The Burton on Trent man was taken to Royal Derby Hospital after being found on Lower Dale Road in the early hours of the morning, Derbyshire Police said.
The victim was taken to hospital by a passer-by and remains in a "critical but stable condition".
Anyone who has any information about the stabbing is asked to contact police on 101.
A 23-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital after being stabbed in the chest in Derby.