Women and men across Turkmenistan are invited to apply for a new programme offering opportunities to strengthen digital skills, explore artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies, and develop entrepreneurial capacities.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan and Winrock International through the US Department of State-funded Advancing Sustainable Supply Chains to Promote Export and Trade (ASSET) project, invites applications for the programme “Empowering Women and Men through Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship”, implemented in collaboration with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private-sector partners.
The initiative aims to expand access to digital knowledge, technology and entrepreneurship opportunities, helping women and men strengthen their professional capacities, explore new employment pathways and turn innovative ideas into practical initiatives and potential business opportunities.
The programme will run from December 2026 to March 2027 and will combine introductory activities, practical training and innovation-focused learning through three interconnected stages.
Who can apply?
The programme welcomes applications from motivated women and men interested in developing their digital and entrepreneurial skills, with a focus on broadening access to learning, employment and business opportunities.
Priority will be given to applicants from vulnerable and underserved groups of the population, including:
- Single parents and individuals with family care responsibilities;
- Persons with disabilities;
- Unemployed individuals and those seeking new employment opportunities;
- Individuals seeking greater access to education, vocational training and professional development opportunities;
- Individuals facing socioeconomic difficulties and seeking to establish or develop small businesses;
- Other vulnerable groups of the population facing barriers to sustainable employment and economic opportunities.
Selection will be conducted on a competitive basis, taking into consideration applicants’ individual circumstances, motivation, interest in learning and potential to benefit from the programme. The number of available places is limited.
What will the programme offer?
The programme will consist of three interconnected stages:
1. Launch event: Introduction to the training programmes
The programme will officially launch on 23 November 2026 with an introductory event presenting its objectives, key components, planned activities and expected results. Participants will learn about the training opportunities and thematic areas covered by the initiative.
2. Training seminars and practical workshops
From December 2026 to March 2027, participants will take part in training seminars and hands-on workshops focused on artificial intelligence (AI), modern technologies and business development skills. The sessions will strengthen digital literacy and practical competencies, helping participants understand and apply innovative digital solutions in everyday activities, professional settings and entrepreneurship.
The programme will use a blended learning approach, combining online learning with practical, in-person workshops conducted across all five velayats of Turkmenistan and Ashgabat. Participants will also have opportunities to exchange experiences, learn from experts and connect with entrepreneurs and private-sector representatives.
3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hackathon and awards ceremony for business training winners
The programme will conclude with an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hackathon and awards ceremony for business training winnersin March 2027 in Ashgabat. The event will bring together participants to develop innovative ideas, strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and transform concepts into practical solutions and potential business initiatives.
With guidance from experts and mentors, participants will have an opportunity to present their ideas and explore possibilities for further development and collaboration.
Through this integrated initiative, UNDP and Winrock International, together with local NGOs and private-sector partners, aim to strengthen participants’ digital and entrepreneurial capacities, expand access to technology education and support their active participation in the digital economy.
APPLY NOW!
Women and men interested in participating are invited to complete the online application form.
COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM – HERE
Application deadline: 17 November 2026, 23:59 (Turkmenistan time).
Please note that the number of available places is limited and participant selection will be conducted on a competitive basis.
Programme timeline:
- 23 November 2026: Official launch and presentation of the training programmes
- December 2026 – March 2027: Training seminars and practical workshops
- March 2027: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hackathon and business training culmination event.
///nCa, 10 November 2026 (in cooperation with UNDP Turkmenistan)