Central Eurasia names its 2026 Road to Battlefield winners: Cerberus, WeGlobal AI, and LOOQ

The region's startups are increasingly building AI-first products and demonstrating their capacity to compete on a global stage.

Central Eurasia has announced the three winners of its 2026 Road to Battlefield competition: Cerberus, WeGlobal AI, and LOOQ. These startups were selected from a pool of 726 applicants across 39 countries, representing a significant increase from the previous year. The competition, organized by Silkroad Innovation Hub in partnership with TechCrunch, Freedom Holding, Astana Hub, and IT Park Uzbekistan, aims to provide global visibility for emerging tech companies in the region. Cerberus, an AI cybersecurity firm from Uzbekistan, took first place for its AI agent that identifies security vulnerabilities. WeGlobal AI from Kazakhstan secured second place with its AI platform for student mental health and career guidance. LOOQ, a Japanese startup, placed third for its AI-powered hardware and "attention API" that measures ad viewership for out-of-home advertising. The three winners will share a $100,000 investment pool and advance to the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield in San Francisco. Additionally, OpenAI awarded $280,000 in API credits to all 22 finalists.

The Road to TechCrunch Startup Battlefield competition saw an overwhelming 84% of its 726 applicants focus on AI development, underscoring the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence in the current startup landscape. This trend highlights a significant shift in the types of innovations being pursued, moving beyond traditional software to embrace AI-driven solutions across various sectors, from cybersecurity and education to advertising technology. The high volume of AI-focused applications suggests a maturing ecosystem where founders are leveraging advanced technologies to address complex problems.

The success of startups like Cerberus, WeGlobal AI, and LOOQ in this competition indicates a growing capability within Central Eurasia to produce globally competitive AI products. Their advancements, particularly in AI cybersecurity, mental health support, and attention measurement, signal a broadening scope of innovation originating from the region. The increasing investment and global visibility provided by such platforms are likely to attract further talent and capital, solidifying Central Eurasia's position as a significant contributor to the international AI and tech development scene.