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Historic regional competition launches to showcase Central Eurasia\u2019s rising startup ecosystem on Silicon Valley\u2019s biggest stage.<\/em><\/p>\n For the first time in its history, Central Eurasia will have a direct pathway to TechCrunch Startup Battlefield through the launch of \u201cRoad to Battlefield,\u201d a groundbreaking regional competition that promises to put the underrepresented region firmly on the global innovation map.<\/p>\n The competition, organized by Silkroad Innovation Hub in partnership with TechCrunch and Freedom Holding, will span nine countries across Central Eurasia: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, T\u00fcrkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan with national competitions leading to a regional final where the top three startups will earn spots in TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2025 in San Francisco.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been exhibiting startups at TechCrunch Disrupt for several years as partners, 14 startups in 2023, 24 startups in 2024, and we see that they can be competitive,\u201d said Asset Abdualiyev, CEO & Founder of Silkroad Innovation Hub. \u201cIn 2024, we had the largest pavilion at TechCrunch Disrupt. We are happy to take our partnership with TechCrunch Disrupt to the next level by providing direct access to TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 to the most promising startups from the Central Eurasian region.\u201d<\/p>\n Central Eurasia\u2019s startup ecosystem has been quietly building momentum, representing a dynamic tech hub of 100 million people with one of the youngest populations in the world. The region produces approximately 200,000 STEM graduates annually and is home to an estimated 7,000 active startups across key sectors, including AI, Fintech, EdTech, MedTech, and E-commerce.<\/p>\n The numbers tell a compelling story: venture funding in Central Asia and the South Caucasus has grown 5.5 times in recent years, reaching $110 million in 2023 and $150 million in the first half of 2024 alone. Notable successes include AI company Higgsfield, valued at over $100 million, and Uzum from Uzbekistan, which raised $114 million in funding, becoming the country\u2019s first unicorn with a valuation of $1.16 billion. Meanwhile, regional offices of global players, such as Telegram and inDrive, have established operations in Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n Despite this growth, the region\u2019s potential remains largely untapped by global investors. The Road to Battlefield competition aims to change that narrative by providing unprecedented visibility and access to Silicon Valley\u2019s most influential networks.<\/p>\n \u201cNot all investors understand how vast the opportunities are in that region,\u201d explained Mr. Abdualiyev. \u201cThis competition is about showcasing that Central Eurasia has startups that deserve global recognition.\u201dThe initiative has garnered strong support from key regional players. Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub in Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of this opportunity: \u201cWe\u2019ve been helping startups scale in the US through our acceleration programs and have seen real progress. Many companies have already secured local investments, and this competition provides an even bigger platform for Kazakhstan\u2019s startups to be exposed.\u201d<\/p>\n The competition benefits from a robust partnership network across the region, supported by leading regional innovation hubs and accelerators:<\/p>\n Astana Hub<\/strong> (Kazakhstan), IT Park Uzbekistan<\/strong> (Uzbekistan), Future Laboratory<\/strong> (Georgia), Sabah Hub and Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) <\/strong>\u00a0(Azerbaijan), IT Park Mongolia<\/strong> (Mongolia), Accelerate Prosperity<\/strong> (Kyrgyzstan), IT Park Dushanbe<\/strong> (Tajikistan), and Startup Centrum<\/strong> (T\u00fcrkiye).<\/p>\n IT Park Uzbekistan, one of the key supporters, sees this as a crucial step in ecosystem development:<\/p>\n \u201cWe are happy to support and help Uzbek startups scale globally,\u201d said Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan. \u201cWe wish that through our efforts to evolve the venture ecosystem, our startups can be seen in the US market and expand globally. As part of the Central Asia Innovation Hub that we are now implementing with Astana Hub, this initiative aligns perfectly with our regional development goals.\u201dThe initiative is backed by Freedom Holding as the main partner, demonstrating significant private sector commitment to regional innovation. \u201cFreedom Holding Corp. has been supporting Central Eurasian teams on the global TechCrunch stage for several years now, and this year is no exception,\u201d said Marlen Sikhayev, Adviser to the President of Freedom Finance Global PLC. \u201cWe believe in the potential of regional entrepreneurs and want to give them access to best practices, mentorship, and investments. This initiative not only provides crucial support for startups but also demonstrates that Central Eurasia\u2019s technology and innovation sector is keeping pace with global trends and developing as a unified region.\u201d<\/p>\n The competition follows a carefully structured process:<\/p>\n Stage 1: National Competitions (July 21 \u2013 August 10)<\/strong> Each country will host online pitch events.<\/p>\n Stage 2: Regional Final (August 15)<\/strong> The top 20 startups will compete in an online regional final to determine the three winners.<\/p>\n Stage 3: Battlefield Preparation (September 1 \u2013 October 24)<\/strong> Winners receive intensive preparation through weekly webinars leading up to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.<\/p>\n Stage 4: TechCrunch Startup Battlefield (October 26-29)<\/strong> The three finalists travel to Silicon Valley to compete in the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200.<\/p>\n The three winning startups will receive a comprehensive package designed to maximize their Silicon Valley experience:<\/p>\n The competition targets early-stage startups that meet specific criteria:<\/p>\n TechCrunch Disrupt stands as one of the world\u2019s most influential tech conferences, attracting over 165,000 attendees and featuring speakers such as Elon Musk, Serena Williams, and Satya Nadella. At its core, TechCrunch Startup Battlefield boasts an impressive 15-plus-year track record of launching global tech giants, including Trello, Dropbox, N26, Mint, and Forethought AI. Alumni companies have collectively raised over $32 billion, with more than 50 unicorns emerging from the program.<\/p>\n Each year, 200 early-stage startups compete for unparalleled exposure to top-tier investors and media, with 20 finalists advancing to compete live for $100,000 funding and the iconic Disrupt Cup.<\/p>\n The launch of Road to Battlefield represents more than just a competition; it\u2019s a historic moment for Central Eurasia\u2019s startup ecosystem. By creating a direct pathway to one of the world\u2019s most prestigious startup stages, the initiative promises to accelerate the region\u2019s integration into the global innovation economy.<\/p>\n As the competition opens for applications, entrepreneurs across Central Eurasia now have an opportunity to showcase their innovations to Silicon Valley\u2019s most influential investors and partners. For a region that has long been underrepresented in global startup competitions, it could be the catalyst that transforms Central Eurasia into a recognized hub of global innovation.<\/p>\n Applications for Road to Battlefield are now open at https:\/\/road2battlefield.com\/<\/a> , with a deadline of July 15, 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nA Region Ready for Recognition<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Strong Regional Partnership<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Competition Structure and Timeline<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Exclusive Benefits for Winners<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Startup Criteria<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Building on Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n
A Historic Moment<\/strong><\/h2>\n