Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 17 August 2024, the U-Enter Innovation Center hosted the unique event PizzaPitch XL, bringing together startup founders, entrepreneurs, and experts to foster innovation and business development.

The primary goal of PizzaPitch XL, organized with the support of the Joint Project of the Ministry of Economy and UNDP “Empowering Youth for Digital Economy and Digital Entrepreneurship Development,” funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is to stimulate innovation, support business growth, and enhance networking and idea exchange opportunities.

"New digital technologies are transforming our approach to business and daily life. From ordering food to planning trips—digital methods have become an integral part of our existence, and tech-based startups are at the forefront of these transformations," noted Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan.

PizzaPitch XL featured 63 of the most innovative projects out of more than 170 applications. Participants not only showcased their ideas but also had the opportunity to engage with experienced mentors, find potential investors, and expand their professional networks. The event served as an excellent platform for experience sharing and partnership building.

PizzaPitch XL is not just a pitch session but a unique platform for personal and professional growth. Interactive training sessions organized during the event allowed participants to acquire new knowledge and immediately apply it in practice, exchanging experiences with colleagues and experts. This atmosphere of mutual learning and support created ideal conditions for the development of innovative projects.

The five most innovative projects—VERIFIX, ONLAYN HAMSHIRA, FINCO, IWATT, and SHARH—emerged as winners of PizzaPitch XL and will have the opportunity to present their startups on the global stage at the Web Summit in Lisbon.

The winners were selected by a prestigious jury, who assessed not only the originality of the idea but also the potential of the team, the scalability of the project, and its commercial appeal.

PizzaPitch XL was a significant event in the startup community of Uzbekistan, showcasing the high potential of local entrepreneurs. The projects presented at the event will make a substantial contribution to the development of the country’s digital economy.