Central Eurasia Launches AI Readiness Study in the U.S.

A new study on artificial intelligence readiness in Central Eurasia has been launched in the United States. The initiative, titled Central Eurasian AI Readiness, was announced at a conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The project aims to assess the level of AI development across countries in the region and highlight the region’s potential to investors and partners.

The study’s core framework was presented at the Innovation in Global Growth Markets conference, organized by the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship. The research will run until September 2026 and will cover Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with Silkroad Innovation Hub, with support from IT Park Uzbekistan, Freedom Holding, and Astana Hub. At this stage, the team has introduced the methodology that will guide the analysis.

The study is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of how artificial intelligence is developing across the region. At present, Central Eurasia’s potential is often underestimated, as investment and policy decisions often rely on isolated case studies rather than a comprehensive regional picture.

The final report will focus on four key areas:

• infrastructure and computing capacity
• government policy and regulation
• education and talent development
• startups and commercial AI applications

Special attention will also be given to ongoing national initiatives across the region.

“Uzbekistan is developing its AI potential both in terms of infrastructure and human capital. Through initiatives such as the ‘Five Million Artificial Intelligence Leaders’ program, we equip specialists across the country with practical AI skills and integrate these technologies into startups, exports, and public-private partnership projects. This study will help demonstrate that this work is already underway,” 

said Azamat Karamatov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan.

The report will be compiled over the coming months, with the first results expected to be presented in autumn 2026 at major technology platforms, including ICT Week Uzbekistan and Digital Bridge Kazakhstan.

For IT Park Uzbekistan, participation in the project represents an opportunity to showcase the country’s initiatives on an international stage. The study is expected to help better structure and present Uzbekistan’s achievements in AI, strengthen investor confidence, and attract new projects to its technological ecosystem.