As reported earlier, for the first time Tashkent hosted the Global Tech Weekend from May 15 to 17, 2026. For three days, the capital has become a major innovation platform, bringing together startups, investors, venture funds, technology professionals, international experts, and young innovators. As part of the festival, more than 40 events took place across Tashkent, featuring over 120 local and international speakers.
Jaba Kikvidze, one of the co-founders of Global Tech Weekend, took part in Global Tech Weekend Tashkent 2026. In an interview, he shared his views on the unique nature of the festival, the importance of international connections for startups, and the development potential of Uzbekistan’s ecosystem.
According to Jaba Kikvidze, Global Tech Weekend is more than just a technology event — it is a movement with a broader meaning. He noted that the festival serves as a decentralized technology movement that brings together different venues, communities, and ecosystem representatives.
“This event is very unique in the way it is organized. Global Tech Weekend is a decentralized tech movement. Its main idea is to expand the tech ecosystem in Uzbekistan. We are happy to be part of it and to participate in creating something historic and unique,” said Jaba Kikvidze.
According to him, initiatives like Global Tech Weekend are highly important for the global startup ecosystem. The event acts as a bridge between startups, investors, venture funds, angel investors, and angel clubs.
“Global Tech Weekend is important for the startup ecosystem because we help startups find investors. Most importantly, we are connectors between investors, startups, VC funds, angel investors, and angel clubs. The networking and connections that Global Tech Weekend brings to the table are very important for the startup ecosystem,” he said.
Jaba Kikvidze also emphasized that identifying a startup with strong scaling potential is not easy. Based on his experience as an angel investor, he said that when evaluating a startup, he first looks closely at its founders, team, and advisors.
“It is very hard to spot which startup will become the next unicorn. My approach is to take a deep dive into the founders. Who the co-founders are, who is working for the startup, and who the advisors are — these are the factors that matter to me,” said Jaba Kikvidze.
He also shared advice for founders from Uzbekistan. According to him, the country now has the necessary opportunities to launch and develop startups. Support from IT Park and the government creates a strong foundation for founders to achieve even higher goals.
“To founders from Uzbekistan, I would say one thing: you have everything to achieve your goals. IT Park and the government are helping you a lot. I wish every country had as much support as you have. Work hard, go beyond the country, explore new markets and new places. I am sure that the ecosystem IT Park is building here will help you achieve even higher goals,” he said.
At the end of the interview, Jaba Kikvidze called on startup founders and young innovators to stay open, explore new markets, and become part of the global technology movement.
“My key message is: be open, explore new places, and allow movements like Global Tech Weekend to become part of your big journey. Join the movement and be creative. Create something new in this ecosystem — that is the most important thing,” he noted.
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, networking, investment opportunities, and global connections for startups, investors, technology companies, communities, and young innovators.
