Uzbekistan Put Forward Initiatives to Expand Cooperation in Science and Innovation within the SCO

The meeting was attended by Uzbekistan’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Kongratbay Sharipov, who delivered a speech on the reforms being implemented in the country in the fields of science, innovation, and technological development, as well as on the prospects for cooperation within the SCO framework.

As noted during the meeting, Uzbekistan is carrying out large-scale efforts to develop scientific research, innovative activities, and the startup ecosystem. In particular, in 2025, 824 scientific projects were funded, 320 scientific developments were commercialized, 252 new technologies were created, and the volume of innovative product manufacturing increased significantly.

In his address, the Minister also proposed a number of initiatives, including the establishment of joint scientific centers and laboratories among SCO member states, the creation of a unified academic mobility system for young researchers, the joint financing of scientific projects, and the strengthening of technology transfer mechanisms.

During the event, participants also discussed expanding cooperation in priority areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, energy, and digital technologies.

The Uzbek side expressed its readiness to elevate scientific and technological cooperation within the SCO to a new level and reaffirmed its commitment to open and long-term collaboration aimed at fostering innovation-driven development and sustainable progress.