ITEA Empowers 35 Women Through Digital and Financial Literacy Training

The IT Education Association (ITEA), in cooperation with ACTED Uzbekistan, has successfully completed a training program aimed at strengthening women's entrepreneurial potential and promoting their economic independence through digital and financial literacy.

The training was organized within the framework of the «EQUALITY: Strengthened Civil Society in Advancing Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Uzbekistan» project, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the European Union, and implemented by ACTED Uzbekistan.

The initiative brought together 35 women from different regions of Uzbekistan, providing them with practical knowledge and skills in digital technologies and financial management. The training aimed to help participants identify new entrepreneurial opportunities, make informed financial and business decisions, and strengthen their economic independence.

The program was delivered in two groups. The first group, consisting of 17 women, successfully completed the training, followed by the second group of 18 participants. All 35 women received certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the program.

Throughout the training sessions, participants gained hands-on experience in using digital tools, managing finances, and exploring practical ways to apply their newly acquired skills to their business activities and everyday lives. The program equipped them with knowledge that can support the development of their entrepreneurial initiatives and help them make more informed decisions.

With both groups having successfully completed the program, a total of 35 women have benefited from this learning opportunity. ITEA wishes all graduates every success in applying their knowledge in practice, developing their businesses, and achieving their future goals.

Through this initiative, ITEA continues to contribute to digital skills development, promote equal opportunities, and support women's empowerment, helping them unlock their potential and actively participate in the digital economy.

ICTWeek 2026: Global IT Community Came Together in Uzbekistan

One of the most significant and prestigious events in the field of information and communication technologies, ICTWeek Uzbekistan 2026, took place in Tashkent from 22 to 25 September 2026. The event served as a major international platform for showcasing Uzbekistan's digital development agenda and bringing together key stakeholders in the technology sector.

Held annually since 2004, Uzbekistan's Information and Communication Technologies Week — ICTWeek — has become one of the country's most important IT events. Over the years, it has brought together industry professionals, government institutions, local and international companies, investors, startups, IT specialists, and a broad audience interested in technological advancement.

ICTWeek 2026: Greater Scale and New Opportunities

In 2026, ICTWeek was organized on an even larger scale. The event welcomed more than 25,000 participants from over 50 countries and representatives of more than 300 companies.

These figures demonstrated that ICTWeek was not merely a technology showcase, but also an important platform for business development, investment opportunities, startups, and international cooperation.

A New Platform for Businesses and Investors

One of the key features of ICTWeek was that it went beyond a traditional technology exhibition. Throughout the week, the event provided opportunities for B2B meetings, investment discussions, startup presentations, business meetings, and professional networking.

Uzbekistan's Digital Potential on the International Stage

In recent years, Uzbekistan's IT sector has experienced rapid growth, while the digital economy has become one of the country's strategic development priorities.

The expansion of the IT Park ecosystem, the growing number of export-oriented IT companies, new opportunities for startups, and the development of digital public services have strengthened Uzbekistan's potential as a regional technology hub.

In this context, ICTWeek played an increasingly important role. The event served as a bridge between Uzbekistan's ongoing digital reforms and the international community, helping attract foreign technologies and investments while connecting local IT companies with global markets.

One Week — Countless Opportunities

One of the distinguishing features of ICTWeek was its comprehensive format, bringing together a range of specialized events within a single technology week. Rather than being limited to one conference or exhibition, it offered an integrated platform covering multiple areas of the technology industry.

This format enabled participants to attend events across different fields, explore emerging technologies, hear from industry experts, expand their business networks, and initiate new collaborative projects.

A Week of Opportunities, Not Just Technologies

The mission of ICTWeek extended beyond showcasing new technologies. Its broader purpose was to transform technological advancements into new opportunities for people, businesses, and economic development.

ICTWeek 2026 brought together government institutions, business representatives, investors, and the technology community, creating new opportunities for ideas, partnerships, and projects that contribute to Uzbekistan's digital future.

Empowering Girls for a Safer Digital Future

Today, 12 September, an important conversation around AI literacy, cybersecurity and digital safety took place at INHA University in Tashkent as part of the opening of the “Capacity Building in AI Literacy and Cybersecurity for Girls” project.

The project is initiated by the IT Education Association (ITEA) and funded by UNOPS through the European Union’s Civil Society Facility. It is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Inha University in Tashkent, IT Park Uzbekistan and the GAP Women IT Club.

The opening event brought together girls and young women interested in technology, AI and digital transformation, creating a space for learning, dialogue and empowerment.

Throughout the programme, participants explored:

🤖 Safe, ethical and responsible use of AI 🔐 Cybersecurity and digital safety 📊 Data literacy and misinformation detection 🌍 AI for social good and civic engagement 💡 Digital resilience and responsible technology use 👩‍💻 Opportunities for women in technology and digital careers

Through interactive sessions, practical activities and expert discussions, participants gained knowledge and practical skills to navigate the digital environment with greater confidence, awareness and responsibility.

