Inauguration of the Creative Incubator in Uzbekistan: A Milestone in the Advancement of Creative Startups

The Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) hosted the official opening ceremony of the Creative Incubator — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting young talents and fostering startup development within the creative economy.

A New Chapter in the Development of Creative Industries

During the opening ceremony, representatives from IT Park Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, and WIUT delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of the initiative in cultivating a robust creative ecosystem within the country. In their speeches, the speakers highlighted that the Creative Incubator is poised to become a hub for talented designers, developers, animators, entrepreneurs, and other professionals operating in the creative sectors.   

This project plays a crucial role in the execution of the Law on the Creative Economy, enacted on October 3, 2024. This legislation defines the legal framework for supporting creative industries, with the objective of increasing their contribution to Uzbekistan's GDP to 5% by 2030. The Creative Incubator is expected to act as a catalyst for these transformations, providing a conducive environment for innovation, knowledge exchange, and engagement with industry experts.    

Opportunities Extended to Participants

The Creative Incubator offers aspiring professionals and startup founders a comprehensive suite of resources to nurture their ideas:

• Educational programs and masterclasses conducted by international and local experts.
• Startup competitions offering financial support for winning projects.
• Intensive training sessions and visits to leading companies.
• Pitch Contest, where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their projects to potential investors.

Selection of the Top Startups

A total of 79 project applications were submitted for participation in the Creative Incubator. From these, 15 of the most promising startups were chosen to receive comprehensive support as part of the incubation program. These selected startups will have the opportunity to further develop their ideas, participate in educational programs, and engage with experienced mentors, enabling them to elevate their projects to new heights.

Recognition of the Logo Contest Winner   

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the awarding of the winner of the Logo Contest — a competition for the best logo design for the Creative Incubator. The contest attracted a significant number of participants who showcased their innovative and creative design concepts. As a result, the winning logo was selected for its ability to convey the mission and core values of the Creative Incubator. The creator of the winning design, Mr. Sardor Abdusamiev, a talented 19-year-old freelance designer, was awarded commemorative prizes, and his design will now serve as the official visual symbol of the project.

Project Partners

The Creative Incubator is realized through the collaboration of IT Park Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, and WIUT.

• IT Park Uzbekistan plays a pivotal role in the advancement of the nation’s technological sector, positioning Uzbekistan as an emerging international IT hub. IT Park actively facilitates the global success of local companies while simultaneously attracting foreign enterprises. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing the quality of life, generating employment opportunities, and strengthening the international competitiveness of Uzbek professionals. Through the implementation of initiatives such as the Creative Incubator, IT Park consistently supports startups and IT companies, enabling them to attract investments, build international partnerships, scale their ventures from initial concept to large-scale business operations, and cultivate a new generation of IT professionals.
• The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation was established in 2017 by decree of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Foundation's mission is to integrate Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage into the global cultural landscape while fostering domestic opportunities through the creation of inclusive and accessible environments in cultural institutions, the renovation of museums, the encouragement of arts patronage, and the development of human capital within museums, theaters, and other cultural establishments. Its initiatives span multiple disciplines, including visual arts, literature, theater, music, architecture, choreography, and cinema. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach and fostering collaboration among experts from different countries, the Foundation actively promotes cultural diplomacy between the CIS, Europe, and Asia. 
• Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) has been at the forefront of education and innovation for over two decades. Established in 2002, WIUT has set the standard for academic excellence and innovation, positioning itself as a premier institution of higher education in Uzbekistan. The university has gained recognition as a center of creativity, integrating academic training with a vibrant and forward-thinking environment that fosters the development of the creative economy both locally and internationally. 

The opening of the Creative Incubator represents a significant milestone for Uzbekistan's innovation ecosystem. This initiative brings together talent, technology, and education, establishing a robust foundation for the sustainable growth of the country's creative industries. Participants can anticipate new educational programs, competitions, and opportunities to position their projects on the international stage.