On June 4–5, the first international Female Founders Forum Tajikistan 2026 (3F Forum) was held at Hyatt Regency Dushanbe — the region’s largest platform bringing together women entrepreneurs, investors, government representatives, international organizations, and business leaders to discuss the future of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development in Central Asia.
The Forum brought together more than 600 participants from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and other countries. The event was organized by ShiraV Studio and TechXhub of Excellence in partnership with TechnoWoman Kazakhstan.
The two-day program included five panel discussions, eight practical workshops, international keynote speeches, a business breakfast, a cultural retreat, and a startup battle featuring promising projects from across the region.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Parliament of the Republic of Tajikistan, the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management, the Committee on Women and Family Affairs under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Delegation of the European Union, the Embassy of Germany, the Agency for Innovations and Digital Technologies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Asian Development Bank.
One of the central events of the first day was the “3F Moment in Central Asia” session, which brought together leading women leaders from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Participants discussed the development of women’s leadership, the role of technology, and the need to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs across the region.
The Forum featured expert discussions on women’s access to finance, the role of financial institutions in entrepreneurship development, women’s participation in boards of directors, and mechanisms for supporting innovative businesses. Representatives from IFC, EBRD, UNDP, OSCE, the British and American Embassies, the Asian Development Bank, the banking sector, and the investment community discussed existing barriers and practical solutions to accelerate women’s economic inclusion.
“The Female Founders Forum is not just an event. We are building a sustainable ecosystem where women gain access to knowledge, investment, international networks, and new growth opportunities. Our goal is to create long-term infrastructure for supporting entrepreneurs in Central Asia and to amplify the region’s voice on the global stage,” said Zaytuna Saydullaeva, CEO and Co-Founder of ShiraV Studio and TechXhub of Excellence.
Particular attention was drawn to the presentations of international experts. Her Excellency Katherine Smitton, British Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan, delivered a keynote on gender equality as a driver of economic development. Sokhibakhon Mukhitdinova, Investment Director at InsurTech NY, shared practical fundraising tools and outlined the key principles of successful fundraising in international markets. Saudi Arabia-based expert Manal Adham presented opportunities for Central Asian entrepreneurs to enter Gulf Cooperation Council markets.
The practical component of the Forum included a series of specialized workshops covering investment, corporate governance, tools for engaging women on boards of directors, how founders can become attractive to foreign investors, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, taxation, and business scaling. Participants gained the tools and knowledge needed to develop their projects at both local and international levels.
The closing event of the Forum was an international startup battle, organized jointly with Founders School and Ilmhona.
Sixteen startups from various sectors — ranging from artificial intelligence and agritech to fintech and educational solutions — competed in the contest.
The startup battle winners were:
• 1st place — Solomon AML (Sultonsho Nazarshoev) — grant of 6,000 Somoni
• 2nd place — Fieldron (Nigora Jabborova) — grant of 4,000 Somoni
• 3rd place — InTech-Forecast (Aruzhan Mominbaeva) — enrollment in the Founders School Pro program
In addition to the business program, Forum participants attended the “Heartful Connections” cultural retreat hosted by the Ruhafzun Mental Health Center at Greenwood House, which introduced international guests to Tajikistan’s cultural heritage, nature, and traditions — becoming an important part of intercultural dialogue and the strengthening of professional ties.
A business breakfast, supported by partner Central Café, brought together entrepreneurs and key private and public sector partners, providing a platform for more meaningful interaction and the formation of effective partnership connections.
Female Founders Forum Tajikistan 2026 marked an important step in the development of Central Asia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and confirmed the strong interest of the international community in the investment and innovation potential of women in the region.
The Forum was organized with the support of ADB, EBRD, GIZ, IFC, UNDP, the EU Delegation to Tajikistan, AmCham Tajikistan, NASMB Tajikistan, Alif Bank, FINCA, Founders School, Ilmhona, Coca-Cola, Nextview, the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan, and other partners.
Female Founders Forum Tajikistan 2026 is the beginning of a long-term movement to develop women’s entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation in Central Asia.
