Uzbekistan Establishes AI Development Alliance and Expands Support for Tech Startups

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed to intensify the country’s development of artificial intelligence, encompassing educational programs, workforce training, and the creation of favorable investment conditions. The announcement was made by Minister of Information Technologies Sherzod Shermatov in an interview with the television channel Uzbekistan 24.

According to Shermatov, the head of state placed particular emphasis on expanding AI education for leaders of ministries, regional administrations, and universities, as well as introducing new academic programs. A central role in these efforts will be played by New Uzbekistan University, where specialized clusters for AI development will be established. A national competition is also planned to identify the best university actively promoting artificial intelligence technologies.

Shermatov noted that the President Tech Award — a competition with a one-million-dollar fund established earlier to support youth startups — will now be expanded, with separate contests dedicated exclusively to AI development. The minister stressed that implementing artificial intelligence is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Digital Technologies but of all ministries, agencies, organizations, and non-governmental institutions. To coordinate these efforts, the establishment of an AI Development Alliance is planned.

To support the sector, the president instructed the allocation of an additional US$100 million for AI development, the preparation of a new decree covering all key sectors, and the introduction of a special regime for investors contributing over US$100 million to the construction of data centers in Karakalpakstan. Shermatov noted that the creation of multiple data centers in the region will drive demand for qualified specialists, offering young people opportunities for high-paying jobs and strengthening the region’s economic potential.

The AI development strategy also includes educational initiatives such as teacher training, improving the technical infrastructure of schools, creating university laboratories, enhancing teacher qualifications, and organizing international internships. The president has set a goal to train one million AI leaders and expand access to free online AI learning courses.

“Previously, proposals were based on available resources. Now, thanks to additional investments, the returns from these efforts could exceed a tenfold effect within just one or two years,” Shermatov emphasized, underlining the importance of a comprehensive approach to advancing technology in the country.