IT Park Uzbekistan and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) held a meeting to discuss opportunities for expanding interaction in the startup sector and supporting technology companies aiming to enter international markets.
The meeting took place in Seoul with the participation of Jamol Makhsudov, Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Jakhongir Rajabov, Executive Director of IT Park Uzbekistan, and representatives of IT Park Uzbekistan.
The parties discussed prospects for developing startup ecosystems, scaling technology companies internationally, and strengthening ties between entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and South Korea.
KISED is a state institution under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Republic of Korea. The institute implements national programs to support entrepreneurship and technological startups, covering areas such as business training and launch, acceleration, commercialization, attracting investment, and entering foreign markets.
Proposal for a Joint Exchange Program
One of the proposed directions was the creation of a joint startup exchange and a 'soft landing' program for Uzbek companies interested in entering the Korean market, as well as for Korean startups considering opportunities in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. This potential program could include market entry consultations, mentorship support, assistance in finding local partners, and conducting B2B meetings.
Special attention was paid to the possible participation of promising startups from IT Park Uzbekistan in KISED's international programs, such as K-Startup Grand Challenge, Global Market Expansion Program, and K-Startup Centers, as well as in exhibitions and business events.
Planning Forums and Knowledge Exchanges
The parties also considered the possibility of holding a Uzbekistan-Korea Startup Forum in 2027 involving startups, investors, accelerators, and corporate partners from both countries. Furthermore, they plan to discuss mutual business missions to Uzbekistan and South Korea, which will include B2B meetings, investment sessions, visits to technology companies, and market entry events.
Another aspect was the exchange of experience in creating startup ecosystems. It was planned to organize seminars and educational programs for employees of IT Park Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Digital Technologies on mechanisms for supporting startups in Korea, technology commercialization, open corporate innovation models, and the development of innovative infrastructure.
It was also discussed using the KISED network to help Uzbek startups establish contacts with venture capital funds, investors, corporations, and other participants in the Korean technology ecosystem. After the meeting, the parties defined areas for further development of practical cooperation formats aimed at expanding startups' access to new markets, investments, and international partnerships in both countries.

