Road to Battlefield: Central Eurasia's Gateway to TechCrunch Startup Battlefield

Central Eurasia Gains Direct Access to TechCrunch Startup Battlefield

A new, historically significant regional contest has been initiated to highlight the burgeoning startup environment within Central Eurasia, offering a prominent platform on the world stage of Silicon Valley.

Central Eurasia will, for the very first time, benefit from a dedicated route to the prestigious TechCrunch Startup Battlefield. This is made possible through the launch of “Road to Battlefield,” a pioneering regional competition designed to elevate the region’s profile in global innovation.

Competition Scope and Participating Nations

Organized collaboratively by Silkroad Innovation Hub, TechCrunch, and Freedom Holding, the competition will encompass nine nations throughout Central Eurasia.

• Azerbaijan
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Mongolia
• Tajikistan
• Türkiye
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan

The process will begin with national-level competitions, culminating in a regional final. The three highest-performing startups from this final will secure coveted positions at TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2025, held in San Francisco.

Silkroad Innovation Hub’s Vision

Asset Abdualiyev, CEO and founder of Silkroad Innovation Hub, stated the organization’s long-term observation of the region’s potential. “We have been showcasing startups at TechCrunch Disrupt for several years as partners – 14 startups in 2023 and 24 in 2024 – and have consistently observed their competitive capabilities.”

He further noted the growing presence of Central Eurasian startups at TechCrunch Disrupt, highlighting that they hosted the largest pavilion in 2024. “We are pleased to advance our collaboration with TechCrunch Disrupt by granting direct entry into TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2025 for the most innovative startups originating from the Central Eurasian region.”

Road to Battlefield represents a significant step towards fostering greater recognition and investment in the Central Eurasian startup ecosystem.

Central Eurasia: An Emerging Startup Landscape

A burgeoning startup ecosystem is rapidly developing across Central Eurasia, forming a vibrant technology center. This region encompasses 100 million inhabitants, boasting a remarkably young demographic profile.

Annually, approximately 200,000 students graduate with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Currently, an estimated 7,000 startups are actively operating within crucial sectors like AI, fintech, edtech, medtech, and e-commerce.

Significant Investment Growth

Recent financial data illustrates a compelling upward trend. Venture capital investment in Central Asia and the South Caucasus has increased by a factor of 5.5 in recent years.

Specifically, funding reached $110 million in 2023 and surged to $150 million during the first six months of 2024.

Success Stories and Global Presence

Several companies exemplify the region’s potential. Higgsfield, an AI-focused firm, has achieved a valuation exceeding $100 million.

Uzum, originating from Uzbekistan, secured $114 million in funding, attaining “unicorn” status with a valuation of $1.16 billion. Furthermore, international technology companies like Telegram and inDrive have established regional headquarters in Kazakhstan.

Unlocking Untapped Potential

Despite demonstrable progress, the region’s full capabilities remain largely unknown to global investment communities. The Road to Battlefield competition seeks to rectify this situation.

The competition aims to provide unprecedented exposure and facilitate connections with influential networks in Silicon Valley.

Abdualiyev stated, “A significant number of investors are unaware of the extensive opportunities present in this region.” He further explained that the competition’s primary goal is to highlight the deserving startups within Central Eurasia.

Regional Support and Strategic Alignment

The initiative has received substantial backing from key stakeholders throughout the region. Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub in Kazakhstan, underscored the importance of this opportunity.

“This initiative represents a crucial advancement in our strategic plan to elevate Central Eurasian startups onto the international stage,” Madiyev noted. “Startups based at Astana Hub are already actively engaging with international markets.”

These companies are participating in U.S.-based accelerator programs, including AlchemistX, Silicon Valley Residency, and Hero Training, and consistently demonstrating scalable expansion.

Collectively, these startups generate over $1.5 billion in annual revenue, indicating a mature and prepared market. Road to Battlefield signifies the next step: a direct route to venture capital, global collaborations, and a highly respected startup platform.

A Collaborative Regional Network

The competition is strengthened by a comprehensive network of partnerships throughout the region, receiving support from prominent innovation centers and accelerators.

These include Astana Hub (Kazakhstan), IT Park Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan), Future Laboratory (Georgia), Sabah Hub and the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) (Azerbaijan), IT Park Mongolia (Mongolia), Accelerate Prosperity (Kyrgyzstan), IT Park Dushanbe (Tajikistan), and Startup Centrum (Türkiye).

Uzbekistan's Rapid Growth

IT Park Uzbekistan, a vital supporting organization, views this as a pivotal moment for ecosystem advancement. Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, stated, “The technology landscape in Uzbekistan is experiencing consistent expansion.”

“Currently, we represent the fastest-growing ecosystem within Central Asia and rank second worldwide.” He further noted that over ten startups originating from Uzbekistan are already established in the United States, with additional companies preparing for expansion.

The ecosystem’s current valuation stands at $1.2 billion, representing a 1,200-fold increase in recent years. Venture funding has also seen a substantial rise, growing by a factor of 230.

As entrepreneurs from the region increasingly target international markets, programs such as TechCrunch Startup Battlefield provide a viable route to achieve global reach.

Private Sector Investment and Regional Unity

The initiative benefits from the backing of Freedom Holding as the primary partner, signifying substantial private sector dedication to regional innovation.

Marlen Sikhayev, advisor to the president of Freedom Finance Global PLC, commented, “Freedom Holding Corp. has consistently supported teams from Central Eurasia on the global TechCrunch platform for several years, and this year continues that trend.”

“We are confident in the capabilities of regional entrepreneurs and aim to provide them with access to leading practices, mentorship opportunities, and investment resources.”

