300 leaders - from government halls to Silicon Valley boardrooms convene for the most prestigious startup competition in the world. This is where local innovation meets global capital.
Startup World Cup Kyrgyzstan
Co-CEO, US Market Access Center | Founding member, Avande (Microsoft x Andersen Consulting) | $1.2B Exit | 9,500 employees, $850M revenue, 22 countries
CHRIS BURRY
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
300 Seats
May 23
Kyrgyzstan - 2026
Global Investors
One final pitching
In the heart of Central Asia, Startup World Cup Kyrgyzstan brings together founders, investors, and operators shaping the next generation of global companies — where capital meets ambition, and regional innovation steps onto the world stage.
A Forum Worth Crossing Continents For
Silicon Valley in Bishkek
Beyond the Pitch
Beyond the Sessions
THE POWER OF STAGE
THE POWER OF DIALOGUE
THE EXPERIENCE
The Kyrgyzstan Country Final is part of a global competition spanning 50+ countries. The winner earns an opportunity to represent the country in San Francisco to compete for the $1,000,000 grand prize.
This isn’t just a contest; it’s a strategic forum. We bring together Banks, Government, and Corporates to bridge the gap between traditional industry and the future of tech.
A traditional nomadic dinner on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Live national music and folklore performances. A private wine tasting. An introduction to the eagle hunting tradition of Kyrgyzstan.
speakers and jury members
Who Should Attend:
Government officials
Ecosystem Builders
Enterpreneurs
Startups, Investors
Former Partner, 500 Startups
Marvin Liao
Over 500 early-stage investments across global markets. Deep experience in scaling startups and shaping venture ecosystems. Direct conversations. Strategic insight. Practical frameworks.
Cross-Border Ecosystem Strategist
Colin Donohue
Specialized in connecting capital across regions and markets. Focused on unlocking international deal flow and long-term venture alignment.
Co-CEO, US Market Access Center
CHRIS BURRY
Chris is a founding member of Avanade, a joint venture between Microsoft and Andersen Consulting. Founded in 2000, Avanade grew to 9,500 global employees and annual revenues of over $850 million, with offices in 22 countries — and was acquired for $1.2 billion.
regional startup cup:
May 23, 2026
The Agenda
14:00 – 14:20
Opening speeches, presentation about SWC
Opening Keynote: Startups as the engine of economic resilience. Featuring  Aijan Alisherova, Avigail Menashe, SWC Ambassador Alex, Timur Tilenov
14:20 – 15:14
Kyrgyz Ecosystem Panel: Building the Launchpad









15:15 - 16:15
The Main Event: Startup World Cup Pitching Competition

Moderator: Local ecosystem leader
Panelists: key local figures (founders, government reps, influential businessmen/Businesswomen - who are also local angels).
Focus: Translating the morning's global advice into local action. Discussing the current bottlenecks in Kyrgyzstan and how to build a sustainable pipeline of founders and why to invest in Startups.



Judges:
Marvin Liao, Chris Burry, Colin Donohue, Avigail Menashe, Aijan Alisherova.

Focus (Goal 1):
The top local startups pitch for the chance to represent the region in Silicon Valley and compete for the $1,000,000 prize. This is where the corporates and banks in the audience see the tangible, high-quality deal flow available in their own backyard.
16:15 – 16:30
Jury Deliberation & Ecosystem Networking

16:30 – 17:00
| Winner Announcement & Closing Toasts


Judges retreat to decide the winner.
Audience networking, allowing corporates and banks to approach the founders who just pitched.

Awards ceremony, photo ops, final announcements


STARTUP BATTLE Kyrgyzstan 2026 - what is it?


Startup Battle is a unique opportunity for 100 of the most ambitious and promising startup founders to pitch their ideas in just 3 minutes in front of venture investors and industry experts, and compete for a chance to represent Kyrgyzstan in Silicon Valley!
Startup Battle gives you:
  • A chance to win an opportunity to represent your country in San Francisco
  • Access to top venture investors and angel investors in Central Asia
  • Entry into the TOP-25 most promising startups, which will join an international regional accelerator program with the opportunity to raise $100,000
If you are looking for investors and are confident enough to declare yourself to the entire Central Asian startup ecosystem from the stage, then Startup Battle is for you!
Apply to participate using the button below. Application deadline: May 15, 2026.
Audience networking, allowing corporates and banks to approach the founders who just pitched.




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