In Uzbekistan, the project "Five Million AI Leaders" has launched.

In Uzbekistan, a large-scale educational initiative titled “Five Million Artificial Intelligence Leaders” has launched. This was announced by the President of the country during an international AI forum on November 28.

Key points include the implementation of at least 100 projects for integrating AI into the work of ministries and agencies by the end of 2026, the creation of 15 specialized AI laboratories at universities, the launch of a national portal for AI projects and startups, free online courses, and from 2026, the establishment of an award for the best AI startups.

At the same time, the country is focusing on the export of digital services: the export of IT services has already approached $1 billion.

The new AI program creates a foundation for expanding this sector — the training of millions of specialists, a startup ecosystem, and government AI projects — can significantly boost the export not just of services, but of high-tech AI solutions, software, and IT products.

The plan for 2026 includes:

— expanding AI courses in schools and universities, attracting foreign partners

— creating new laboratories and educational clusters based on the “industry — university — partner” model

— training approximately 500,000 AI specialists

— launching a national portal for startups and an annual competition with awards for the best projects

— strengthening the export potential of IT services and AI products, with the goal of increasing IT sector exports to $5 billion by 2030.

According to estimates, the potential of Uzbekistan’s AI sector is valued by experts at up to $10 billion — meaning successful implementation of the program could position the country strongly in the export of digital solutions.

Source: President.uz