From May 15 to 17, 2026, Tashkent is hosting Global Tech Weekend for the first time. For three days, the capital has turned into a major innovation platform, bringing together startups, investors, technology professionals, international experts, and young innovators. As part of the festival, more than 40 events took place across Tashkent, featuring over 120 international and regional speakers.
Guri Khoiava, one of the co-founders of Global Tech Weekend and the head of the Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi chapter, took part in Global Tech Weekend Tashkent 2026. In an interview, he said he was pleased to be in Tashkent and emphasized that one of the key goals of Global Tech Weekend is to strengthen technological cooperation between Central Asia and the Caucasus.
“I am very happy that Global Tech Weekend has arrived in Tashkent. Tashkent is one of my favorite cities. In recent years, I have been researching our region — Central Asia and the Caucasus. At Global Tech Weekend, we believe that we can unite this region. This means friendship, building bridges between countries, joint investments, and cross-border cooperation,” said Guri Khoiava.
According to him, Global Tech Weekend stands out from other technology events due to its informal and open format. Holding the event during the weekend creates a comfortable environment for new meetings, conversations, and exchange of ideas around technology, business, and innovation.
“Weekends are usually for rest and leisure. But Global Tech Weekend brings people together once again to celebrate technology, business, and innovation,” he noted.
Guri Khoiava also emphasized that startups are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy. In his view, startups are rapidly transforming different industries, creating new markets, and becoming one of the key driving forces of the economy of the future.
“Startups are changing the global economy faster than we can even imagine. Estonia and many other countries are good examples. Even in our region, unicorn companies are emerging, and different industries are being disrupted. I believe startups are the future, and I advise everyone to start their own startup,” he said.
Speaking about the future of Central Eurasia’s startup ecosystem, the co-founder of Global Tech Weekend highlighted the confidence and ambition of the younger generation in technology. According to him, the number of young people working on their ideas and building technology companies at IT Park shows the strong potential of the region.
“I feel a strong impulse here. Today, being part of the tech ecosystem is very important. The younger generation believes in what they are doing and is building technology companies. This movement will only grow, and in the future, young people will surprise us with their new ideas,” said Guri Khoiava.
During the interview, he also mentioned that Global Tech Weekend will take place in Tbilisi as well and called for stronger ties between the startup ecosystems of Uzbekistan and Georgia. According to him, a Georgian delegation of more than 30 people came to Tashkent, creating an important opportunity to develop technological cooperation between the two countries.
“We need to build bridges faster, collaborate faster, launch joint investments faster, and do business together. My main message is to unite our countries,” he said.
Global Tech Weekend Tashkent 2026 is being held with the support of IT Park Uzbekistan and contributes to strengthening Uzbekistan’s position as a regional technology hub, developing the startup ecosystem, and expanding international cooperation. The festival has become a platform for new ideas, partnerships, and investment opportunities for startups, investors, technology companies, communities, and young innovators.
