Uzbekistan Launches USOLVE Startup Program with UK Backing to Boost Innovation and Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has officially launched USOLVE, a flagship initiative designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage startups, marking a significant milestone in the country’s effort to strengthen its national innovation ecosystem.

The launch event at the U-ENTER Innovation Center brought together government officials, international organizations, venture funds, business angels, universities, incubators, accelerators, and a wide community of entrepreneurs.

The program is implemented under the United Kingdom’s Inclusive Green Growth Programme for Central Asia, co-financed by the UK government, highlighting the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the UK in promoting technology-driven, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth.

USOLVE targets startups creating technological, innovative, and inclusive solutions that contribute to sustainable economic development. The initiative begins with a competitive application process, followed by a one-week hackathon designed to refine and validate startup ideas. The 50 most promising teams will advance to a multi-month incubation program, including intensive training modules, individual and group mentorship, and expert guidance on product development, business modeling, partnerships, and investor relations.

The program will culminate in a Demo Day, where startups present their solutions to expert panels, venture capitalists, and potential partners. The top 10 startups will also have the opportunity to showcase their projects at GITEX 2026 in Astana, one of the region’s largest technology events, providing direct access to international markets and investors.

UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan Timothy Smart emphasized the program’s strategic importance and the UK’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Central Asia: "Today marks another concrete step in the growth of Uzbekistan's innovation ecosystem. Platforms like Virtual Accelerate bring together government institutions, universities, international organizations, and a dynamic community of startups. Your presence here underscores the shared belief that innovation flourishes when talent meets opportunity and promising ideas are backed by the right skills, networks, and investment."

Ambassador Smart stressed the broader vision for inclusive growth: "USOLVE sits at the heart of our efforts to strengthen early-stage innovation, widen access to investment, and help entrepreneurs turn ambition into scalable, impactful ventures. Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem has made remarkable progress, but the biggest opportunities still lie ahead. By combining technical talent and global expertise, we are equipping the next generation of founders with world-class tools, mentorship, and long-term connections."

He also highlighted the role of international collaboration: "This initiative is shaping the future not only of Uzbekistan but of the wider Central Asia region. I know plenty of Uzbek entrepreneurs based in London who are implementing their ideas here and supporting innovation in the UK as well. We are proud to be part of this journey."

“When I look at Uzbekistan, I'm sometimes jealous of the amount of positive attitude you have for the future. It's wonderful to see, and that's what is boosted, is bolstered, and supported by your economic policy. The president's reform agenda, making sure SMEs, making sure entrepreneurs can flourish, needs assistance from elsewhere, and we are more than happy, and if our ideas, our equity, our development assistance can help you do that, that is one of the most rewarding things I think we can do,” British envoy added.

Ilkhomjon Aliev, Deputy Director of U-Enter, elaborated on the design and objectives of the initiative: "USOLVE — Unlocking Startups Through Opportunities, Learning, and Validation — focuses on supporting young startups at their very early stage. Our program emphasizes IT and inclusive entrepreneurship, including women-led initiatives, because equal participation is essential for meaningful, inclusive growth."

Aliev highlighted the program’s scale and structure: "The program is designed for at least 100 startups to take part. It starts with a call for applications, followed by preliminary screening based on impact, innovation, IT, and inclusivity. The next phase is a one-week hackathon where startups validate their ideas and shape their products. The top 50 teams will enter the incubation program, which includes nine modules, hands-on mentoring, and access to our makerspace for IT development and 3D prototyping."

He emphasized the practical and measurable approach to startup growth: "We apply the TRL methodology to assess the maturity of a startup from ideation to market-ready product. This allows teams to track their progress objectively. Demo Day is the final stage, where startups showcase achievements to investors, including Yoshida Ventures and other VC funds. Top-performing teams will gain international exposure at GITEX 2026 in Kazakhstan, which will help them connect to global markets."

Aliev also noted ongoing support beyond the incubation phase: "Our program doesn’t end at Demo Day. Startups receive post-incubation follow-up, ensuring they continue to grow, scale, and make an impact. Through USOLVE and Virtual Accelerate, we aim to empower talented founders from all regions of Uzbekistan, giving them the tools and networks to succeed."

The launch of USOLVE represents a major step in strengthening Uzbekistan’s innovation ecosystem, combining UK government funding, regional expertise, and the entrepreneurial energy of local teams. By providing structured mentorship, global networking opportunities, and international exposure, the initiative is expected to foster competitive, scalable, and globally relevant technology solutions.

"Programs like this translate reform into tangible opportunity," Ambassador Smart said. "By supporting startups today, we are shaping a future where innovation drives economic growth, inclusivity, and prosperity across Central Asia."

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