✨ Building digital resilience today means creating a safer, more inclusive and empowered digital future for everyone.

New Opportunities for Girls in AI and Cybersecurity

The IT Education Association, in partnership with UNOPS, is implementing the grant project “Capacity Building in AI Literacy and Cybersecurity for Girls”, funded by the European Union under the EU Civil Society Facility programme.

📌 As part of the project, research is being conducted in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and cybersecurity. In addition, practical workshops will be organized for girls and young women interested in the IT sector.

Today, the IT Education Association office welcomed Mr. Vasyl Tolkachov, Head of the European Union project supporting Civil Society Organizations in Central Asia.

🤝 During the meeting, detailed information was shared about the activities being carried out under the grant project, ongoing research, and future plans.

🎯 The main objective of the project is to equip 100–150 girls and young women with practical knowledge and skills to use artificial intelligence and digital technologies safely, ethically, and effectively.

The project also aims to:

✨ increase participants' engagement in digital transformation;

✨ promote active citizenship;

✨ expand future career opportunities in the technology sector.

🚀 The IT Education Association continues its active efforts to support the participation of women and girls in the technology sector, equip them with modern digital skills, and create new opportunities for them to shape the technologies of the future.

Uzbekistan Successfully Hosts the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026)

For the first time in its history, Uzbekistan hosted the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), bringing together the world's brightest young programming talents in Tashkent from August 10 to 17, 2026.

The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) marked a historic milestone for Uzbekistan and its growing role in the global digital technology community. Held in Tashkent, the prestigious international competition brought together 386 contestants from more than 97 countries, with total attendance exceeding 900 participants, including team leaders, mentors, organizers, and international guests.

A Historic Opening in the Homeland of Algorithms

The Olympiad officially opened on August 10 with a grand opening ceremony attended by representatives of the international informatics community and distinguished guests. Among the speakers were IOI President Sun Teck Tan and Gennady Korotkevich, the most successful contestant in the history of the Olympiad.

Hosting IOI 2026 held particular symbolic significance for Uzbekistan, the homeland of Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, whose contributions to mathematics laid the foundations for algebra and the concept of algorithms. The event also reflected the country's ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation, strengthen IT education, and create new opportunities for talented young people.

As part of the international event, Telegram established a dedicated prize fund for the tournament's winners, highlighting the support of the global technology community for the next generation of programmers.

Historic Achievement for Uzbekistan's National Team

One of the most remarkable outcomes of IOI 2026 was the unprecedented performance of Uzbekistan's national team. For the first time in the country's history of participation in the Olympiad, all four contestants earned medals, securing a total of one silver and three bronze medals.

The medalists were:

• Jahonali Xaydaraliyev — Muhammad al-Khwarizmi Specialized School, Grade 9 (Silver Medal).
• Timur Kadirbergenov — Nukus Presidential School, Grade 11 (Bronze Medal).
• Ulug‘bek Rakhmatullaev — Namangan Presidential School, Grade 11 (Bronze Medal).
• Jahongirshoh Avazxonov — Namangan Presidential School, Grade 10 (Bronze Medal).

In addition, Sardorbek Salimov, a student of the Presidential School in Navoi, received an Honourable Mention.

This outstanding result reflects the students' dedication and years of preparation, the commitment of their teachers, and the growing impact of Uzbekistan's initiatives to support talented young people and develop digital education.

Celebrating Excellence and Passing the Torch

The competition concluded with the announcement of the absolute winner of IOI 2026. China's representative Qiwen Xu secured the Grand Prize with an impressive score of 498.3 points. The award was presented by Rustam Karimjonov, Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Another significant moment of the closing ceremony was the official handover of the IOI flag to the German delegation. Azamat Eshankulov, Director of the Center for Digital Education Development under the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, presented the flag to the representatives of Germany, which will host the 39th International Olympiad in Informatics in 2027.

Beyond Competition: Building Global Connections

IOI 2026 was more than an international programming competition. It became a platform for cultural exchange, international cooperation, and meaningful connections among talented young people from around the world.

The event showcased Uzbekistan's growing capacity to organize major international technology events, strengthened the country's visibility on the global IT map, and created new opportunities to promote its educational potential and international tourism.

The successful conclusion of IOI 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts of the organizers, international partners, team leaders, mentors, volunteers, and everyone involved in delivering this major event.

By hosting the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics, Uzbekistan not only made history as the first host country in Central Asia but also demonstrated its commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators, programmers, and technology leaders.

As part of the 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026), qualified and experienced organizations are invited to provide catering services.

The event will take place from 9 to 16 August in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Olympiad is expected to bring together 745 participants from more than 97 countries.

The catering service provider must meet the requirements specified in the Technical Assignment (TA).

📎 Download the Technical Assignment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12JvW7wIwdeoYGp6SUING9SsldSoJMH8Y/view?usp=sharing

Interested organizations are invited to review the Technical Assignment and submit their proposals to info@ite-association.uz.

