Winner of the Startup World Cup 2026 Regional Final Announced in Tashkent
2026-09-25 08:20:00 / News of ministry

Teams presented their products, business models, market potential, and growth strategies. The competition offered an international platform for projects in artificial intelligence, fintech, SaaS, deeptech, consumer technology, and other fields.
The Startup World Cup is an international startup competition organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, based in Silicon Valley. Pegasus Tech Ventures is a global venture capital firm managing more than $2 billion in assets, investing in high-growth-potential technology startups. The company's portfolio includes more than 300 investments, 88 exits, and 29 IPOs.
Held since 2017, the Startup World Cup connects regional rounds held in countries around the world with the global final in San Francisco. To date, the platform has brought together more than 50,000 participants, over 2,500 investors, and more than 500 speakers, with more than 100 regional competitions organized worldwide as part of the initiative.
Among the competition's past winners are startups that have gone on to achieve significant international growth. The 2023 winner, Aillis, a medtech startup from Japan, has raised more than $50 million, while 2022 champion SRTX has raised over $120 million. UniFa, the 2017 winner, secured $10 million in funding following its competition win, with the company's sales subsequently increasing sixfold.
As part of the Tashkent regional final, a Speed Dating session featuring 40 meeting tables was also held. This format allowed startups to meet directly with investors and potential partners within a short time frame, present their projects, and discuss opportunities for cooperation.
Uzbekistan's regional final served as a platform for expanding local startups' connections with the international venture capital community and introducing them to a foreign audience. Participants had the opportunity to present their projects to international experts, exchange views with investors, and discuss plans for entering the global market.
The event concluded with the presentation of three main awards, along with three special awards from partners. Only the 1st place winner, startup Cerberus, secured a spot in the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco.
At the global final, Cerberus will pitch alongside top-selected startups from around the world, competing for a $1 million investment prize.
Alongside the main awards, three special partner awards were presented as part of the Startup World Cup Uzbekistan Regional Final.
SpaceX Community Award
Teams SteppeTechLab, Flexobo, and FoxPrep were recognized, receiving a combined $250 in Cursor Usage Credits.
Cloud + AI Startup Package
Flexobo received a 12-month support package worth $10,000 from Startup MUK and Microsoft.
Uzum Global Scale Award
Cerberus received the opportunity for a 60-minute strategic session with the Uzum ecosystem.









