Applications are now open for an international online competition and pitch program for women startup founders from Central Asia, offering the opportunity to showcase their projects on the global stage and receive mentorship from Silicon Valley experts. 
 

The competition is designed for women founders with startups at the idea or MVP stage who aim to scale their projects globally, receive feedback from international investors, and take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. 
 

Women startup founders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are eligible to apply. 
 

Competition format and requirements 
 

The competition will be held in several stages. Following an initial application screening, national online pitch rounds will be organized in each participating country. Winners of the national rounds will advance to the final stage of the program. 
 

Online pitch format: 
 

• 3 minutes — project presentation 

• 2 minutes — Q&A and feedback from the jury 
   

All finalists are required to submit their presentations and video pitches in English. 
 

How to apply 
 

To participate, applicants must: 
 

• submit an application via the organizers’ profile 

• prepare a pitch deck 

• record and submit a video pitch in English 
   

The application deadline is February 15, 2026. 
 

Projects will be evaluated by leading international investors and experts, including representatives from a16z, Global 500, Sturgeon VC, Yellow Rock VC, Thrive Ventures, GGW Ventures, as well as other venture capital and angel investors. 
 

Participants will have the opportunity to pitch online to international investors, receive professional feedback from Silicon Valley mentors, gain access to the global entrepreneurial and investment community, and showcase their projects on an international stage. 
 

Winners of the competition will receive individual mentoring sessions from experienced Silicon Valley mentors, supporting them in scaling their startups and attracting investment.