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Plug and Play's Fourth Accelerator Batch in Tashkent

In a significant step towards bolstering the startup ecosystem in Central Asia, Plug and Play, a leading global innovation platform, has announced the selection of 15 startups for its fourth batch of the International Accelerator program, based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan in collaboration with IT Park Uzbekistan, aims to establish the region as a crucial hub for innovation and technology.

Plug and Play's accelerator is designed for startups looking to harness collaborative opportunities with seasoned mentors, established corporate partners, investors, and industry leaders. Specializing in key areas like fintech, enterprise solutions, and artificial intelligence (AI), the program is aligned with Uzbekistan's objective of transitioning from traditional industries towards a more technology-focused economy.

The accelerator program will span over 12 weeks, commencing at the end of February, combining both in-person and online modules. Each participant will benefit from expert guidance in crucial aspects of startup success including venture strategy, product development, branding, growth hacking, and market entry tactics. The culmination of the program will be an expo, showcasing the innovations and progress made by the startups.

Alfredo Gomez Soria, Senior Corporate Partnerships at Plug and Play, expressed enthusiasm about the new batch, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome this group of startups to our Batch 4 accelerator program. This program provides them with the resources, mentorship, and network they need to scale their businesses and achieve success in Uzbekistan and beyond. Together with our partner IT Park, we are committed to supporting their growth and helping them reach their full potential."

Similarly, Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, emphasized that innovation is not just about technology but fostering an environment where bold ideas can thrive. He remarked, "Through our partnership with Plug and Play, Uzbekistan is accelerating startup growth and strengthening its tech ecosystem. The startups in this new batch will drive change, attract investment, and open new industry opportunities."

The selection process for this batch was highly competitive, with over 50 applicants vying for a place. The 15 chosen startups represent diverse sectors harnessing technologies like AI, blockchain, fintech, and automation to address various challenges within Central Asia and beyond. Notable inclusions among this batch are:

• - UzbekVoice: Specializes in advanced speech-to-text and text-to-speech solutions for the Uzbek language.
• - Urbo: Leading real estate platform offering extensive listings for property buyers in Uzbekistan.
• - Karmon AI: An innovative finance management application assisting users in tracking their financial activities.
• - 1DOC.UZ: Unique platform providing comprehensive legal document solutions coupled with AI legal assistance.
• - Jett: Uzbekistan's pioneering investment service enabling small investors to engage with public equities remotely.
• - 4Rize: A research platform tailored for banks and fintechs, aggregating fintech user experiences.
• - pDaftar: Mobile application for debt management that automates reminders and simplifies repayment.
• - Trust ID: Identity verification system that utilizes photo matching and individual identification techniques.
• - MilliyPay: Payment system facilitating secure transfer services tailored to transnational needs, including bills and utilities.
• - Bito: ERP system designed for varying scales of businesses.
• - Robosell: Innovative online business solutions aggregator.
• - Cradle AI: Develops computer vision tools for retail, banking, and education sectors to enhance operational analysis.
• - Neural Payments: AI-driven financial platform aimed at cross-border transactions.
• - Payzor: P2P lending service catering to the MENA region.
• - AIsha AI: AI platform automating call center operations through advanced data analysis.

Since its inception, Plug and Play Uzbekistan has successfully hosted three startup accelerators and has supported a varied range of startups from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan in sectors like edtech, healthtech, and mobility. On an investment scale, Plug and Play has been instrumental in nurturing promising local ventures such as Zip24 and Zypl.ai. The Plug and Play global network invests in over 200 startups each year, promoting innovation and collaboration across borders.

Plug and Play Uzbekistan, launched in 2023, operates in synergy with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies and IT Park Uzbekistan, establishing a comprehensive open innovation platform that merges local, regional, and international stakeholders to foster growth within the country’s burgeoning startup landscape. This initiative not only aids international startups in tapping into the Central Asian market but also provides Uzbek entrepreneurs with the vital resources and mentorship needed to reach a global stage.

For further insights and updates about Plug and Play, visit their official website at Plug and Play Uzbekistan.