As a result of recent work in this area, Uzbekistan has risen 25 positions to rank 62nd in the international AI readiness index. The goal is to enter the world’s top 50 countries in this index by 2030.

In addition, it is planned to increase the volume of AI-based software products and services to $1.5 billion, expand infrastructure, and implement more than 200 new projects.

Emphasizing that artificial intelligence technologies are developing rapidly, the Head of State noted the need to continuously analyze global and regional trends, promptly adopt advances, and put forward new initiatives.

During the presentation, particular attention was first given to the development of modern computing infrastructure.

Last month, a supercomputer based on technologies from the U.S. company NVIDIA was commissioned at the Digital Government data center. In terms of computing power, it ranked 321st globally. Within just one month, the cluster load reached 90 percent, indicating strong demand for computing capacity in the country.

To date, modern computing infrastructure valued at $24 million has been commissioned. It was proposed to allocate an additional $70 million to expand the existing computing cluster. Information was provided on funding sources, delivery timelines for the necessary equipment, and projects being implemented jointly with foreign investors to establish data centers in Karakalpakstan.

It was noted that the effectiveness of AI-based solutions depends directly on the quality of the data foundation. In this regard, tasks were set to conduct an inventory of the data available in ministries and agencies, ensure its completeness, reliability, and interoperability, and create high-quality datasets across various sectors.

The need to increase the number of AI projects in the economy and social sector to more than 100 this year was emphasized. Solutions under development for healthcare, energy, transportation, customs administration, legal services, public safety, ecology, and geology were presented.

The importance of establishing systematic cooperation with IT Park residents, startups, and more than 20 artificial intelligence laboratories for this purpose was noted. This year, the number of residents operating in this field is expected to reach 300, the volume of services they provide to reach 2 trillion UZS, and exports to reach $160 million.

Particular attention was paid to personnel training. Today, more than 1.5 million users have received special artificial intelligence certificates. In addition, 900 managers, more than 3,000 civil servants, 1,000 bank employees, and 200 advisers have completed specialized training courses.

Over the next two years, the task is to fully implement the “Five Million AI Leaders” project and to develop modern teaching and methodological materials for schoolchildren, students, teachers, and the general public.

Sector-specific hackathons and competitions have been held in the cities of Nukus, Samarkand, Termez, Bukhara, Fergana, Andijan, Gulistan, and Jizzakh. The “Best Startup in Artificial Intelligence” competition has been launched. Instructions have been issued to organize such hackathons in all regions.

The activities of advisers to the hokims of regions, districts, and cities on artificial intelligence were also discussed. Of 500 candidates, 222 advisers were selected. The need was emphasized to broadly recruit young specialists educated abroad and highly proficient in modern technologies for these positions, and to evaluate their performance using specific indicators of results and effectiveness.

The task was to launch a separate digital platform designed to monitor and support advisers’ activities, as well as the projects and initiatives they implement.

The prospects for developing international cooperation in the field of AI were also considered. As is known, Uzbekistan has become a member of WAICO – the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.

It was highlighted that involvement in this organization should focus on advancing new initiatives, such as introducing cutting-edge technologies, large language models, and digital transformation solutions in the country, along with collaborative projects with international tech firms and research institutions, as well as developing highly skilled personnel.

The President of the country gave specific instructions to the responsible officials to consistently increase computing capacity, expand practical projects across various sectors, create a high-quality database, support talented young people and startups, and develop international cooperation.