Uzbekistan and Plug and Play Launch the “Bukhara 100” Program to Accelerate Startup Growth
2026-07-23 14:00:00 / News of ministry
The initiative is being implemented through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Digital Technologies and Plug and Play Tech Center, one of the world's leading innovation platforms and venture capital ecosystems.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between the Ministry's delegation and Plug and Play's management at the company's headquarters in San Francisco, United States. The discussions focused on supporting innovative entrepreneurship in the Bukhara region, expanding access to international markets, attracting venture investment, and fostering high-tech innovation.
The negotiations were attended by Rebecca Rosser, Chief of Staff to the CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center, and Ivan Zgomba, Partner at Plug and Play Ventures.
As part of the agreement, the “Bukhara 100” program will identify promising startups from the Bukhara region and provide them with incubation and acceleration programs aligned with international standards. Participants will gain access to Plug and Play's global innovation network, corporate partners, mentors, and international venture investors.
The partnership also envisions cooperation in developing artificial intelligence and other advanced technology projects, preparing startups for international acceleration programs, expanding collaboration with global corporate partners, and attracting international venture capital.
The initiative is expected to contribute to:
- strengthening the startup ecosystem in the Bukhara region based on international best practices;
- supporting the expansion of local startups into the U.S. and European markets;
- attracting international venture investment;
- increasing exports of digital products and services;
- creating high-value employment opportunities;
- and strengthening the entrepreneurial and innovation capabilities of young people.
Plug and Play is one of the world's largest innovation platforms, having supported the growth of globally recognized technology companies including Google, PayPal, Dropbox, N26, and Rappi. The company operates innovation programs in more than 60 countries, connecting thousands of startups, investors, and corporations through its global innovation ecosystem.
The launch of the “Bukhara 100” program represents an important step toward building an innovation-driven economy in the Bukhara region, supporting technology entrepreneurship, and accelerating the region's integration into the global ecosystem innovation.