The “Digital Inclusion for People with Hearing Impairments” project has been successfully completed!

With the support of the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the backing of the U.S.-based Sterling Foundation, an IT training program implemented by the IT Education Association in cooperation with the Uzbekistan Society of the Deaf has come to a successful conclusion.

A ceremonial certificate award event was held! All participants were awarded certificates in recognition of the knowledge and skills they acquired during the program.

In addition, the IT Education Association officially presented the following to the Uzbekistan Society of the Deaf:

15 laptops — for members of the society

100 Coursera certificates — enabling members of the society to independently study through internationally recognized online courses

Each lesson was conducted with great enthusiasm and left participants with positive impressions. Throughout the project, participants gained practical skills in English language, SMM, artificial intelligence, e-government services, and cybersecurity.

This project represents a practical step in support of the state’s inclusive education policy and was implemented through international cooperation to promote equality and create opportunities within society.

The IT Education Association Launches an Important Social Initiative — “Digital Inclusion for the Deaf” Project

The project is implemented with the support of the Stirling Foundation.

In the coming days, the IT Education Association, with the support of the Stirling Foundation and in cooperation with the Society of the Deaf of Uzbekistan, will launch the “Digital Inclusion for the Deaf” project.

The project aims to expand digital education opportunities for people with hearing impairments in Uzbekistan, develop their practical IT and English language skills, and support their integration into the modern labor market.

The first phase of the project will be implemented in Tashkent. In the next stage, the project is planned to be introduced across 15 regional branches of the Society of the Deaf of Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the program:

✅ digital literacy training courses will be organized;

✅ classes will be conducted with the participation of sign language interpreters;

✅ participants will gain access to international online learning platforms;

✅ measures will be taken to establish a sustainable IT learning environment in regional branches.

👨‍💻 In addition, the branches of the Society of the Deaf of Uzbekistan will be equipped with the necessary technical equipment, including laptops, to establish IT Labs and create conditions for participants to use them during the learning process.

This initiative will contribute to the development of inclusive education in our country, reduce digital inequality, and create equal opportunities for all members of society.

On May 2, a ceremonial award event was held in the capital city to honor the winners of the “National Competition” announced within the framework of the “Five Million AI Leaders” initiative, launched at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event was opened by the Minister of Digital Technologies, Sherzod Shermatov. In his speech, the Minister highlighted the initiatives of the President, who recognizes youth as the country’s greatest asset, and emphasized the remarkable progress Uzbekistan has achieved in the field of digital technologies within a short period of time.

The award ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Preschool and School Education, E’zozxon Karimova, and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Kongratbay Sharipov.

The “Five Million AI Leaders” initiative is an important project aimed at developing the field of artificial intelligence in Uzbekistan, enhancing youth potential, and preparing globally competitive specialists.

Launched by the Head of State in November 2025, the project has already provided educational opportunities to nearly 1 million young people. The aileaders.uz platform offers nearly 100 free courses from international educational platforms, including AI and IT-related courses provided by major organizations such as Coursera, Oracle, Huawei, Apolitical, and Eoppiva. Notably, nearly 3,000 of these courses have also been translated into Uzbek.

Within the framework of the “National Competition,” nearly 500 schools, 45 higher education institutions, and around 10,000 young participants and their mentors actively participated.

As a logical continuation of the “One Million Uzbek Coders” initiative, the “Five Million AI Leaders” project was officially launched by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the International Artificial Intelligence Forum on November 28, 2025.

To ensure the continuous improvement of AI-related knowledge and skills among the population and youth, the aileaders.uz platform was launched within the project.

At the initiative of the Head of State, the “National Competition” was organized within the framework of the project to encourage teachers, students, and educational institutions across several categories.

In 2025, more than 640,000 participants successfully completed training and received certificates through the “One Million Uzbek Coders” and “Five Million AI Leaders” initiatives.

Based on the results of 2025, participants with the highest achievements were recognized as winners in the following categories of the “National Competition.”

In the “Most Active Higher Education Institution” category, the following universities received one-time cash prizes:

Tashkent University of Information Technologies — 100 million UZS Bukhara State Technical University — 50 million UZS Bukhara State University — 25 million UZS

Winners were also determined in the “Most Active Participant” category. In this category, 705 school students, 116 university students, and 9 young participants were recognized as winners. They were awarded laptops, tablets, and other valuable devices.

In the “Most Active Informatics Teacher” category, 107 winners were selected. Among them, 97 teachers received a one-time cash prize of $1,000 each.

Additionally, 10 Informatics teachers won international travel opportunities.

Winners were also announced in the “Most Active School” category. As part of the “National Competition,” the specialized school in Bogot district of Khorezm region and School No. 13 with specialized classes in Zarafshan city of Navoi region were awarded the grand prize — a “Presidential Gift” electric vehicle.