In an interview to Uzbekistan 24, the Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov spoke about the objectives set by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a recent government meeting dedicated to AI development in Uzbekistan.

According to him, the head of state gave directives to further advance AI education, including training for ministers, governors, mayors, and rectors of universities, as well as the creation of new educational programs. Among universities, special attention will be placed on the New Uzbekistan University, where AI development clusters will be set up.

Furthermore, there are plans to establish a contest for the best university actively developing AI.

The minister noted that, at the initiative of the president, the President Tech Award had been established - a contest to support youth startups with a $1 million prize money. This project will now be expanded, with plans to hold separate contests dedicated to the development of AI.

"The President emphasized that developing AI was not the sole responsibility of the Digital Technologies Ministry. It should be addressed by all ministries, agencies, and organizations, including non-governmental organizations. In this regard, he proposed to form an Artificial Intelligence Development Alliance, which will unite the efforts of all staekholders," Shermatov stated.

To support the industry, the President gave directives that the draft resolution be finalized and an additional $100 million contributed for AI development, as well as a new solution be developed that would encompass all sectors and areas.

"Previously, proposals were based on existing resources. Now that the President has allocated additional investment, the return on investment could exceed tenfold in just one or two years," the head of the Ministry of Digital Technologies noted.

Furthermore, plans are underway to create a special regimen for investors investing over $100 million in the construction of data centers in Karakalpakstan.

"The goal of this initiative is to attract more foreign companies to Karakalpakstan, stimulate investment, and encourage the development of modern technologies in the region." "After the construction of numerous data centers in the region, a need for qualified specialists will inevitably arise, which will allow young people to find well-paying jobs and expand the region's economic potential," noted Sherzod Shermatov.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also gave directives, using the example of the AI ​​hackathon among youth in Karakalpakstan, to expand the practice of such events.

The program concept for the development of AI will include education, teacher training in schools, development of material and technical resources, and, in universities, the creation of laboratories, advanced training for teachers, and sending them abroad.

At the meeting, the president also set the goal of training 1 million AI leaders and expanding free AI online courses.