According to the findings of the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, Uzbekistan has been recognized as the most rapidly developing startup ecosystem on a global scale. As stated by the Republic’s Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov, the country earned the title of "Country of the Year" due to an unprecedented market growth of 227%. In the global ranking, the nation climbed 19 positions, securing the 79th spot.

The Minister emphasized a shift in government policy priorities – from formal activities to measurable economic achievements. “Previously, events aimed at developing the startup ecosystem could be counted on one hand. Now the calendar is packed. And that in itself is already a victory,” Sherzod Shermatov noted. He added that real progress is determined not by the number of events but by objective data: “The most gratifying moment comes when you stop counting events and begin to see actual results. Numbers that don’t lie. Momentum that shows our true strength, and that strength is the youth.”

At the urban cluster level, Tashkent strengthened its position, climbing 121 places to become the #1 startup hub in Central Asia. For the first time ever, Samarkand and Fergana entered the global top 1,000 cities. In total, Uzbekistan accounts for 10 of the 13 highest‑rated urban locations in the region. Key corporate achievements include the first major exit – a deal with BILLZ valued at $20 million – and the launch of the second phase of IT Park. At the same time, a 12 MW data center project is being implemented in partnership with Saudi DataVolt, with plans to develop a 500 MW pipeline.

The foundation of this progress rests on significant investments: over $400 million has been attracted to the technology sector since 2020. More than 20 active venture funds, with total capital exceeding $200 million, support the infrastructure. The expansion of Uzbek IT businesses abroad has increased by 930%, with over 100 domestic companies already operating in external markets.

To stimulate further growth and integrate global talent, the Digital Startups Program – with a budget of $50 million – has been launched, open to founders from around the world. Summing up, Sherzod Shermatov concluded: “This is not luck. This is strategy meeting ambition, and a generation that refused to wait.”