President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Cyber University in Nurafshon, which specializes in information security and digital technologies.
Transforming Uzbekistan into a regional IT hub is one of the priority objectives of the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy. To this end, particular attention is being paid to the digitalisation of public administration and key sectors of the economy, the development of modern telecommunications infrastructure, the training of highly qualified IT specialists, and the expansion of the innovation ecosystem.
Thanks to the favourable conditions created in recent years, the number of IT companies, high-value jobs, and digital service exports continues to grow steadily. In this process, the training of young specialists equipped with modern knowledge and skills is of particular importance.
Cyber University was established by a Presidential Decree dated 20 January 2025 as an independent higher education institution under the Ministry of Digital Technologies.
The university trains specialists in information and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and robotics, cyber law, digital forensics, and cyber economics in accordance with international standards.
Today, the university comprises two faculties and four departments. Around 1,000 students are enrolled in eight undergraduate and two master’s programmes.
The campus includes an academic building with capacity for 1,585 students, a dormitory accommodating 805 students, modern sports facilities, a dining hall, and an information resource centre.
The President reviewed the facilities and conditions created at the university and spoke with students.
“The demand for specialists like you will only continue to grow. If every sector and every region fails to keep pace with digital technologies, the country cannot develop successfully. Therefore, you must continuously work on yourselves and master the most advanced knowledge,” the President emphasized.
The university team performs successfully in international cybersecurity competitions and hackathons held within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Built on the principles of environmental sustainability, the university has been awarded Green Campus status.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev then took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Center for Future Technologies, which will be built adjacent to the university.
In his address, the President emphasized that the algorithms pioneered by our great ancestor Muhammad al-Khwarizmi have today become the foundation of the global economy and an integral part of people’s daily lives.
It was noted that in today’s world, competition is measured not in years or months, but in minutes and seconds. Countries that postpone digital transformation, fail to embrace artificial intelligence technologies, and do not invest in innovation will fall behind in global development.
“It is impossible to achieve development without seriously pursuing the digitalisation of every sphere of our lives. We must all deeply understand that without it, we have no future,” the President said.
In recent years, Uzbekistan’s achievements in information technology have gained broad international recognition. This year, venture capital investment has increased fivefold, placing the country first in the world in terms of the growth rate of this indicator.
The value of Uzbekistan’s national startup ecosystem has reached nearly $4.5 billion. To support innovative ideas, the Presidential Startup Competition has been launched with a prize fund of $5 million.
Furthermore, Uzbekistan has become one of the founding members of the World Organization for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and has joined the countries shaping the global agenda in this field.
Approximately $500 million in investment will be attracted for the construction of the center, which will cover a total area of 36 hectares. It will serve as a unified innovation ecosystem, integrating education, scientific research, technology testing, and production.
Nurafshan was chosen as the location for a reason. Around 1,000 specialists in cybersecurity and information security are being trained at Cyber University here. A comprehensive innovation cluster will now be developed around the university, serving as a model for the entire country.
The center will house six modern laboratories specialising in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and cryptography.
It will also include an artificial intelligence data center, an engineering cluster, and facilities for the production of secure computers, data transmission equipment, and high-tech tokens. A dedicated testing ground will be established for unmanned aerial vehicles and robotics.
With the support of the Asian Development Bank, a platform will be created to commercialise domestic technologies and promote national products in international markets. To ensure a reliable power supply for the projects, 5 megawatts of generating capacity will be built.
Plans also include attracting leading international companies, universities, and scientists to the center, as well as creating modern social, cultural, and residential infrastructure for students and staff.
Most importantly, this innovation ecosystem will create more than 5,000 highly skilled jobs. The center will provide a powerful impetus for the development of the digital economy in the Tashkent region and further strengthen the region’s innovation potential.
As noted, exports of digital services from the Tashkent region are expected to reach $50 million this year. To further expand the existing potential, the construction of modern IT Park buildings has also been launched in the cities of Nurafshan and Chirchik.
“Our irreversible reforms, carried out with a long-term vision, will become a solid foundation for the future of our youth, the creators of New Uzbekistan. Digital Uzbekistan will be our worthy legacy to future generations,” the President said.
It was emphasized that the main goal is to turn this area into the center of artificial intelligence and digitalisation for the Tashkent region, a modern complex where young people can fully realise their knowledge, talent, and potential.
It was noted that the scientific developments, technological solutions, and innovations to be created at the Center for Future Technologies will further strengthen Uzbekistan’s international standing.
During the ceremony, construction was also launched on nine new projects with a total value of $465 million, to be implemented with the participation of Russian, Chinese, and German companies.
The implementation of these projects will create a further 5,000 jobs and expand public access to modern social services.
In conclusion, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev wished the foreign partners, specialists, and builders every success.