News Summary

The startup ecosystem in Central Eurasia has reached a significant milestone with the ‘Road to Battlefield’ competition, marking the largest startup pitch event in the region’s history. Organized by Silkroad Innovation Hub in partnership with TechCrunch and Freedom Holding, the competition attracted 485 applications from 27 countries. The event culminated with four standout startups – Polygraf AI, QuickShipper, Surfaice, and ArtSkin – securing spots at TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2025 in San Francisco. This initiative has not only put Central Eurasia on the global startup map but has also sparked cross-border collaboration and attracted international investor interest. The competition showcased remarkable diversity, with 35% of participating startups founded by women. The startups represented various development stages and industries, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence. The competition has been praised for its organization and the enthusiasm it generated among founders. The initiative is seen as a crucial development for the region’s entrepreneurs, providing a platform for them to measure themselves against global standards. The main partner, Freedom Holding Corp, has played a significant role in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. As the four winning startups prepare for San Francisco, they represent the growing ambitions of Central Eurasia’s entrepreneurial community.