Strategic Collaboration Initiatives for Uzbek Founders and Entrepreneurs

Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, Executive Director of IT Park Uzbekistan, recently held significant meetings with Milena Stoycheva, Chairperson of the Board of Innovation and former Minister of Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria, and Mohammed Hatata, Chief Visionary Officer of NawahAI, to discuss collaboration opportunities aimed at empowering Uzbek entrepreneurs and expanding the country's startup ecosystem.

During a meeting between Abdulakhad Kuchkarov and Milena Stoycheva, parties discuss potential collaboration between IT Park Uzbekistan and JA Europe, the continent’s largest provider of entrepreneurship education programs. Stoycheva emphasized the importance of connecting Uzbek startup founders with JA Europe’s resources, which aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurial skills. There were also talks about IT Park becoming a member of the JA Europe association, further enhancing mentorship and investment opportunities for Uzbek startups.

Stoycheva, a long-time advocate for digitalization and startup development in Bulgaria, noted that this partnership holds great potential for empowering the next generation of Uzbek entrepreneurs. The collaboration with European counterparts, particularly through the Ministry of Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria, aims to create a robust network to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan.

In his meeting with Mohammed Hatata, discussions centered on facilitating the participation of Uzbek founders in the upcoming Biban Exhibition, a major event for startups and innovators. Both leaders highlighted the importance of connecting local entrepreneurs with Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem, particularly its builders and investors, to drive growth and innovation. Plans were also made to co-organize the Uzbekistan Outsourcing Conference in Er-Riyadh this November, which will showcase Uzbek talent and help connect local startups, and member companies of IT Park with international markets.

Hatata, a seasoned tech leader with over 15 years of experience, is a recognized figure in the global AI and digital transformation sectors. He mentors startups through the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies and has held leadership roles at major organizations like Novartis, Intersystems, and Boston Oncology. His insights and experience will help guide Uzbek founders in shaping their technology strategies and expanding their market presence.

Both meetings represent key steps toward building stronger global connections and expanding opportunities for Uzbek founders in the realms of AI, technology, and entrepreneurship education.

These collaborative efforts between Uzbek, Saudi, and European partners provide Uzbek people with unique opportunities to engage with the global tech and startup communities, develop essential entrepreneurial skills, and create pathways for economic growth. For Uzbekistan’s innovators, this means greater visibility, expanded access to investment, and the tools needed to drive technological progress in the country.