International

Uzbekistan launches $500 million future technology center

Yesterday 14:10

By: Azzat Manal

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Uzbekistan has launched a major technology investment project aimed at strengthening the country's digital economy and expanding its capabilities in advanced technologies.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev officially inaugurated the construction of the Future Technology Center, a project with an estimated investment of around $500 million, according to the Uzbek presidential press service.

The project was announced during the president's visit to Cyber University in Nurafshon, located in the Tashkent region. The center will cover approximately 36 hectares and is designed as an integrated ecosystem combining education, scientific research, technology testing, and industrial production.

The planned facilities will include specialized laboratories dedicated to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cryptography. The complex will also feature an AI-focused data center, an engineering hub, and production facilities for secure computers and data transmission equipment.

A dedicated testing area for drones and robotics is also expected to be established, providing researchers and technology companies with facilities to develop and test emerging technologies in real-world conditions.

The project is expected to create more than 5,000 highly skilled jobs and will include power-generation facilities with a capacity of approximately 5 megawatts to support the center's energy needs.

During the launch ceremony, Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of digital transformation for Uzbekistan's long-term economic development. He stressed that the country must accelerate the digitalization of different areas of society and strengthen its investment in advanced technologies.

The announcement also coincided with the launch of nine additional investment projects valued at a combined $465 million. The initiatives are being developed in cooperation with Russian, Chinese, and German companies and are expected to generate around 5,000 additional jobs.

The Future Technology Center is part of Uzbekistan's broader efforts to develop a competitive technology sector and attract international investment. The country has increasingly focused on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovation as key areas for future economic growth.

Uzbekistan has also sought to play a more active role in international discussions on artificial intelligence. The country was among the founding members of a global organization focused on cooperation in AI and has positioned itself as an emerging participant in efforts to shape international technology policies.

With the new technology center and a series of related investment projects, Uzbekistan aims to strengthen its position as a regional hub for digital innovation while creating new opportunities for highly skilled workers and technology companies.