A Center for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing Technologies to Be Established in Karakalpakstan

Representatives from IT Park Uzbekistan, along with its regional branch in Karakalpakstan, headed by Farkhod Ermanov, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, convened with officials from the Chinese firm Shanghai LinkWise Data Intelligence Co., Ltd. The discussions focused on potential collaboration and the execution of a significant data center construction project in the region. As a result of these talks, the decision was made to establish a subsidiary in Uzbekistan — LINKWISE LLC, which will act as the project's operator aimed at advancing artificial intelligence infrastructure and high-performance computing technologies.

Shanghai LinkWise Data Intelligence Co., Ltd. stands as a prominent Chinese organization specializing in artificial intelligence and big data. For more than ten years, the firm has been developing technological solutions applied across various sectors, including industry, transportation, healthcare, and digital security. LinkWise collaborates with prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is actively involved in national technological initiatives in China.

During the meeting, the Chinese representatives unveiled plans for a next-generation computing center in Karakalpakstan, utilizing cutting-edge GPU technologies and energy-efficient data center systems. In the initial phase, the company intends to invest around $700 million, with construction slated to begin in 2026. The project's second phase, planned for an additional three years, will see further investments of up to $2.8 billion. Once all phases are completed, the facility is expected to achieve a total capacity of 300 megawatts, positioning it as one of the largest computing centers in Central Asia.

As part of their visit, the IT Park Uzbekistan delegation and representatives from Shanghai LinkWise conducted site visits to determine the most suitable location for construction. After evaluating the proposed sites, it was decided to locate the project in the Takhiatash District, in proximity to the Takhiatash Thermal Power Plant, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the center's operations.

The anticipated complex is set to become a central hub for artificial intelligence development in Central Asia. It will facilitate the training of large-scale language models, offer cloud services and data storage solutions, and provide robust information security.

The initiative also aims to incorporate contemporary energy solutions, such as hydrogen power systems and renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

The establishment of the center is expected to generate hundreds of new job opportunities for professionals in IT, engineering, and scientific research. Additionally, it will act as a catalyst for talent development and the enhancement of educational infrastructure in the region — a particularly crucial advancement for Karakalpakstan, where a new technological ecosystem is currently emerging.

The collaboration between IT Park Uzbekistan and Shanghai LinkWise Data Intelligence presents new opportunities for Uzbekistan’s integration into the global technological landscape. The execution of this project will mark a significant achievement in bolstering the country’s status as a regional hub for digital technologies, attracting substantial international investment, and promoting national expertise in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.