Uzbekistan has launched its first-ever national accelerator program dedicated to women in tech entrepreneurship, marking a milestone for gender inclusion in the country’s fast-evolving startup ecosystem.
The SG Women program, backed by the Ministry of Digital Technologies and developed by Startup Garage, aims to empower aspiring women founders through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
The initiative kicked off with a launch event titled ‘Pitch & Rise’, where women entrepreneurs from across Uzbekistan pitched their business ideas. Winners were awarded by Kamola Sobirova, Advisor to the Minister on Youth, Women, and Freelancers in IT. She praised the program as a signal of broader change:
“Uzbekistan is changing fast, and women are right at the heart of that change,” Sobirova said. “From startups to digital solutions, they’re pushing things forward. Female-centred programs and events like Pitch & Rise show just how ready they are to take the lead.”
SG Women is the country’s first accelerator exclusively for women and girls in the tech sector. The program provides hands-on startup development, regional outreach, and access to expert mentors, culminating in public pitch events. High-performing participants are given additional support to grow their ventures.
“SG WOMEN is more than a programme – it’s a statement. We’re creating an environment where women from every part of Uzbekistan can develop real businesses, build confidence, and be seen as leaders in innovation,” Founder of Startup Garage, Mukhammad Khalil, emphasized the broader mission.
Beyond workshops and masterclasses, SG Women includes informal networking events, podcasts with successful founders, and community-building meetups across the country. The initiative ensures inclusivity by targeting participants in both urban and rural areas, aligning with the Ministry’s goal of expanding digital access and fostering innovation among youth and underrepresented groups.
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