Central Eurasia’s Rising Tech Stars Vie for Silicon Valley Access

The competition has evolved rapidly since its 2025 debut, with submission volume surging nearly 50% year-over-year. A panel of 47 international judges, assisted by an AI juror named AI-Dana, narrowed the field to 22 finalists. These startups, which include a heavy representation from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, represent a diverse range of sectors, though artificial intelligence remains the dominant focus, accounting for 84% of all entries.

This year’s stakes include a $100,000 investment prize pool and significant OpenAI API credits, aimed at accelerating the regional shift toward global market integration. Following the national rounds, the finalists are now preparing for a regional showdown on August 12. From there, only three will earn the opportunity to represent Central Eurasia on the global stage at TechCrunch Disrupt. Asset Abdualiyev, founder of Silkroad Innovation Hub, noted that the initiative is designed to surface high-potential talent that has historically lacked access to top-tier international venture capital and global tech ecosystems.