US-Led Study Launches on Central Eurasia AI Readiness

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A new research project titled Central Eurasian AI Readiness has been launched in the United States at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), aiming to comprehensively assess the preparedness of Central Eurasian countries for the adoption and development of artificial intelligence technologies.

The initiative was presented during the Innovation in Global Growth Markets conference, organized by the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship.

The project is designed to provide a systematic analysis of the level of AI development in the region and highlight its potential for international investors and technology partners. The study covers Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, and is scheduled to run until September 2026.

The initiative is being implemented with the participation of the Silkroad Innovation Hub in partnership with IT Park Uzbekistan, Freedom Holding, and Astana Hub.

At the current stage, the project team has presented the methodology that will be used to evaluate the state of infrastructure and the artificial intelligence ecosystem across the participating countries.

The authors of the study note that the AI potential of Central Eurasia is often underestimated. They argue that investment and policy decisions are frequently based on isolated examples rather than comprehensive regional analysis, which limits an accurate understanding of market opportunities.

The final report will focus on four key areas: the development of infrastructure and computing capacity, government policy and regulation, workforce training and education programs, and the state of startup ecosystems and commercial AI solutions. Special attention will also be given to national initiatives in each participating country.

IT Park Uzbekistan CEO Azamat Karamatov said during the presentation that Uzbekistan is actively developing its AI potential in both infrastructure and human capital. He noted that educational initiatives and training programs are enabling the integration of AI technologies into startups, export-oriented sectors, and public-private partnership projects. He added that the study will help more clearly reflect ongoing developments in the country.

Preliminary findings of the project are expected to be presented in autumn 2026 at international technology platforms, including ICT Week Uzbekistan and Digital Bridge Kazakhstan.

Organizers expect the final report to structure data on AI development in the region, increase transparency for investors, and strengthen interest in the technological ecosystems of Central Eurasian countries.