President Reviews the Activities of Cyber University and Launches the Construction of the Future Technologies Center

The Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy identifies transforming the country into a regional IT hub as one of its key strategic priorities. To achieve this objective, particular emphasis is placed on the digitalization of public administration and economic sectors, the development of modern telecommunications infrastructure, the training of a competitive workforce, and the expansion of the national innovation ecosystem.

As a result of the favorable conditions created in recent years, Uzbekistan has witnessed steady growth in the number of IT companies, high-value jobs, and exports of digital services. In this context, preparing young professionals equipped with modern knowledge and skills has become increasingly important.

Cyber University was established in accordance with the Presidential Resolution of January 20, 2025, as an independent higher education institution under the Ministry of Digital Technologies.

The university prepares internationally competitive specialists in information and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and robotics, cyber law, digital forensics, and cyber economics.

Today, the university comprises two faculties and four departments, offering eight bachelor's and two master's degree programs with approximately 1,000 students enrolled.

The university's infrastructure includes an academic building with a capacity of 1,585 students, a student residence accommodating 805 students, modern sports facilities, a cafeteria, and an Information Resource Center.

The Head of State toured the university's facilities and held a warm and open dialogue with students.

"The demand for specialists like you will continue to grow in the future. Unless every sector and every region develops in step with digital technologies, our country cannot achieve sustainable progress. Therefore, you must constantly work on yourselves and master the most advanced knowledge," the President said.

The university team has consistently achieved outstanding results at international cybersecurity competitions and hackathons organized within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In recognition of its commitment to environmental sustainability, the university has been awarded Green Campus status.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev then took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Future Technologies Center, which will be constructed on the site adjacent to the university.

In his address, the President emphasized that the algorithms pioneered by our great ancestor Muhammad al-Khwarizmi have become the foundation of today's global economy and an integral part of everyday life.

He noted that in today's world, competitiveness is measured not in years or months, but in minutes and seconds. Countries that delay digital transformation, fail to embrace artificial intelligence, and do not invest in innovation risk falling behind global development.

"It is impossible to achieve development without seriously pursuing the digitalization of every aspect of our lives. We must all clearly understand that without it, there is no future for our country," the President stated.

In recent years, Uzbekistan's achievements in information technology have gained broad international recognition. This year, venture capital investment increased fivefold, placing the country first in the world in terms of growth rate.

The value of Uzbekistan's national startup ecosystem has reached nearly USD 4.5 billion. To encourage innovative ideas, the Presidential Startup Competition was launched with a prize fund of USD 5 million.

Uzbekistan has also become one of the founding members of the World Organization for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, joining the group of countries shaping the global AI agenda.

Approximately USD 500 million will be invested in the construction of the Center, which will occupy an area of 36 hectares. It will become a unified innovation ecosystem integrating education, scientific research, technology testing, and advanced manufacturing.

The selection of Nurafshon as the project's location was no coincidence. Cyber University already trains approximately 1,000 specialists in cybersecurity and information protection. A comprehensive innovation cluster will now be developed around the university, serving as a model for the entire country.

The Center will house six state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and cryptography.

It will also include an artificial intelligence data center, an engineering cluster, and production facilities for secure computers, data transmission equipment, and advanced security tokens. A dedicated testing ground will be established for unmanned aerial systems and robotic technologies.

With the support of the Asian Development Bank, a platform will be created to commercialize domestic technologies and bring national products to international markets. To ensure a stable power supply, 5 megawatts of new energy capacity will be constructed.

The project also envisions attracting leading global companies, universities, and researchers, while creating modern social, cultural, and residential infrastructure for students and employees.

Most importantly, the innovation ecosystem will generate more than 5,000 highly skilled jobs. The Center will become a major driver of the digital economy in the Tashkent region and significantly strengthen its innovation capacity.

As noted during the event, exports of digital services from the Tashkent region are expected to reach USD 50 million for the first time this year. To further expand this potential, construction has also begun on modern IT Park facilities in the cities of Nurafshon and Chirchiq.

"Our consistent and irreversible reforms, carried out with a long-term vision and sincere determination, will provide a solid foundation for the future of our young people—the builders of New Uzbekistan. A Digital Uzbekistan will become a worthy legacy that we leave to future generations," the President said.

It was emphasized that the primary objective is to transform this site into the center of artificial intelligence and digital transformation for the Tashkent region, as well as into a modern complex where young people can fully realize their knowledge, talents, and potential.

The scientific research, technological solutions, and innovations developed at the Future Technologies Center are expected to further enhance Uzbekistan's international standing.

During the ceremony, construction also commenced on nine new projects with a combined value of USD 465 million, to be implemented with the participation of companies from China, Russia, and Germany.

The commissioning of these new facilities will create an additional 5,000 jobs and significantly expand public access to modern social services.