Technoparks of Turkic States Discuss Creation of Unified Innovation Ecosystem

Representatives of IT Park Uzbekistan held a meeting with Kazuhiko Oyoshi, a partner at Headline Asia VC, as part of the ICT WEEK Uzbekistan 2026 event.

During the discussion, the parties reviewed issues related to the development of the venture capital market, as well as ways to support startups from Uzbekistan and prospects for expanding international cooperation.

One of the key topics was the potential presence of Headline Asia in Central Asia. The participants discussed the possibility of the fund opening a regional office and locating its headquarters in Tashkent.

Special attention was paid to startups founded by Uzbek entrepreneurs in Japan. The parties discussed opportunities for attracting investment and supporting these companies, as well as their potential integration into the network of investors and partners of Headline Asia.

Headline Asia VC is based in Tokyo and specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups—Seed and Series A. The fund focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, logistics, financial technology, and e-commerce, and according to the data presented, it has invested in over 100 startups.

The participants also spoke about the possible expansion of Headline Asia's activities in Uzbekistan, interaction with local startups, and the development of venture capital cooperation in the region. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue the dialogue on assisting Uzbek startups in entering international markets, attracting foreign investors, and forming regional partnerships in the field of venture investments.

Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey have reached an agreement to expand cooperation between their innovative and technological ecosystems. A memorandum of cooperation was signed in Tashkent during the first Turkic States Organization (TGO) Technology Forum.

This forum took place as part of the ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026, initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The President proposed holding the technology forum in Tashkent with the participation of TGO member states at the organization's unofficial summit in Turkistan in May 2026.

Representatives from structures such as IT Park Uzbekistan, the Agency for Innovation and Digital Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Astana Hub, the High-Tech Park of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Bilişim Vadisi of Turkey participated in the event. Participants presented the technological ecosystems of their countries and discussed opportunities for expanding regional interaction.

Special attention was paid to establishing connections between tech parks, supporting innovative projects, exchanging experiences, and creating conditions for technology companies to enter the markets of other TGO member states.

According to the signed memorandum, the TGO Technology Forum will be held annually on a rotational basis in one of the organization's member states. Leaders of tech parks and innovation organizations will also meet regularly to discuss the results of cooperation and new joint initiatives.

A separate memorandum was signed between IT Park Ventures and Bilişim Vadisi. This document aims to strengthen ties between the startup and investment ecosystems of Uzbekistan and Turkey. The parties intend to exchange information on promising startups and investment opportunities, jointly consider potential deals, attract investors, and develop mechanisms to support technology companies when entering international markets and scaling operations.

Bilişim Vadisi unites over 900 companies and more than 8,000 specialists engaged in research and development activities. The memorandum also provides for mutual support for companies under a soft landing model. Companies from the IT Park Ventures portfolio interested in entering the Turkish market can receive support through the Terminal İstanbul ecosystem, ranging from establishing business contacts to integration into the country's technology community.

In turn, IT Park Ventures will assist startups from the Terminal İstanbul ecosystem in entering the Uzbek market. The parties also plan to develop investor sourcing through meetings with investors, pitch sessions, and Demo Days. The document allows for joint acceleration programs and initiatives to help companies enter new markets, as well as to exchange experience and expertise in venture investment, startup development, and international scaling.

Iran's industrial parks are set to transform into sustainable, specialized, and intelligent ecosystems. This was stated by Tahmures Lahuati Ashkuri, Deputy Minister of Industry and head of the Iranian Small and Medium Enterprises and Industrial Parks Organization.

At the Iran Chamber of Commerce, he highly praised the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which support a significant portion of production and employment despite economic difficulties.

The ISIPO organization follows six strategic directions aligned with the ministry's ten strategies. Priorities include increasing the value of production chains, creating long-term links between small and large companies, and regional development based on local advantages. Special attention is given to the mining industry, and the city of Half in Khorasan Razavi is planned for a specialized industrial park.

Regarding digital transformation, Ashkuri emphasized that industrial parks can no longer be limited to just land and warehouses. They must provide shared digital services, integrated energy management, and data-driven management. Next year, one park will begin piloting this concept, followed by plans to establish such a park in each of the 31 provinces.

ISIPO, together with the Chamber, has launched an Iranian subcontracting exchange system. This system connects SMEs with major industries in the fields of energy equipment, connectors, electric motors, power plant equipment, and water treatment. The goal is to establish stable and transparent relationships, strengthen supply chains, and reduce dependence on imports.

Chamber Vice President Bagheri noted that this system must ensure the conclusion of real contracts, not just data exchange, and promote the integration of SMEs into national and global value chains.