A groundbreaking competition is set to highlight the burgeoning startup ecosystem of Central Eurasia on one of the most prestigious platforms in Silicon Valley.
For the first time, Central Eurasia is poised to gain direct access to a prominent startup competition through the launch of “Pathway to Innovation.” This innovative regional contest aims to firmly establish the often-overlooked region on the global innovation landscape.
Organized by a collaborative effort between a regional innovation hub and a leading tech media outlet, this competition will encompass nine countries in Central Eurasia: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. National competitions will culminate in a regional finale, where the top three startups will secure their places in the prestigious global startup event in San Francisco.
“We have been showcasing startups at major tech events for several years, and we recognize their potential to compete on a global scale,” stated the CEO of the organizing hub. “In 2024, we had the largest presence at a major tech event, and we are excited to elevate our partnership by providing direct access to the global stage for the most promising startups from our region.”
The startup ecosystem in Central Eurasia is rapidly gaining traction, representing a vibrant tech hub with a population of 100 million, characterized by one of the youngest demographics worldwide. The region produces around 200,000 graduates in STEM fields each year and is home to approximately 7,000 active startups across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, financial technology, educational technology, medical technology, and e-commerce.
The growth statistics are impressive: venture capital funding in Central Asia and the South Caucasus has surged 5.5 times in recent years, reaching $110 million in 2023 and $150 million in just the first half of 2024.
Among the notable success stories is an AI company valued at over $100 million, alongside a startup from Uzbekistan that raised $114 million, marking its status as the country’s first unicorn with a valuation of $1.16 billion. Additionally, international companies like Telegram and inDrive have established regional offices in Kazakhstan, further solidifying the area’s tech landscape.
Despite this impressive growth, the region’s potential remains largely untapped by global investors. The Pathway to Innovation competition seeks to change this narrative by providing unprecedented visibility and access to influential networks in Silicon Valley.
“Many investors are unaware of the vast opportunities available in this region,” explained the CEO of the organizing hub. “This competition is designed to showcase that Central Eurasia is home to startups deserving of global recognition.”
The initiative has received strong backing from key regional stakeholders. The CEO of a prominent innovation center in Kazakhstan highlighted the significance of this opportunity: “We have been assisting startups in scaling their businesses in the US through our acceleration programs and have witnessed tangible progress. This competition offers an even larger platform for Kazakhstan’s startups to gain exposure.”
The competition benefits from a robust network of partnerships across the region, supported by leading innovation hubs and accelerators:
Astana Hub (Kazakhstan); IT Park Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan); Future Laboratory (Georgia); Sabah Hub and the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (Azerbaijan); IT Park Mongolia (Mongolia); Accelerate Prosperity (Kyrgyzstan); IT Park Dushanbe (Tajikistan); and Startup Centrum (Türkiye).
IT Park Uzbekistan, a key supporter, views this initiative as a vital step in developing the ecosystem. “We are eager to support and assist Uzbek startups in scaling globally,” said the CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan. “Our efforts to enhance the venture ecosystem aim to ensure our startups gain visibility in the US market and expand internationally. This initiative aligns perfectly with our regional development objectives.”
The initiative is further strengthened by the commitment of a major private sector partner, demonstrating significant support for regional innovation. “We have been backing Central Eurasian teams on the global stage for several years, and this year is no different,” stated an advisor to the president of a leading finance company. “We believe in the potential of regional entrepreneurs and aim to provide them with access to best practices, mentorship, and investment opportunities. This initiative not only supports startups but also showcases that Central Eurasia’s technology and innovation sector is evolving in line with global trends.”
The competition follows a structured process:
Stage 1: National Competitions (July 21 – August 10). Each participating country will host online pitch events.
Stage 2: Regional Final (August 15). The top 20 startups will compete in an online regional final to determine the three winners.
Stage 3: Battlefield Preparation (September 1 – October 24). Winners will undergo intensive preparation through weekly webinars leading up to the global event.
Stage 4: Global Startup Event (October 27 – 29). The three finalists will travel to Silicon Valley to compete in the global startup competition.
The three winning startups will receive a comprehensive package designed to enhance their experience in Silicon Valley:
- Guaranteed spots in the global startup competition.
- Round-trip flights to San Francisco for up to two team members.
- Accommodation covered for up to two weeks.
- Startup booth and exhibit space for all three days of the event.
- Access to investors and networking opportunities with top venture capitalists and industry events.
- Branding and media exposure through event materials and coverage opportunities.
The competition is aimed at early-stage startups that meet specific criteria:
- Must not have exceeded the pre-Series A funding stage.
- Must have a functional minimum viable product (MVP).
- Should have limited global media exposure.
- Must be based in one of the nine Central Eurasian countries.
The global startup event is renowned as one of the most influential tech conferences, attracting over 165,000 attendees and featuring prominent speakers from the tech industry.
At its core, the global startup competition boasts a remarkable track record of launching successful tech companies, with alumni collectively raising over $32 billion and producing more than 50 unicorns.
Each year, 200 early-stage startups compete for unparalleled exposure to top-tier investors and media, with 20 finalists advancing to compete live for significant funding and recognition.
The launch of Pathway to Innovation signifies more than just a competition; it marks a pivotal moment for Central Eurasia’s startup ecosystem. By establishing a direct route to one of the world’s most prestigious startup platforms, this initiative promises to accelerate the region’s integration into the global innovation economy.
As the competition opens for applications, entrepreneurs across Central Eurasia now have a unique opportunity to present their innovations to influential investors and partners in Silicon Valley.
For a region that has long been underrepresented in global startup competitions, this could be the transformative catalyst that positions Central Eurasia as a recognized hub of global innovation.
Applications for Pathway to Innovation are now open, with a deadline of July 15, 2025.