The forum was opened by Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov, who spoke about the conditions being created for startups in Uzbekistan, industry support mechanisms, and future priorities. IT Park General Director Azamat Karamatov followed, sharing updates on efforts to develop the national innovation ecosystem, opportunities for IT Park residents, and initiatives to attract foreign investors.

The forum was organized by MOST Holding and IT Park Uzbekistan with the support of the Ministry of Digital Technologies. MOST Holding has been shaping the business environment in Central Asia for over 15 years, combining venture, fintech, and educational initiatives. Partners included Astana Hub, UK International Development, the EBRD, IFC, Air Astana, Yandex Cloud, VISA, UZVC, Accelerate Prosperity, IT Park Ventures, and KPMG.

The program featured the presentation of the report "Startups and Venture Capital in Central Asia 2026," the CEVF Awards ceremony, the introduction of finalists for the first Central Asian cohort of the EBRD's Star Venture program, the signing of three memorandums and one agreement with international venture market participants, and the launch of the Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) Tashkent program.

The fifth anniversary CEVF Awards recognized the best representatives of the Central Eurasian startup ecosystem, venture market, and technology business. This year's winners were:

- Best Corporate Open Innovation Strategy— Freedom Holding
- Best Ecosystem Participant — Startup Garage
- Best Tech Media— Pivot (Uzbekistan)
- Best Tech Influencer— Umed Rakhimov (Tajikistan)
- ESG Leader— School21
- Best Venture Fund— AloqaVentures (Uzbekistan)
- Best Startup Support Program— Red Team Accelerator (Kazakhstan)
- New Business Angel — Sardor Kadyrov
- Discovery and Fastest Growing Startup of the Year — MoonAI
- Most Active Business Angel— Dana Kunanbaeva
- Deal of the Year— Datatruck (Series A, $12 million)

The EBRD also announced 13 finalists for the first Central Asian cohort of the Star Venture program, aimed at supporting high-potential innovative startups. Among them are seven startups from Uzbekistan: Hyper App, IMAN, OSNOVA, Robosell, Tezbor, UYSOT, and Verifix. These startups will receive business diagnostics, mentoring, expert guidance, and support in entering new markets and attracting investment.

CEVF 2026 continues its tradition as the leading platform for the Central Asian venture market, uniting more than 50 venture funds, hundreds of business angels, and startups, and serving as a key driver for the region's innovative economy, investment climate, and international cooperation.