Uzbekistan and Serbia Formed Startup Funding Partnership
The two nations are aligning acceleration programs and joint investments to expand support for cross-border tech startups.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Startups
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IT Park Uzbekistan and the Serbian Innovation Fund have moved to implement a September 2026 memorandum of understanding aimed at co-financing technology projects. The two entities met in Tashkent to explore joint investment initiatives and integrate support systems.
Why it matters
This partnership signals a shift toward cross-border resource sharing for emerging markets seeking to scale startup support. By aligning local acceleration programs, the entities aim to reduce barriers for tech founders navigating different regulatory environments.
The partnership follows a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2026 between IT Park Uzbekistan and the Serbian Innovation Fund. The scope of the current collaboration involves the Katapult acceleration program, with final investment volumes for joint projects still unknown.
The players
IT Park Uzbekistan
A government-backed technology hub designed to accelerate the growth of Uzbekistan's domestic software and startup ecosystem.
Innovation Fund of Serbia
A state-led entity that manages national development resources and the Katapult startup acceleration program.
The details
The collaboration leverages the existing infrastructure of the Serbian Innovation Fund, specifically its Katapult acceleration program, to share operational expertise with IT Park Uzbekistan. Both sides are focusing on translating high-level policy into practical joint investment initiatives that provide startups with access to expanded capital and international networking opportunities. The partners also intend to formalize their cooperation through joint programming at future large-scale events.
Timeline
September 2026: Memorandum of understanding signed.
October 8, 2026: Meeting held in Tashkent.
2027: Expo Belgrade scheduled to take place.
Market Landscape
This collaboration mirrors a growing trend among emerging-market governments attempting to professionalize startup support via the Katapult acceleration program. By linking disparate national ecosystems, these organizations are attempting to mitigate the risks typically associated with early-stage venture funding.
Operators in emerging tech markets should monitor how this co-financing model streamlines cross-border capital access for their ventures. If this initiative proves successful, it may provide a repeatable framework for other startups to tap into international funding pools outside of traditional venture channels.
The takeaway
Effective cross-border collaboration often begins with the alignment of established acceleration programs to standardize support metrics. Monitor the outcome of the 2027 Expo Belgrade activities to determine if this partnership facilitates tangible investment flow for international startups.
What happens next
The organizations are scheduled to participate in a hackathon and collaborative events at Expo Belgrade in 2027.
Further reading
For more on international growth strategies, explore our latest coverage in Startups.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Trend.
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