How Universities Can Assist Startups in Developing Their Products

On February 25, the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan hosted the forum titled "Development of the Startup Ecosystem in Universities", organized by IT Park Uzbekistan with the support of the Ministry of Digital Technologies. The event brought together over 300 participants, including representatives from more than 80 universities, the startup industry, investors, and corporate sector, providing a platform for the discussion of critical matters pertaining to youth entrepreneurship.

Startup Alley

The forum commenced with an exhibition of student-led startups, where young founders presented their projects, received expert recommendations, and explored investment opportunities. Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov personally visited the exhibition, engaging with startup founders and underscoring the importance of fostering youth-led initiatives.

Universities as a Platform for Student Startups

The official session opened with a keynote address by Minister Sherzod Shermatov, who emphasized the necessity of integrating universities into the startup ecosystem, enhancing incubation and acceleration programs, and strengthening collaboration between universities, businesses, and government institutions.

"During my international visits, I frequently meet talented Uzbek entrepreneurs who have successfully expanded their startups into global markets.

Observing how ambitious and talented young individuals, having developed a product in Uzbekistan, enter international markets and achieve recognition reaffirms my belief that there are no limits to success. Our mission is to provide young innovators with the best possible support at every stage — especially within universities, which serve as the foundation for future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators," stated Minister Shermatov.

Sharof Radjabbaev, Director of the Innovation Development Agency, also delivered a welcoming address:

"Building a robust startup ecosystem is unattainable without the active involvement of universities. These institutions serve as the birthplace of groundbreaking ideas, where young talents experiment, find inspiration, and strive to bring their projects to fruition. Universities must evolve into platforms where innovation receives support, and ambitious startup founders are provided with the requisite resources to realize their visions."

One of the key topics of the forum was the transformation of universities into centers of innovation and entrepreneurship. Discussions focused on mechanisms for student engagement in the startup ecosystem, the development of incubation programs, and strengthening the ties between universities and the business community.

The Role of Universities: Student Startups and Acceleration Centers

Universities play a pivotal role in the development of the startup ecosystem. Within these institutions, plans are underway to establish incubation centers designed to assist students in the following capacities:   

• Developing their projects 
• Receiving mentorship support 
• Participating in acceleration programs 
• Attracting investment 

Nargiza Kasymova, Director of the Digital Finance Acceleration Center at Tashkent State University of Economics, highlighted that the center has already supported 50 student-led startups, 10 of which have secured victories in international competitions, collectively attracting $100,000 in investments.   

Bobur Abdullaev, Rector of INHA University in Tashkent, elaborated on the activities of their incubation center. The university actively promotes entrepreneurial endeavors among its students by organizing events and mentorship sessions. He emphasized that the university takes pride in the accomplishments of its students, many of whom have achieved victories in international technology competitions.     

Two notable examples of successful student startups include: 

• Oygul — A marketplace for ordering flowers, developed by students from the Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT), New Uzbekistan University, and the University of Manchester. The project won the President Tech Award and has been integrated into the Click SuperApp, providing access to 18 million users. 
• Bron24 — A digital platform developed by students from Amity University, aimed at streamlining the booking of football fields and sports facilities. The project is in its final development stage and is currently seeking an Android developer. 

These ventures demonstrate the growing potential of youth entrepreneurship, underscoring students’ readiness to devise technological solutions and bring them to market.

Supporting the Startup Ecosystem: Accelerators and Investments

In addition to universities, student startups receive substantial support from acceleration and investment programs.

Dalerkhon Nodirov, Deputy Director of IT Park Ventures, elaborated on how student-led projects can attract investment and appeal to venture capital funds. He emphasized three fundamental success factors:

1. Comprehensive project development
2. A strong team
3. A well-defined market entry strategy

Ravshanbek Ibrokhimov, Executive Director of the Tashkent branch of Startup Garage, presented the opportunities available to startups within Startup Garage across the country. These studios provide comprehensive infrastructure and resources to support startups at every stage of development.

Mukhammad Makhmudov, Director of Plug and Play Uzbekistan, insights from the accelerator’s international experience in collaborating with universities. He elaborated on how different countries integrate support mechanisms for student startups and how these models could be effectively adapted to Uzbekistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Next Steps: Advancing the University Startup Ecosystem

The forum reaffirmed that universities have the potential to evolve into centers of innovation, where students not only acquire knowledge but also develop successful startups. While incubation centers, acceleration programs, and funding mechanisms are already emerging, strengthening partnerships, fostering international collaboration, and enhancing access to investment opportunities remain crucial.

The next step involves the active integration of universities into Uzbekistan’s innovation economy. By cultivating an environment conducive to student entrepreneurship, Uzbekistan is paving the way for young talent to access global markets and drive the country’s technological advancement.