From SI Academy to Digital Transformation: New Opportunities for Cooperation with EPAM Systems

On October 19, a working meeting took place in Tashkent involving the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, IT Park Uzbekistan, and the international technology company EPAM Systems. The meeting centered on establishing SI Academy Uzbekistan, enhancing AI talent development, and identifying opportunities for collaborative projects to accelerate digital transformation in the public sector.

The participants included Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan; Farkhod Ibragimov, Chief Executive of Enterprise Uzbekistan; Lazizbek Khudaev, Director for Resident Relations at IT Park Uzbekistan; Yury Antaniuk, Vice President of EPAM; and Renat Akhtyamov, Head of EPAM Uzbekistan.

EPAM Systems was represented by Yury Antaniuk, Vice President of EPAM Systems and former Head of EPAM Ukraine, and Renat Akhtyamov, General Director of EPAM Systems Uzbekistan, who has managed the company's operations in the country since 2019.

Establishing SI Academy Uzbekistan

A central topic of the meeting was the initiative to establish SI Academy Uzbekistan in collaboration with EPAM Systems. The proposed educational platform is expected to follow the EPAM Campus model, integrating theoretical instruction with hands-on training and practical experience in solving real-world technology challenges.

The academy's concept includes three main areas:

The initiative is expected to expand opportunities for developing qualified professionals and build additional educational infrastructure to support the growth of Uzbekistan's AI industry.

Applying Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector

A significant focus was placed on the potential implementation of Agentic AI, a technology capable of autonomously performing multi-step tasks and interacting with digital systems.

One potential area of cooperation discussed was the development of two to three practical use cases for deploying these technologies using the government's GPU cluster.

Special emphasis was placed on ensuring information security and keeping sensitive government data within Uzbekistan.

As an initial step, the participants proposed considering a pilot project with clearly defined objectives, technical requirements, and implementation timelines.

The discussions also explored opportunities to leverage EPAM Systems' international experience in developing digital solutions for the public sector and adapt the most promising practices to Uzbekistan's needs.

Strengthening the Existing Partnership

EPAM Systems is one of Uzbekistan's international technology partners. Established in the United States in 1993, the company focuses on software engineering, cloud technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. As of the second quarter of 2026, its global workforce surpassed 62,800 employees.

EPAM started operating in Uzbekistan in 2019 and currently has two offices in the country, employing more than 600 professionals who support over 70 international clients.

The company also plays an active role in the development of IT education. Educational laboratories specializing in Java, .NET, JavaScript, and DevOps are in operation at Tashkent University of Information Technologies, INHA University, and Amity University.

One of the key outcomes of the partnership was the creation of IT Park University, which marked its first graduation in 2025, with 75 graduates receiving their diplomas.

Discussions on the SI Academy Uzbekistan initiative and potential AI projects open up new opportunities to expand cooperation with EPAM Systems. The partnership combines talent development, technological capacity building, and the deployment of advanced digital solutions across the public sector.