Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank have signed a memorandum on the UPGRADE project, under which a research center for digital technologies is planned to be established in Nurafshan, Tashkent region. The project, valued at approximately $200 million, aims to integrate research and development, high-performance computing infrastructure, specialized laboratories, and specialist training.

Funding is expected to be provided through a sovereign ADB loan under a state guarantee from Uzbekistan. The project is planned to commence in Q2 2027 and conclude in Q2 2032. The Ministry of Digital Technologies will act as the executing agency, and IT Park Uzbekistan will be responsible for the direct implementation of the project.

UPGRADE is intended to create a full cycle of technology development – from applied research and prototyping to testing, certification, and commercialization of developments. Within the project, it is expected to implement 300 research and development projects, incubate 100 technology startups, and create approximately 3000 jobs in digital and DeepTech fields.

It is anticipated that the supported projects will collectively generate at least $50 million in annual revenue. The concept of the center was developed in collaboration with universities, scientific organizations, startups, the private sector, and government agencies.