Uzbekistan named ‘Country of the Year’ for fast rise of startup
New global survey highlights rapid tech ecosystem growth in Tashkent and Almaty as Central Asia’s startup sector expands by 81%
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Central Asia recorded the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem among all sub-regions in 2026, according to a new global survey that named Uzbekistan as “Country of the Year 2026” for its rapid rise in the technology and innovation sector.
The Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2026, compiled by StartupBlink, found that Central Asia’s startup ecosystem expanded by 81% over the past year, driven primarily by growth in Tashkent and Almaty.
According to the report, Uzbekistan climbed 19 places to rank 79th globally, recording 227% ecosystem growth — the largest single-year ranking improvement among all countries surveyed. Since 2024, Uzbekistan has advanced 31 places in the global rankings.
The report said Uzbekistan ranked first in Central Asia in startup community activity, corporate engagement, funding and capital, and ecosystem visibility.
“Tashkent has established itself as the region’s leading startup and innovation hub,” the report said, noting that the Uzbek capital jumped 121 places to rank 229th among the world’s top 1,000 startup cities.
The cities of Samarkand and Bukhara also entered the global Top 1000 list.
StartupBlink analysts praised IT Park Uzbekistan for playing a central role in the country’s technology development strategy.
“Uzbekistan is making a significant effort to become a regional tech hub, and the commitment is visible at every level,” the report said.
The survey also highlighted continued growth in Kazakhstan, which ranked 71st globally despite slipping one place from the previous year. Kazakhstan recorded 26.5% ecosystem growth.
Almaty remained Kazakhstan’s leading startup center, ranking 291st globally, while Astana placed 332nd.
However, StartupBlink analysts suggested that competition between Almaty and Astana for leadership in the country’s startup ecosystem may be slowing overall development.
“Strengthening one city’s dominance as the primary startup hub could help consolidate national ecosystem outcomes,” the report said.
Elsewhere in the region, Armenia was identified as the Caucasus region’s strongest startup ecosystem, ranking 55th globally, while Georgia climbed five places to 66th.
Azerbaijan ranked 81st after falling seven places from the previous year.
The findings reflect growing international attention on Central Asia’s expanding technology sector as governments across the region invest in digital infrastructure, startup incubators and innovation-focused economic policies.
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