Startup ecosystems of Moscow and St. Petersburg: valuable lessons for universities in Uzbekistan

From May 20 to 27, 2026, a delegation of representatives from Uzbek universities visited Moscow and St. Petersburg. The trip was organized by the UNDP and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan joint project “Empowering the Youth to Embrace the Digital Economy and Digital Entrepreneurship” financed by the Russian Federation.

In Moscow, participants explored the startup ecosystems of the Association of Innovation and Technology Brokers (ABIT) and the National Association for Technology Transfer (NATT). The delegation also visited the accelerator and venture Fund for Internet Initiatives Development und of the Internet Initiatives Development Fund (IIDF), as well as the Skolkovo Innovation Center. During a meeting at the Higher School of Economics, discussions focused on fostering student entrepreneurship and accelerating student-led startups.

In St. Petersburg, the delegation visited the Graduate School of Technology Entrepreneurship at Polytechnic University and ITMO University.

Following the visit, the participants will prepare recommendations on how to develop university startup ecosystems in Uzbekistan and forge ties with Russian organizations.