Why is this important
The state is introducing direct financial support for launching applied developments based on technical education. This expands the “education — startup — production” chain and creates a channel for the commercialization of students’ ideas. The emergence of spin-offs within colleges forms a new model of workforce training through real projects. Financing through loans and grants lowers entry barriers for initiators and educational institutions.
What happened
- The authorities of Uzbekistan have approved measures to create professional workshop laboratories and support spin-off enterprises at technical colleges.
- By October 1, 2026, such workshops must be established in every district and city on the basis of technical colleges and non-state supplementary education organizations.
- Also, starting from 2026, it will be permitted to create spin-off enterprises for the development and commercialization of high-potential startup projects.
Numbers and facts
- Initiators of workshop laboratories will be provided with interest-free loans for up to three years with a six-month grace period.
- The maximum loan amount will be up to 1,200 times the minimum wage.
- Spin-off enterprises will be able to be located in vacant buildings and premises of relevant institutions with lease terms of up to five years.
- At the same time, privatization of the state share in the authorized capital of such enterprises is prohibited for five years.
- Subsidiary enterprises will be allocated grants of up to 1 billion UZS from the Vocational Education Development Fund to implement startup projects of technical college students.
Context
- For educational institutions, this represents a transition to a model in which they become platforms for launching businesses and developing products.
- Entrepreneurs and initiators gain access to affordable financing and infrastructure for testing ideas.
- Students will be able to work on projects with real funding and prospects of entering the market.
- For the state, this serves as a tool to accelerate applied innovation and train personnel for specific sectors.
