Visit took place to the Uzbekistan-Japan Innovation Center for Youth (UJICY), with which the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is implementing the Project for Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Ensuring Sustainable Development of the Center.
The first phase of the project, completed in 2024, successfully laid the foundation for institutional development, international cooperation, and strengthening the research potential of UJICY. Based on the results, the second phase of the project was initiated, aimed at further strengthening the institutional capacity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the center.
The main activities of the second phase include:
• attracting short- and long-term experts from Japan;
• programs for improving the skills and professional development of the center's staff;
• organizing short- and long-term training in Japan for young professionals;
• allocating a research fund for young scientists to develop their scientific potential and stimulate applied research;
• promoting expanded cooperation between UJICY and leading universities and research institutes in Japan.
Furthermore, JICA, together with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and UJICY, is implementing the SATREPS Hydrogen project, aimed at developing innovative technologies for the efficient production of green and blue hydrogen. Japanese universities Kyushu and Waseda, as well as leading Uzbek scientific institutions, are participating in the project.
The SATREPS Hydrogen project explores hydrogen production opportunities using local energy resources, develops sustainable and innovative production technologies, and trains a new generation of scientists and engineers. This initiative supports Uzbekistan's strategic transition to clean energy and a hydrogen-based economy.
UJICY and JICA will continue to strengthen international cooperation, develop research infrastructure, and train future specialists in science and technology, opening up new opportunities for youth and science in Uzbekistan.
The Uzbekistan-Japan Innovation Center for Youth (UJICY), established with Japanese government support via JICA, is a key research hub in Tashkent fostering science, innovation, and industry links for Uzbek youth in areas like energy, mining, and chemistry, with JICA's technical cooperation projects funding joint research, training, and capacity building in Uzbekistan and Japan, aiming for sustainable development and technological advancement.
UJICY conducts joint research with Japanese universities (Nagoya, Tsukuba, Akita, and others on new materials, green hydrogen, and environmental solutions. The Center strives to find solutions to production problems and to promote technology transfer and strongly supports young scientists in publishing research and developing business incubation.
In essence, UJICY is a tangible result of Uzbekistan-Japan cooperation, heavily supported by JICA, focusing on building scientific potential in Uzbek youth to drive national innovation and sustainable growth.
