The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan has announced the launch of the "Digital Solution 2026" innovative projects competition, organized to identify and support young software developers and startup initiatives in the country s digital economy.Applications from participants will be accepted until October 1, 2026, and the results of the competition will be summarized during the "Turkmentel 2026" international exhibition and scientific conference, to be held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ashgabat.The competition is organized in accordance with the approved Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy in Turkmenistan for 20262028, aiming to train high-level IT professionals and launch new startups in the field of digitalization.Participation in the competition is open to individuals or teams of up to three members, with a designated leader.The competition will evaluate web services as well as software products designed for computers and mobile devices.In doing so, participants are required to provide information regarding the cybersecurity of their developments and specify the timeline for protecting intellectual property.The availability of the software s source code is a mandatory requirement.Projects will be reviewed in seven areas:artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, agricultural technologies, "smart city", education and e-learning, digital medicine, and services sector.A temporary committee under the general leadership of the Ministry of Communications will be established to evaluate the incoming applications.The winners in each categorysecuring first, second, and third placeswill be awarded valuable gifts and diplomas.Registration of participants and acceptance of applications are carried out electronically on the website telecom.tm.