Why is this important
The initiative aims to accelerate the development of the technological ecosystem and transform Uzbekistan into a regional center for AI development. The competition will give impetus to local startups, and the alliance will unite business, science, and the state into a single platform for promoting technology at the international level.
What happened
- The “Best AI Startup” competition with a prize fund of $1 million has been announced.
- Since the beginning of the year, Uzbek startups have attracted $264 million in investments; the share of AI projects remains low.
- By the next academic year, 10 universities will be equipped with artificial intelligence laboratories, and another 9 will create banks.
- An AI cluster will be opened at the “New Uzbekistan” University based on the “network — university — partner” model.
- State grants in the areas of AI, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud and aerospace technologies will increase by 35%.
- The goal of the program is to become one of the top 50 countries in artificial intelligence by 2030.
- AI Alliance will unite leading companies, state-owned enterprises, banks, universities, experts, and fellow developers abroad.
What they say
We must create an ecosystem where ideas quickly turn into technologies, — Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.
According to presidential press secretary Sherzod Asadov, the competition will become “an entry point for new teams and startups capable of competing in the international arena”.
Context
AI development is included in the “Uzbekistan — 2030” Strategy. In 2025, the country will invest an additional $100 million in supercomputers for AI and create “smart cities” infrastructure. Uzbekistan is systematically building a digital economy — from personnel training to IT service exports.