This initiative not only offers essential support to startups but also highlights the fact that Central Eurasia’s technology and innovation sector is evolving in line with global advancements and solidifying itself as a cohesive regional entity.

Competition Format and Schedule

The competition is organized according to a defined and detailed schedule.

Phase 1: National Qualifying Rounds (July 21 – August 10). Online pitch competitions will be conducted within each participating nation.

Phase 2: Regional Championship (August 15). A regional final, held online, will see the top 20 startups vying for a place among the three victors.

Phase 3: Pre-Battlefield Training (September 1 – October 24). Selected startups will undergo comprehensive preparation, facilitated by weekly webinars, in anticipation of TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

Phase 4: TechCrunch Startup Battlefield Competition (October 27 – 29). The three finalists will journey to Silicon Valley to participate in the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 event.

This structure ensures a rigorous selection process, culminating in a high-profile showcase for innovative startups.

Key Stages Explained

Each stage of the competition is designed to assess different aspects of a startup’s potential.

• National competitions identify promising ventures within individual countries.
• The regional final narrows the field to the most competitive startups.
• Battlefield preparation equips winners with the skills needed for success.
• The TechCrunch Startup Battlefield provides a global platform for exposure.

Startup Battlefield 200 represents the ultimate challenge and opportunity for these emerging companies.

Advantages for Top-Performing Startups

The three startups selected as winners will be granted a robust set of benefits intended to amplify their impact during their time in Silicon Valley.

Key Components of the Prize Package

This package is carefully structured to provide maximum value and support for the winning ventures.

• Assured participation in the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 competition is guaranteed.
• Travel expenses, specifically round-trip airfare to San Francisco, will be covered for a maximum of two individuals per team.
• Lodging will be provided for up to a two-week period.
• A dedicated exhibition booth will be allocated to each winning startup for the duration of TechCrunch Disrupt – all three days.
• Connections to investors and exclusive networking opportunities with leading venture capitalists and key players in the private sector will be facilitated.
• Enhanced visibility through branding initiatives and potential media coverage will be offered.

These benefits are designed to not only support the logistical needs of the startups but also to provide them with invaluable exposure and networking opportunities within the heart of the tech industry.

Eligibility Requirements for Startups

This competitive program is designed for startups in their initial phases of development, adhering to a defined set of qualifications.

Key Criteria

Several factors determine a startup’s eligibility for participation. These criteria ensure the program supports ventures with significant growth potential.

• Funding Stage: Participating startups should not have progressed beyond the pre-Series A funding round.
• Minimum Viable Product: A working MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a mandatory requirement.
• Media Presence: Startups should have a limited profile in international media outlets.
• Geographic Location: Eligibility is restricted to ventures headquartered in one of the nine nations within Central Eurasia.

These stipulations are in place to focus resources on startups that are poised for rapid expansion and require early-stage support.

The program aims to identify and nurture innovative companies within the Central Eurasian region, providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed.

A Legacy of Innovation: TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch Disrupt is globally recognized as a premier technology conference, consistently drawing a substantial audience exceeding 165,000 participants. The event regularly hosts prominent figures in the tech industry, including leaders like Elon Musk, Serena Williams, and Satya Nadella.

The central component of Disrupt, the Startup Battlefield, has a distinguished history spanning over 15 years. It has been instrumental in the initial launch phases of numerous now-prominent technology companies.

Companies that have participated in the Startup Battlefield, such as Trello, Dropbox, N26, Mint, and Forethought AI, have collectively secured over $32 billion in funding.

Furthermore, the program has fostered the development of more than 50 companies that have achieved unicorn status.

Annually, 200 startups in their early stages vie for significant visibility with leading investors and members of the media.

From this initial pool, 20 finalists are selected to contend live for a $100,000 investment and the prestigious Disrupt Cup.

Key Highlights of the Competition

• Unrivaled exposure to investors.
• Significant media attention.
• A chance to win $100,000 in funding.
• The honor of receiving the Disrupt Cup.

The Startup Battlefield provides a unique platform for emerging companies to gain recognition and secure vital resources.

A Landmark Achievement

The commencement of Road to Battlefield signifies a pivotal event, extending beyond a mere competitive event. It represents a historic juncture for the startup landscape within Central Eurasia.

This initiative establishes a clear route to a globally renowned startup platform, and is projected to expedite the region’s inclusion within the international innovation sphere.

With the application process now underway, entrepreneurs throughout Central Eurasia are presented with a unique chance to demonstrate their groundbreaking ideas to leading investors and collaborators in Silicon Valley.

For a region historically lacking adequate representation in international startup contests, this could serve as the impetus needed to establish Central Eurasia as a prominent center for worldwide innovation.

Applications for Road to Battlefield are currently being accepted, with a submission deadline of July 15, 2025.

The Significance of Increased Visibility

Empowering Central Eurasian Startups

Road to Battlefield offers a crucial platform for startups in Central Eurasia to gain international exposure. This increased visibility is essential for attracting investment and forging strategic partnerships.

The competition’s structure is designed to connect promising ventures with key players in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. This direct access can significantly accelerate growth and development.

A Catalyst for Regional Growth

The initiative isn't solely about individual startups; it’s about fostering a broader culture of innovation across Central Eurasia. By showcasing the region’s potential, Road to Battlefield aims to attract further investment and talent.

This, in turn, can lead to the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities, contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.

Key Details and Application Information

The Road to Battlefield competition is open to startups from across Central Eurasia, encompassing a diverse range of industries and technologies.

The application deadline is firmly set for July 15, 2025. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance to ensure timely consideration.

Further details regarding eligibility criteria, the application process, and competition guidelines can be found on the official Road to Battlefield website.