The Second National AI Hackathon will take place in Samarkand

From January 20 to 23, the next phase of the National AI Hackathon—one of the largest initiatives in the digital development sector of Uzbekistan—will take place in Samarkand. This project offers talented individuals from across the nation the chance to showcase their skills and gain support in executing their own IT solutions.

The initiative is being carried out with the collaboration of the Ministry of Digital Technologies, IT Park Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, the Ministry of School and Preschool Education, AICA, ML Community Uzbekistan, and Uzinfocom. The primary sponsor and partner of the hackathon is the national digital ecosystem of Uzum, along with various IT companies within the country.

Participants in the hackathon will focus on projects in fields such as medicine, cybersecurity, education, entrepreneurship, and the control of prohibited substance trafficking, utilizing AI technologies, and will receive mentorship from leading IT firms in the country. Additionally, master classes and seminars featuring IT experts are planned for the participants. The winners will not only receive valuable prizes but also the chance to secure funding for the full-scale implementation of their projects.

The initial stage of the national AI Hackathon commenced in October 2025 and will be rolled out across all regions of the republic until the conclusion of 2026. The hackathon's finale is scheduled for December 2026 in Tashkent, where the top teams from across the nation will present their innovations in artificial intelligence.

"The National AI Hackathon is an opportunity for young professionals to contribute to the future of the country. We are confident that the Samarkand stage will launch new ideas and projects that will become part of Uzbekistan's digital transformation."

"Artificial intelligence-based services are already an integral part of Uzum's products, creating real value for millions of Uzbekistanis. It's important for us not only to develop advanced solutions but also to share practical experience with young professionals."

Team registration is open until January 17 on the website https://ai-hackathon.uz/. The venue for the hackathon will be Samarkand Campus School 21.