Starting in 2026, the “Young Entrepreneurs” championship will be held annually to select the best business and startup initiatives among young people. The goal is simple: to turn ideas into real projects, not just on paper, with money, expertise, and government support.
According to the results of the championship, the winning projects will not be limited to “just a diploma.” They will have specific mechanisms in place, such as allocating investments, covering the costs of specialists to brand the product on the market, and even recommending it for state awards. That is, if your idea is good, you don’t have to “look for a way” to the next step yourself — the system itself will give you the impetus.
One of the strongest points: up to 100 business and startup projects will be selected within the framework of the championship, and it is planned to invest up to 1 billion soums for their development. These funds will be channeled from the State Trust Fund for the Development of Youth Entrepreneurship and the Yoshlar Ventures venture fund. Of course, this is where they plan to solve the classic problem of “there is an idea, but there is no money to start.”
The part of turning the project into a “brand” is also not left out. The costs of attracting experts for things like setting up the startup financially, launching marketing, positioning, and sales channels will be covered. This compensation amount is up to 100 times the BOM, and it is planned to be paid within the funds of the fund. That is, the pressure of “I will pitch, but the money will go to marketing” will also be relieved.
Another interesting mechanism: the Council of the State Trust Fund for the Development of Youth Entrepreneurship will be able to submit proposals to the authorized bodies to recommend the winners of the championship for state awards, as well as the “Active Entrepreneur” and “Uzbekistan Sign” badges. This means not only money for the winners, but also prestige and trust capital.
There is also a separate bonus for technological startups. From April 1, 2026, it is planned to grant the status of IT-park resident to projects participating in the “Digital Startups” program. The most important condition: they will be allowed to use the relevant privileges and preferences even without the requirement for the minimum export indicators established by law. That is, not “export first, then privileges” - first privileges, then faster growth.
In addition, starting in 2026, the practice of holding the “Startup Expo” exhibition every year will be introduced. This exhibition is a showcase for projects: an opportunity to present themselves to investors, partners, customers and the media.
In short, starting in 2026, “starting up” for young people will no longer be a dream, but a systematic marathon. The only thing you need to prepare now is to clearly identify the problem, explain the solution in a simple way, and write down a plan for turning the idea into a product. Those who say “we’ll see later” when the championship begins will be too late.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
