IT Park Uzbekistan and AICA discuss organizing a joint regional AI hackathon

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

The Central Asia Artificial Intelligence Association (AICA) serves as a regional body uniting experts, companies, and organizations involved in artificial intelligence across Central Asia. The association is dedicated to advancing the AI ecosystem, fostering educational and research initiatives, and enhancing international collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence. AICA actively partners with entities from China and the MENA region, executing industry projects aimed at promoting and implementing AI technologies in real-world applications.

During the meeting, AICA outlined its vision for a regional AI hackathon scheduled for 2026. This event is anticipated to concentrate on the development of applied AI solutions, attracting 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 collaborators.

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 meeting, the AICA delegation proposed and discussed 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 an effective educational platform for cultivating practical AI skills among emerging professionals, training qualified specialists, and establishing a sustainable talent pipeline for the regional AI ecosystem.

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

AICA will unveil a comprehensive plan for the initiative, following which the partners will move forward with the collaborative development of the format, themes, and subsequent steps for project execution.

Partnering with AICA provides IT Park Uzbekistan with further opportunities to enhance the AI sector, discover talent, and assist startups within the artificial intelligence domain. 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.