In Tashkent, at the final stage of the "Growth and Development" (UPSHIFT) program, nine inclusive youth startups were awarded grants of 15 million soums each. The winning projects include navigation systems for the visually impaired in public transport, tactile educational aids, innovative devices for agricultural automation, and IT products for teenagers.

Additionally, support was provided for IT products to combat digital addiction among teenagers and assistive technologies for independent public speaking. The projects underwent a full startup creation cycle, including analysis of real social problems, field research, prototype assembly, and public defense.

The scaling of the UPSHIFT program by 2026 is a direct result of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's directive to expand support for youth initiatives. The project is being implemented with the participation of the National Social Protection Agency, UNICEF, the "Ziyo Forum" foundation, and the International Inclusive Hub. This year, the program not only increased the volume of grants and the number of winners but also expanded its geography – it is now also launched in parallel in Urgench.

Preparation for the final pitching lasted a week, during which inclusive teams, combining young people with disabilities and representatives of vulnerable groups, worked under the guidance of mentors. For the authors of the nine best projects, work will continue at the practical implementation stage, where they will receive expert support and assistance in launching their products.

Source: podrobno.uz