Summer is not a time for founders to retreat. While others pause, this season presents an opportunity to strengthen your team, expand your network, attract investment, or launch an international pilot. We have compiled the most relevant competitions, accelerators, and events that are still open for applications in July or are worth planning for in the fall. Save this digest, share it with your partners — these are the opportunities that could serve as a springboard to your next stage of growth.

 

🤝 Curious about how AI can help your startup grow globally?

📅 Date: July 23 | 🕗 20:00 (Tashkent time)

An online session with Alex Mashrabov — a prominent expert in generative AI and founder & CEO of Higgsfield AI. The platform launched the #1 storytelling app on the App Store and a cutting-edge video model in 2024.

💡 Key insights include:

✔️ Turning advanced AI technologies into real products for global markets

✔️ First-hand advice from an experienced founder who built an international AI startup

✔️ Direct Q&A to refine your growth roadmap

Alex will share his journey — from concept to a product used worldwide.

👉 Register

🌍 TASMU Accelerator — a bold entry into the Qatari and MENA markets

📅 Application deadline: July 25

TASMU Accelerator is an initiative of Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, designed to support international startups that can enhance key sectors such as Smart Cities, AI, IoT, FinTech, EdTech, and GovTech. Selected teams will benefit from grants, pilot projects with public institutions and major corporations, and the opportunity to access the regional market without lengthy onboarding. This is a strong opportunity to validate and scale your product.

👉 Submit your application

⚡️ NVIDIA Inception — global support for AI startups

📅 Date: July 30 | 18:00

👉 Format: Online

NVIDIA Inception is an international program designed for startups developing AI-based products. The program offers support at all stages of development — from initial concept to global market expansion. Unlike traditional accelerators with fixed timelines, NVIDIA Inception provides continuous, personalized support tailored to the specific needs of each startup.

Participants receive:

• Expert training and mentorship from NVIDIA engineers
• Discounts on NVIDIA hardware and software
• Free cloud compute credits from partners (AWS, Azure, etc.)
• Access to global investors and demo events
• Invitations to NVIDIA’s private startup community

🌐 More than 15,000 startups worldwide are already part of Inception.

🤖 If your startup operates in computer vision, generative AI, healthcare, fintech, or robotics — this program is made for you.

👉 Join now

🤖 AI Hackathon in Samarkand — develop AI alongside global experts

📅 Dates: August 6–8

As part of the AI Forum CIS 2025, Samarkand will host a major AI hackathon focused on practical applications of artificial intelligence in business and public services. Participants will work intensively over 48 hours with access to mentors, datasets, and technical infrastructure. Winning projects will have the opportunity to pilot solutions with partners across Central Asia and the MENA region. Stay tuned for announcements — spots are limited!

👉 More details and registration

✨ Startup & Venture Summit — Uzbekistan ICT Week 2025

📅 Dates: September 25–28, Tashkent

One of the region’s largest summits on startups and venture capital, held within Uzbekistan ICT Week. Three days of intensive networking, pitch sessions in front of dozens of investors, workshops led by industry experts, business tours, and an innovation exhibition. A must-attend for teams seeking visibility in the region and long-term strategic partnerships. Now is the time to secure your spot and prepare for an impactful demo.

👉 Registration and program

Think globally — act now!

This digest serves as a reminder that the most promising opportunities don’t wait until you're “ready”. Choose the track aligned with your startup — whether it’s a hackathon, accelerator, or major conference — and take action, even if everything is not yet fully in place.

Startups scale when they step outside of their comfort zones — into new markets, with new products and new connections. 🚀✨