An AI center and an IT university will be established in Karakalpakstan.

A modular intelligent computing center is planned for creation in Karakalpakstan to foster artificial intelligence technologies. The facility is expected to be located in the Takhiatash district. The project will be part of a large-scale program for the socio-economic development of the region.

The plans were announced at a meeting dedicated to the effectiveness of ongoing reforms and priority development tasks for Karakalpakstan, which was chaired by Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the meeting, major investment initiatives in industry, energy, agriculture, tourism, and the IT sector were presented.

The creation of an AI computing center is viewed as a key element of the region's digital infrastructure. Authorities intend to increase the use of data processing capabilities, cloud services, and computing centers in Karakalpakstan tenfold. To this end, up to $5 billion in foreign investment is also planned to be attracted for the development of artificial intelligence.

In addition to the AI center, the region plans to establish a technological cluster for auto parts production, launch enterprises for basalt fiber manufacturing, build spinning factories, and organize yarn production. In Nukus, a project for electricity generation through waste incineration is planned, while in the Karauzyak district, a plant for extracting gold from coal is to be created.

Special attention is being paid to the development of an innovative ecosystem. It has been decided to begin implementing a new system for supporting intellectual projects and startups in Karakalpakstan. An IT university and a startup tech park are planned to be opened at the Youth Socio-Economic Center. This year, the region has been tasked with launching 10 startup projects, each valued at $1 million, and annually allocating 30 billion sum from the Science Financing and Innovation Support Fund.

The meeting also emphasized the need to transform tourism into one of the key drivers of the region's economic growth. A tourist and recreational zone is planned for creation in the Barsakelmes salt deposit area, while glamping zones are to be developed in the Aral region and on the Ustyurt Plateau. A separate project involves the modernization of the Museum of the History of the Aral Sea.

In conclusion, the president instructed relevant agencies to fully utilize available resources and ensure practical results from the measures implemented to improve the quality of life for the population of Karakalpakstan.

Source: gov.uz