Uzbekistan Joins Global Innovation Stage Through GSA Deal

IT Park Uzbekistan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Global Startup Awards (GSA), the world’s largest independent startup awards platform, to bring international startup recognition events to Uzbekistan.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Abdulahad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, and Kim Balle, founder of GSA and the X.O. Group, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

The discussions focused on strengthening global collaboration, promoting Uzbek startups on the international stage, and positioning Uzbekistan as a key innovation hub in Eurasia.

Founded in 2012 in Copenhagen, GSA connects over 154 countries through initiatives such as the Nordic, Central European, ASEAN, and African Startup Awards, highlighting top startups, investors, accelerators, and ecosystem leaders. The platform has helped 16 startups achieve unicorn status.

The signed MoU includes:

Hosting international GSA events in Uzbekistan

Integrating Uzbek startups into GSA’s global network

Fostering long-term partnerships in innovation and entrepreneurship

GSA’s operations are supported by the X.O. Group, which focuses on acceleration programs, strategic ecosystem development, and public-private collaborations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

As part of the new partnership, Uzbekistan will host a Global Startup Awards ceremony this autumn during its ICT Week - one of the country’s most prominent tech and innovation events.

IT Park Uzbekistan emphasized its commitment to nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem, driving job creation, and enhancing the country’s role as a regional IT leader. The partnership is expected to expand global visibility for Uzbek startups, increase access to funding and mentorship, and open new opportunities in the global innovation landscape.