The Plug and Play Uzbekistan Expo returns on May 6, 2026, at the Turkistan Concert Hall in Tashkent. Hosted by Plug and Play, one of the world’s leading VC firms and accelerators, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Technologies and IT PARK Uzbekistan, this event showcases 30+ startups from Central Asia, the Caucasus, Europe, and beyond — all accelerated through the signature Plug and Play program. As a premier gathering for innovation, the Expo brings together government officials, corporate executives, startup founders, investors, and universities to explore the trends shaping Enterprise & AI, Fintech, Cybersecurity, Gaming, Creative Tech, and more.
Since 2023, Plug and Play has been collaborating with IT PARK Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Digital Technologies to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Central Asia while attracting global startups eager to enter the region. The initiative aims to establish Uzbekistan as a key hub for innovation. Each 3-month cohort program offers selected startups the chance to collaborate with seasoned mentors, connect with corporate partners, investors, and industry leaders, and participate in specialized events and workshops aimed at accelerating growth. With a focus on booming industry sectors such as Enterprise & AI, Fintech, GameDev, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy, the Plug and Play program aligns with Uzbekistan’s transition from traditional industries to a tech-driven economy. The Plug and Play Expo 2026 marks a major milestone in this journey, celebrating the progress of Batch 5 and 6 startups.
The Expo agenda is designed for high-impact collaboration, knowledge sharing, and global networking. The event kicks off with an invite-only VC Mixer, where startups and investors connect through fast-paced speed-pitching. This is followed by a Main Stage program of expert presentations, talks, panel discussions, and live pitches. Attendees can also explore a curated expo space for deep-dive conversations with founders, concluding with an extended networking session designed to solidify new connections and partnerships.
The speaker lineup features international experts in AI and business innovation: Simon Ohler, Founder and Executive Coach at ohler.coach; Rosario Basilotta, AI Director at EQQO.AI; Sebastien Stanley-Jones Director of EMEA Global Strategic at Flippa.com; Renand Grando, expert in Market Entry and Global Partnerships at PortuGer Workforce Solutions; Sascha Karimpour, Partner at Plug and Play Tech Center; Alfredo Gomez Soria, Regional Director at Plug and Play Tech Center.
Exhibiting startups and focus areas:
- Batch 5 (14 Startups): Focused on Enterprise & AI, Fintech, HealthTech, Cybersecurity, PropTech, CleanTech, HRTech, EdTech, and E-commerce.
- Batch 6 (18 Startups): Innovating in Gaming & Entertainment, EdTech, Fashion, EventTech, Digital Platforms, Content Creation & AI, and Advertising & DOOH media.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
- Time: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
- Location: Turkistan Concert Hall, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- Tickets: Register now via the link. Entry fee is free. Seats are limited.
- Social media: Follow on LinkedIn.
Founding Partners:
IT PARK Uzbekistan, a facilitator in information technology under the Ministry for the Development of Information Technologies and Communications of the Republic of Uzbekistan, includes facilities, buildings and structures designed to ensure the launch and market launch of promising startup projects, an extraterritorial free economic zone for IT companies.
Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which has been focusing on development and implementation of comprehensive programs for the implementation and development of the national information and communication system, modernization of the telecommunications infrastructure and attraction of foreign investments.
About Plug and Play Uzbekistan
Plug and Play launched its Uzbekistan office in 2023 in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and IT PARK Uzbekistan. Plug and Play Uzbekistan serves as an open innovation platform, connecting key local, regional, and international stakeholders to create new opportunities for corporations and accelerate the growth of Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem. This initiative allows international startups to tap into the rapidly growing Central Asian market, now emerging as a regional innovation hub, while Uzbek startups gain access to resources, mentorship, and pathways for global expansion.
For more information, visit: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/locations/uzbekistan
For media inquiries and further information about the Plug and Play Expo 2026, please contact:
Program Manager — Sardorbek Axmedov:
- E-mail: s.axmedov@pnptc.com
- Phone: (+998) 95-950-77-21
