Tumaris.Tech Central Asia: Women-Led Startups Conclude the Second Phase of the Export Accelerator

On December 26, 2024, the Tumaris.Tech Central Asia project hosted a demo day for the second cohort of its export accelerator with the support of the USAID Entrepreneurship and Business Environment Development Project. The event provided a platform for women-led startups from five Central Asian nations — Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan — to present their business plans aimed at entering international markets.

This year, the project continued its mission by providing participants with comprehensive support to expand internationally and grow their businesses.

Top Project Outcomes:

• VR Delivery (Kazakhstan): Specializing in innovative technologies to foster cognitive skills among younger generations, enhancing their motivation for learning. The team achieved remarkable milestones, including a 28% increase in revenue and a 40% improvement in return on investment compared to the previous month.   

• AI Sales & Marketing (Kazakhstan): Serving as a guide for entrepreneurs navigating the realm of artificial intelligence, this platform automates business processes utilizing AI and provides customized, AI-driven assistants, thereby easing the entrepreneurial burden of project development. Originating in Kazakhstan, the startup reported a 50% increase in users, reaching 3,000, and has also forged partnerships within the new Turkish market.

• Barakelde AI (Kyrgyzstan): This startup enables users to assess their chances of obtaining a U.S. visa application. The team established 12 new partnerships with international universities.
• ESG & Human Track: A comprehensive platform that monitors critical environmental indicators, employee health, and financial metrics. It integrates data on employee safety, their well-being, public sentiment, and social initiatives to deliver real-time data visualization and automated reporting. This platform assists companies to manage ESG reporting and analyze the impact of ESG factors, facilitating optimal resource allocation and attracting external financing through bonds and quotas. The company has secured contracts with two Swiss enterprises.

Anastasia Filippova, Head of Startups, Venture Investments, and Development of Local IT Services at IT Park Uzbekistan, delivered the keynote address:

"The Tumaris.Tech initiative not only inspires women entrepreneurs across Central Asia but also empowers them to confidently navigate international markets. We are proud to support startups founded or co-founded by women and to witness their transformation into thriving businesses with global ambitions. Demo day marks a critical milestone for our participants, and I firmly believe that the knowledge, mentorship, and partnerships they have gained will enable them to further grow and achieve even greater heights in entrepreneurship."  

Tumaris.Tech was launched in August 2020 as part of an initiative by IT Park Uzbekistan, supported by the USAID Entrepreneurship and Business Environment Development Project. This initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening the role of women in entrepreneurship. The project offers not only mentorship and consulting support but also facilitates the expansion of startups into international markets.

The second cycle of the accelerator spanned 12 weeks and included 7 educational sessions focusing on markets in Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the United States, and Southeast Asia (SEA). Participants also engaged in over 120 hours of work with experienced mentors and experts, who assisted in developing customized strategies for international market entry.

The demo day attracted leading venture funds and business angels, including Sturgeon Capital, Aloqa Ventures, UC Ventures, Pivot.uz, and Activat VC. Investors not only attended the presentations but also provided valuable feedback, which will help participants broaden their opportunities.

The list of projects presented during the demo day was subsequently shared with venture funds and investors for further evaluation and potential funding.

The Tumaris.Tech project remains a vital mechanism for supporting and promoting women-led startups in Central Asia, playing a key role in expanding opportunities for female entrepreneurship in the region. The third cycle of the program is anticipated to launch next year, further attracting new participants and investors.