprises, digital services, and social initiatives. Notably, a startup by Artem Starovoitov and Ulyana Guseva proposed using artificial intelligence to match “smart employees” capable of automating customer communications and improving company efficiency.

Significant focus was given to inclusive solutions. A team led by student Firdavshon Aminov developed a digital tool to translate sign language to text and vice versa, tailored to Uzbek sign language, enhancing accessibility for people with hearing impairments.

Another promising initiative by young architect Muhammad Sadyk Fazildzhonov created an online assistant for school graduates, helping them identify educational grants and develop appropriate application profiles.

Innovations in cybersecurity were also presented, focusing on detecting vulnerabilities in digital products, alongside social projects such as the “Mazmun” app led by psychologist Saodat Shagazatova, designed to improve interpersonal relationships through digital and gamified tools.

UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan Timothy Smart highlighted the country’s young talent and stressed the importance of programs that foster innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

Winners of the USolve program will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the GITEX 2026 international technology exhibition on May 4–5 in Almaty. Participation will help teams access international markets, establish partnerships, and attract investment.

BIBINUR Alibaeva, head of VirtualAccelerate, emphasized that Central Asia is becoming an integral part of the global technology ecosystem, where innovation and startups, driven by youth, play a central role.