Uzbekistan will establish innovation and startup project parks across its regions to support innovative businesses, finance startups and promote the commercialization of scientific developments.
The procedure for establishing and operating the parks was approved by a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated October 9, according to the document published on Lex.uz.
The parks will provide businesses with manufacturing, financial, legal, marketing and other services, alongside business incubation and acceleration programmes. They will also offer engineering and technical infrastructure and support financing for startups developing innovative products.
In cooperation with local and foreign companies, the parks will promote the adoption of new technologies, the commercialization of scientific research and access to international markets.
The planned services include assistance with certification and state registration of innovative products, intellectual property protection, licensing, franchising and technology transfer. The parks will also help startups attract investment and develop partnerships with foreign companies and experts.
The Agency for Innovative Development under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation will be responsible for establishing the parks and coordinating their activities. They will be created by order of the agency's director, while directors of individual parks will be appointed based on recommendations from the relevant district or city governors. Local authorities will allocate the buildings and infrastructure needed for their operations.
The resolution specifically provides for an innovation park on a 1.2-hectare plot at the former mechanized equipment palace in Syrdarya district, Syrdarya region. The land will be allocated for permanent use.
Businesses will be selected competitively to manufacture innovative products and provide services at the parks. Initially, they will sign lease agreements for up to three years. Upon expiry, their performance and results will be assessed, with the possibility of extending the lease.
Funding for the parks will come from local budgets, the Agency for Innovative Development, grants from international financial institutions and donor organizations, and other sources permitted by law.
The initiative follows the reorganization of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation into a single Ministry of Education and Science under a presidential decree.
The reform aims to unify the management of education from preschool to higher education, as well as scientific activities, and improve the quality and efficiency of the system.
Erkinjon Turdimov was subsequently appointed first deputy prime minister and minister of education and science. He was tasked with coordinating work in education, science and healthcare, while Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva was assigned responsibility for overseeing the implementation of related tasks.