IT Park Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, and WIUT Signed a Memorandum to Launch Creative Incubator

IT Park Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Culture and Art Development Foundation, and Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) have signed a memorandum of cooperation to officially launch the Creative Incubator project. The memorandum was signed by Abdulahad Kuchkarov, Executive Director of IT Park Uzbekistan; Elmurod Najimov, First Deputy Chairman of the Foundation; and Komiljon Karimov, Rector of WIUT. This initiative is aimed at supporting young talents, building a solid foundation, and fostering the growth of startups within Uzbekistan's creative economy.

A New Chapter in the Development of the Creative Economy

The Creative Incubator project will serve as a key tool in implementing the Law "On the Creative Economy," adopted on October 3, 2024. This law establishes a legal framework to support creative industries, which play a pivotal role in transforming the country’s economy. The objective is to increase the contribution of creative industries to Uzbekistan's GDP to 5% by 2030, with the Creative Incubator acting as a catalyst for this transformation.

By merging technology, culture, and education, the project offers young professionals unique opportunities to bring their innovative, creative ideas to life. The incubator will become a hub for talent, a platform for exchanging expertise, and a point of interaction with industry experts. This initiative lays the groundwork for positioning Uzbekistan as a global creative hub by supporting entrepreneurs and stimulating innovation.

Opportunities and Benefits of the Creative Incubator

The Creative Incubator will provide participants with all the necessary tools to transform their ideas into successful projects. The initiative includes educational programs, practical workshops led by international and local experts, and startup competitions offering financial support for winners.

In 2025, the incubator plans to run two cycles that will include intensive training sessions, visits to leading companies, and hands-on activities. Each cycle will culminate in a Pitch Contest, where participants will present their projects to investors, secure funding, and establish strategic partnerships.

Leveraging its extensive experience in supporting startups and running incubation programs, IT Park Uzbekistan will provide mentorship, organize key events, and ensure access to essential resources. To deepen participants' knowledge and enhance their expertise, the Uzbekistan Culture and Arts Development Fund will invite international specialists and support educational initiatives. WIUT will contribute with state-of-the-art infrastructure, technical resources, and methodological expertise to ensure the project’s success.

A Contribution to Sustainable Development

The Creative Incubator is not merely a project but a long-term investment in Uzbekistan's sustainable development. It aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 8: Promote job creation and economic growth.
• SDG 9: Foster innovation and technology in creative industries.
• SDG 11: Support cultural diversity and community well-being.

The Creative Incubator will serve as a launchpad for talented professionals, helping them unlock their potential and reach global markets. Through this project, young entrepreneurs will gain access to knowledge, mentorship, and resources critical to realizing their visions. The incubator will drive the creation of a new creative startup ecosystem where creativity and technology converge, transforming Uzbekistan into a global creative hub that unites talent and opportunity.

About the Partners

IT Park Uzbekistan plays a leading role in advancing the country’s technology sector, positioning Uzbekistan as an international IT hub. IT Park actively supports the global success of local companies while attracting international firms, contributing to improved quality of life, job creation, and the global competitiveness of Uzbek specialists. Through projects like the Creative Incubator, IT Park consistently supports startups and IT companies, helping them attract investments, strengthen international connections, scale projects from ideas to large businesses, and nurture the next generation of IT professionals.

Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation was established in 2017 by a decree of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Foundation's mission is to integrate Uzbekistan’s culture into the global cultural landscape while enhancing domestic opportunities through inclusive and accessible environments in cultural institutions, museum renovations, philanthropy development, and capacity building for museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions. The Foundation's projects span various disciplines, including art, literature, theater, music, architecture, choreography, and cinema. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach and bringing together specialists from different countries, the Fund strengthens cultural diplomacy between CIS, European, and Asian nations.

Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT) has been a leader in education and innovation for over two decades. Founded in 2002, WIUT has established itself as a benchmark for academic excellence and innovation in higher education in Uzbekistan. It serves as a center of creativity, combining academic rigor with a vibrant, forward-looking environment that contributes to the growth of the creative economy both locally and globally.

The signing of the Creative Incubator memorandum marks a significant step forward in building a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development in Uzbekistan.