Uzbekistan Achieves Historic Result in Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking
2026-05-19 13:25:00 / News of ministry
In particular, in April this year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the IT Park complex in Fergana, where he reviewed the modern conditions created for young people and innovative projects.
During a separate visit to the IT Park in the capital, the President was presented with advanced projects focused on the large-scale integration of artificial intelligence technologies into the activities of ministries, government agencies, and various sectors of the economy, while also outlining key priorities for the rapid development of the sector.
In addition, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the nationwide “National AI Hackathon” held in Bukhara. The event became another practical step toward strengthening the artificial intelligence ecosystem and supporting technological startups in the country.
As a result of these systemic reforms, expanded opportunities for young entrepreneurs, growth of the IT Park ecosystem, and improvements in startup infrastructure and investment conditions, Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its position internationally.
According to the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026, Uzbekistan rose 19 positions compared to 2025, reaching 79th place globally.
This marks a historic result for the country, with Uzbekistan recognized as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the world.
The report states that Uzbekistan recorded annual growth of +227.3%, the highest result in the 2026 ranking.
StartupBlink also named Uzbekistan the “Country of the Year 2026” for having the world’s fastest-developing startup ecosystem.
Uzbekistan’s progress in the global ranking:
- 2023 — 111th place
- 2024 — 110th place
- 2025 — 98th place
- 2026 — 79th place
Overall, the country has improved by 32 positions since 2023.
The report highlights Central Asia as the fastest-growing startup subregion globally, with Tashkent identified as one of the main growth drivers. In particular, the Tashkent startup ecosystem achieved growth of +155.7%, making it one of the region’s fastest-growing cities.
Globally, Tashkent rose to 121st place and entered the world’s top 300 startup cities, while Samarkand and Fergana entered the global top 1000 for the first time.
Today, reforms aimed at developing the innovation economy, supporting digital entrepreneurship, expanding IT Park activities, stimulating startups financially and infrastructurally, attracting international investment, and broadening technological opportunities for youth are producing concrete outcomes.
The StartupBlink Index is compiled in cooperation with platforms such as Crunchbase, Semrush, and more than 100 governmental and ecosystem organizations, and is considered one of the world’s most authoritative rankings for assessing startup ecosystems and technological entrepreneurship.