Presentation of measures to develop AI technologies and startup projects takes place

In Uzbekistan, information technologies are rapidly developing and being implemented in all areas. As a result, over the past year alone, the volume of digital services exceeded 21 trillion UZS, and by the end of the year, it is expected to reach 43 trillion UZS. Services exports in the sector amounted to $367 million. The number of IT Park residents increased by 577 and exceeded 2 thousand. The number of young people working in them reached 32 thousand.

This year, more than 100 digitalization projects are being implemented in healthcare, energy, transport, education, agriculture and water management, construction, etc.

Times are changing rapidly. AI and digital technologies are penetrating all areas. Several projects have also been launched in the country in this direction.

For example, the My ID and UzFace solutions have been implemented in more than 70 organizations, banks, marketplaces, and payment systems, and the ability to remotely identify 10 million users with biometrics has been created. Uzbekspace has identified about 43 thousand cases of illegal use of mineral resources and unauthorized construction using artificial intelligence.

Measures to develop AI technologies in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, banking, taxation, and customs were considered during the presentation.

It was noted that, first of all, creating a legislative framework for AI is necessary. The task was set to develop a strategy for the implementation of artificial intelligence and a two-year program of projects. It was instructed to create an Artificial Intelligence Technology Center.

In particular, the need to expand the use of AI in the banking and financial sector, train specialized personnel, and improve employees’ skills was emphasized.

Currently, AI personnel are trained at 4 universities. There is a need for 600 specialists in big data processing and language models. This number will increase several times in the coming years. Considering this, the importance of training specialists who meet the needs in the context of industries was emphasized.

All leading IT companies in the world began their activities with a startup. We are also taking the first steps in this direction. Last year, the volume of venture investments attracted to such projects amounted to $134 million.

The Head of state emphasized that the time has come to create broad conditions for venture investments to finance startup projects. In this regard, instructions were given on developing a startup ecosystem and implementing venture financing mechanisms.