IT Park Uzbekistan and Ghent University to cooperate in the field of AI research and development

Representatives from IT Park Uzbekistan, led by Elyor Maksudov, the Director of Startup and Investments Development, convened with a delegation from Ghent University, headed by Ignace Lemahieu, the Director of Research. The discussions focused on the creation of collaborative AI laboratories at universities in Uzbekistan, the involvement of Ghent University in the development of IT Park’s new R&D center, and opportunities for collaboration in technology transfer, academic exchange, and the support of the startup ecosystem.

Ghent University, one of Belgium's oldest and largest institutions, ranks among the top 100 universities globally. It boasts over 50,000 students, 11 faculties, and more than 200 educational programs. The university is committed to enhancing its research infrastructure, which includes its own technology parks, technology transfer centers, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Additionally, it operates international campuses, including a significant hub in South Korea, where programs in biotechnology, environmental sciences, and artificial intelligence are offered.

During the meeting, IT Park representatives showcased Uzbekistan’s digital capabilities, highlighting its young, highly skilled technological workforce and key educational initiatives such as the “One Million Uzbek Coders” program and the expansion of training through Coursera. The delegation also detailed current developments at IT Park, including its branch network, international offices, the operations of IT Park University, incubation programs, and partnership projects with global companies. They emphasized tax incentives for member companies, the Zero Risk program, support for startups, and the growth of IT services exports.

In turn, Ghent University presented its research initiatives. Ignace Lemahieu discussed the university’s technology parks, laboratories, and technology transfer centers, as well as the evolution of its startup ecosystem. He particularly highlighted the university’s international campus in South Korea, where research is being conducted in biotechnology, food-tech, ecology, and artificial intelligence, and where a new AI facility accommodating 500 specialists is set to open soon.

Throughout the negotiations, the parties explored potential avenues for collaboration.

IT Park has put forward a plan to establish AI laboratories at local universities beginning in 2026, which will involve joint research initiatives and the exploration of Ghent University’s role in the new R&D center as part of the Enterprise Uzbekistan initiative. Additional discussions included the organization of hackathons, academic exchanges, student involvement in international accelerators, and collaboration through IT Park’s international offices.

After the meeting, both parties conveyed their willingness to foster long-term collaboration, agreed to investigate further partnership possibilities, and committed to formulating joint initiatives.

The partnership with Ghent University is expected to open new avenues for enhancing research capabilities, bolstering expertise in AI and deep tech, and supporting the technological community in Uzbekistan.