On February 7, 2026, Osh hosted its first-ever offline startup pitching event, Pizza Pitch, initiated by the business platform Virtual Accelerate (VA).
The event aimed to promote entrepreneurial thinking, support startup initiatives, and strengthen the regional business ecosystem.
Pizza Pitch was organized by Virtual Accelerate (AP & Codify) in partnership with Nexus College and Osh State University (OshSU), which served as the main official partner. OshSU students actively participated in the event.
The event brought together more than 80 participants, with 44 startup projects pitching their ideas across sectors such as agri-tech, edtech, digital solutions, medtech, green technologies, hospitality, fashion, and industrial innovation.
1st Place – Bilim Hub: An AI-powered exam preparation platform founded by Arnel Rashidov, with academic support from OshSU.
2nd Place – Clinexa AI: A clinical AI startup supporting medical diagnostics, founded by Mohammad Artaza (OshSU International Medical Faculty student) and Dr. Mohd Faizan Siddiqui (OshSU Research Medical Institute).
3rd Place – “Jangak”: A healthy confectionery project producing natural dried-fruit sweets, founded by OshSU student Nargiza Bekmamatova.
Four additional top projects received invitations to the Inspire Cup incubation program by Accelerate Prosperity.
Participants highlighted the strong networking opportunities, expert feedback, and practical pitching experience. Winners and top teams received cash prizes, incubation opportunities, educational certificates, and access to online courses from Virtual Accelerate.
The event was supported by business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, as well as partners including Dos Cargo, Uni Language Hub, the Entrepreneurship Support Center, Youth of Osh, and food partners Savoiardi, Grenki Osh, and Little Japan.
Pizza Pitch marked an important step in strengthening the startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial culture in the Osh region.