IT Park Uzbekistan and AICA Discuss Organizing a Joint Regional AI Hackathon

Abdulahad Kuchkarov, the CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, held a meeting with a delegation from the Central Asia Artificial Intelligence Association (AICA). The delegation included Vladimir Norov, the Chairman of AICA, and Behzod Ismailov, the Executive Director. During their discussions, the two parties explored the potential for forming a partnership and organizing a collaborative regional hackathon focused on artificial intelligence. They concluded the meeting by agreeing to initiate joint efforts on this initiative and to create a working group.

The Central Asia Artificial Intelligence Association (AICA) is a regional entity that unites experts, companies, and organizations involved in artificial intelligence across Central Asia. The association aims to enhance the AI ecosystem, foster educational and research initiatives, and bolster international collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence. AICA actively partners with entities from China and the MENA region, executing industry projects designed to promote and implement AI technologies in practical applications.

During the meeting, AICA outlined its vision for a regional AI hackathon scheduled for 2026. This event is anticipated to concentrate on the creation of applied AI solutions and to engage startups, students, developers, and AI professionals from throughout Central Asia. There will be a particular focus on the practical implications of the projects and their potential for future growth.

Vladimir Norov, Chairman of AICA, expressed his willingness to assist in organizing the hackathon by involving international experts, mentors, and industry partners.

In response, Abdulahad Kuchkarov shared insights from his experience in organizing large-scale events for the technology sector, including the Digital Startups Awards 2025.

During the discussions, the AICA delegation proposed and examined the feasibility of co-hosting a regional AI hackathon in collaboration with AICA and IT Park Uzbekistan.

It was specifically highlighted that a joint regional AI hackathon could function not only as a competitive venue but also as a valuable educational resource for cultivating practical AI skills among emerging professionals, training qualified individuals, and establishing a sustainable talent pipeline for the regional AI ecosystem.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to form a joint working group to further refine the concept and framework of the hackathon.

AICA will provide a comprehensive plan for the initiative, following which the partners will collaborate on the development of the format, themes, and subsequent steps for project execution.

Partnering with AICA presents further opportunities for IT Park Uzbekistan to enhance the AI sector, discover talent, and assist startups within the realm of artificial intelligence. The execution of collaborative initiatives will aid in fortifying the national AI ecosystem, broadening international partnerships, and generating new growth prospects for Uzbekistan’s technology community.