The first pilot center in Uzbekistan, "Attraction Point," has commenced operations at the INNO technopark in Tashkent, as reported by the Agency for Strategic Reforms.

The opening ceremony took place on December 19. Attendees included the first deputy director of the ASR, Abdulla Abdukadirov, the deputy minister of higher education, science, and innovation, Shakhrukh Daliev, representatives from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), and the company "DOM.RF Technologies."

Andrey Shket, the director of the Skolkovo Capital Fund, outlined the center's objectives in his welcoming speech. It was noted that the center aims to become one of the key elements in stimulating scientific and innovative activities in Uzbekistan.

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During the plenary session, prospective operational models for the center, its areas of activity, and expected outcomes were discussed. Six primary areas of cooperation with local organizations were identified:

  1. Promotion of scientific research and innovations, development of scientific projects, and knowledge exchange;
  2. Organization of lectures, master classes, and seminars featuring experts and specialists;
  3. Support for students and young scientists, organization of competitions, allocation of grants and scholarships for research and startup creation;
  4. Formation of joint research groups and teams;
  5. Implementation of innovative projects, integration of new technologies and developments into the economy;
  6. Consultations and expert support on issues of scientific and technological development and innovation.

In March 2019, the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (now the Ministry of Digital Technologies) reached an agreement with the Skolkovo cluster to attract venture partners to IT Park for startup development. In the fall of the same year, the Ministry of Innovations signed a cooperation agreement with the Skolkovo Innovation Center.

The document outlined the organization of training for youth at an international gymnasium and the upskilling of specialists from Uzbekistan. Representatives of the first 25 startups headed to Moscow in February 2020.

Previously, Spot reported that a venture fund with a capital of $10 million began operations at IT Park.