IT Park Uzbekistan and KOICA conclude a four-year project on IT capacity development

IT Park Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Gyeongbuk Technopark (GBTP), has successfully concluded the four-year initiative titled “Support for foundation and capacity development for sustainable growth of IT Park.”

A closing ceremony, along with an Open Innovation experience-sharing session, took place at the Tashkent branch of IT Park, where attendees evaluated the project’s results and explored future collaboration opportunities between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea.

Among the speakers were Pak Sol Ri, Deputy Director of the KOICA Office in Uzbekistan; Makhliyo Muksinova, Services Export Development Director of IT Park; experts from GBTP; and representatives from the Korea Technopark Promotion Association (KTPA) and DAINLEADERS. They underscored the project’s significance in fostering human capital, enhancing technological skills, and bolstering Uzbekistan’s position within the global IT community.

Open Innovation pilot projects

The concluding session showcased the results of three Open Innovation pilot projects executed by member companies of IT Park Uzbekistan with the assistance of Korean partners.

The first pilot project, AJIN–MIMAX, concentrated on the implementation of smart manufacturing through ERP-based systems. The team tailored a digital solution to meet the requirements of Uzbekistan’s industrial enterprises, thereby enhancing production efficiency, minimizing manual processes, and accelerating digital transformation within the local manufacturing sector. This project illustrated the effective integration of international technologies into the national industrial landscape.

The second pilot, VERYWORDS–IT HUB SAMARKAND, focused on advancing E-Mobility technologies and NET ZERO principles. The team developed a collection of digital materials and video content aimed at promoting sustainable transport and environmental consciousness. This initiative showcased the potential for collaboration between Uzbekistan and Korea in the realms of green technology, digital media, and sustainability.

The third pilot, SIHA–Planning (in partnership with ROBOCELL), tackled the creation of outsourcing solutions for the K-Beauty e-commerce sector. The team established a platform that allows Uzbek IT companies to offer services to Korean brands and broaden their footprint in the global e-commerce market. This project reflects Uzbekistan’s increasing potential as an outsourcing center and enhances the role of local firms in international digital supply chains.

Collectively, the pilot projects showcased effective collaboration between IT Park members and their Korean counterparts, reinforcing a model where local firms serve as active participants in global innovation rather than merely passive recipients of technology.

Key Results of the Four-Year Programme

The KOICA GBTP IT Park Uzbekistan project, executed from 2021 to 2025, significantly advanced the professional and technological growth of the national IT ecosystem.

In total, 583 specialists completed capacity-building initiatives—25 in the Republic of Korea and 558 in Uzbekistan. Over 200 participants graduated from educational programs in IT and entrepreneurship, and 30 practical training sessions were conducted to enhance applied skills.

For member companies, 25 mentoring and consulting programs were offered, engaging approximately 180 companies. During ICT Week 2024 and 2025, 27 companies showcased their projects and conducted business meetings that generated a total of $9.2 million.

Throughout the program, 10 partnership agreements were established—two institutional memoranda and eight commercial contracts—highlighting the project’s practical significance and long-term business focus.

Future Outlook and Project Conclusion

While the program has officially concluded, it has established a foundation for the next phase of collaboration between Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea. The outcomes reflect a transition from a conventional “technology transfer” model to one that emphasizes independent solution development, with Uzbek IT companies actively participating as equal partners in global projects.

Building on this experience, IT Park, KOICA, and GBTP plan to pursue ongoing joint initiatives aimed at advancing the digital industry, supporting the startup ecosystem, and promoting innovative solutions from Central Asia in the international market.

The KOICA GBTP IT Park Uzbekistan project exemplifies successful international cooperation, contributing to the growth of the national IT ecosystem, enhancing talent development, and bolstering Uzbekistan’s technological capabilities.