IT Park Uzbekistan: Innovation Emerges Through Dialogue

As part of the international forum “Innovation in Global Growth Markets: Prosperity Through Entrepreneurship,” organized by the Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a panel discussion entitled “Unlocking the Potential of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Regional Prosperity in Central Asia” took place at the Harvard Square Room (USA). The event brought together more than 50 leaders of innovation ecosystems to address systemic challenges facing the region and explore avenues for enhancing cross-border collaboration. IT Park Uzbekistan served as a partner of the forum, marking the first time Central Asia was represented at the Harvard Square Room.

Critical Questions — Strategic Responses

The panel featured prominent figures, including Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan; Azis Abakirov, CEO of the High Technology Park of Kyrgyzstan; Asset Abdualiyev, CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub; Tanat Uskembayev, Managing Director of Astana Hub; Jenny Jenish, Venture Partner at Big Sky Capital VC; and Dina Ruslan, Founder and CEO of CODIFY. The discussion was moderated by Shamil Ibragimov, a Fellow at the Kuo Sharper Center at MIT.

The participants explored a range of timely topics:
 • The limitations of government-led initiatives in achieving breakthrough innovations;
• When do the region’s ecosystems play it too safe, and how can this be changed;
• Barriers impeding effective cross-regional cooperation.

In his remarks, Abdulakhad Kuchkarov emphasized:

“Uzbekistan has made substantial progress: the establishment of preferential tax conditions, over 2,600 registered member companies, including 642 foreign firms. However, the true driver of transformation remains the culture of collaboration. Innovation does not occure in isolation — it flourishes where trust, readiness to take risks, and a willingness to learn from setbacks prevail.”

He also emphasized IT Park Uzbekistan’s strategic priorities:
• Strengthening partnerships with Astana Hub and Silkroad Innovation Hub;
• Creating 9,000 new jobs outside Tashkent — a 240% increase across the regions.

The panel discussion served as more than a platform for dialogue — it became a launchlad for new initiatives. As noted by Asset Abdualiyev:

“Central Asia is not five separate countries, but a single organism. Our strength lies in the diversity of ideas, yet our future depends on their integration.”

IT Park Uzbekistan continues to act as a bridge between local startups and global opportunities. Looking ahead, the priority is to shift from regional competition towards cooperation, fostering an environment where individual success contributes to collective progress.