Uzbekistan Climbs Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has recorded one of the most dynamic performances in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, climbing 32 positions compared with 2023 and consolidating its status as one of the fastest-growing countries in innovation.

According to the report, Uzbekistan ranked 79th globally in 2026, improving by 19 positions compared with the previous year. The study notes a consistent upward trend over recent years: 111th place in 2023, 110th in 2024, 98th in 2025, and 79th in 2026.

The report highlights that the country’s growth reached 227.3% over the year, one of the highest rates among all ranked nations. StartupBlink also named Uzbekistan “Country of the Year 2026” for the most dynamic development of its startup ecosystem.

Central Asia is separately noted as the fastest-growing startup region in the world, with Tashkent identified as one of the key drivers of regional expansion. The capital’s startup ecosystem grew by 155.7%, allowing it to climb 121 positions in the global city ranking and enter the top 300. Samarkand and Ferghana entered the global top 1,000 cities for the first time.

The development of the ecosystem is attributed to systemic reforms in the digital economy, expansion of IT Park infrastructure, improved investment conditions, and support for technology entrepreneurs. The report also references state-level focus on artificial intelligence and digital technologies, including visits to IT Park facilities in Tashkent and Ferghana and participation in national AI and innovation initiatives.

The StartupBlink Index is developed in cooperation with Crunchbase, Semrush, and more than 100 government and ecosystem organizations and is considered one of the most authoritative global indicators of startup ecosystem performance.