AI Incubator Program for Next-Generation Startups Officially Launches in Tashkent
2026-07-08 16:30:00 / News of ministry
The initiative brings together engineers, software developers, startup founders, and business professionals to develop innovative AI solutions addressing real-world challenges. The launch event was attended by representatives of government institutions, academia, and the technology sector.
A key milestone of the ceremony marked the program's transition from the mentorship phase to the practical incubation stage. During this phase, participants will work alongside co-founders to develop minimum viable products (MVPs), validate their ideas with users, and prepare their AI solutions for market entry.
The program attracted strong interest from the innovation community, receiving nearly 600 applications. Approximately 500 applications were submitted by engineers and software developers, while more than 100 came from business professionals.
The initiative is being implemented in two stages. The first phase, conducted between May and June 2026, consisted of an intensive training program led by leading experts, providing participants with advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies and including with the development of individual AI projects.
Following a competitive selection process, the top participants advanced to the second phase—a 10-week incubation program running from July to September 2026. During this stage, multidisciplinary teams will refine their products through weekly project reviews, one-on-one mentoring, and preparation for a final Demo Day, where they will present their solutions to experts and potential investors.
“This is a win-win program,” said Munira Begmuratova, Co-Founder of the AI Incubator. “Developers will gain valuable business knowledge and learn how to transform technical expertise into market-ready products, while business professionals will strengthen their technical understanding to successfully bring innovative ideas to life.”
The AI Incubator is supported by the U.S. Department of State's Graduate Innovation Fund as part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. Developed by TechWomen alumnae, the program aims to introduce advanced U.S. experience in technology entrepreneurship to Uzbekistan's growing startup ecosystem.
The program's official partners include the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, School 21, IT Park University, the C-Space Startup Center, and the CS Angels investor club.