The backbone of Venture Café – come meet the community and make connections with all different kinds of innovators. How will you make your serendipitous moment come true?
We’re bringing a group of startups from Uzbekistan — one of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems (#2 globally, StartupBlink 2025), with over 900 startups and 2 unicorns in the past two years — building products for international markets across AI, fintech, and digital services.
It’s a great opportunity to meet the founders, see what they’re working on, and explore potential collaboration — all while enjoying a touch of Uzbek culture with traditional treats in a relaxed networking atmosphere.
Agenda:
6:00pm, Welcome & Introduction from IT Park Uzbekistan
6:10pm - 6:20 pm, Startup Pitches
Only 1 in 7 of your potential users pays any attention to your How-It-Works message.
For the rest - that’s 85% of your market - your How-It-Works message is invisible. Which means the exact thing that helps you get your startup off the ground is what can lead to its failure soon after.
Most founders never figure out why.
We’ll talk about when your How-It-Works message is effective, why it stops working, and look at the stories of companies that went from market traction to long-term success.
Because too many good ideas fail. Let’s fix that.
Are you ready to bring your idea to life and navigate the path to invention successfully? Join us for an engaging workshop where you'll discover the crucial steps to turn your innovative concept into a protected prototype. This hands-on session is designed for aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs seeking clarity on how to bring their ideas to fruition in a practical and affordable manner. Learn valuable insights on what to do with your idea, from the initial spark of creativity to transforming it into a tangible design. Our expert speakers will guide you through the process of transitioning from design to patent protection, ensuring your intellectual property is safeguarded effectively without breaking the bank. Gain practical knowledge on how to transform your protected design into a prototype, bridging the gap between concept and reality. Discover the key strategies for moving forward once you have a protected design and prototype in hand, setting the stage for future success in the world of innovation. Whether you\'re a seasoned inventor or new to the world of prototyping, this workshop will equip you with the tools and know-how to navigate the intricate journey of invention with confidence and skill. Don't miss this opportunity to take the first step towards turning your idea into a reality. Let's embark on the path to invention together!
The Under the Hood series by Women Applying AI spotlights female startup founders building AI-driven products and solutions — uncovering both the human story and the technical journey behind their ventures. This series:
In this session, we'll meet three founders: Erika Bartucca, Co-founder of Via AI Beth McKeon, Founder and CEO of Rally AI Bobbi Wegner, Founder and CEO of Groops This session will be moderated by Pam Boiros, co-founder of Women Applying AI, a Boston-based nonprofit community designed to empower women to apply artificial intelligence in their work and lives. Through skill-building workshops, mentorship programs, and inclusive collaboration, WAAI helps women across industries gain confidence, deepen knowledge, and connect with a powerful peer network. The organization’s mission is to enable women to lead with AI—across industries, roles, and the real world.



