Future Builders: How Uzbekistan’s Youth Are Crafting Tomorrow from Inside Out

Uzbekistan’s Rise on the Youth Development Scale

Uzbekistan has recently secured a position among the fastest‑climbing nations in the Youth Development Index, signalling extensive strides in nurturing the next generation.

Major Milestones

• Steady Rise: The country’s quick ascent places it at the forefront of global youth development progress.
• UN Youth 2030 Champion: Uzbekistan ranks within the top 10 nations actively executing the United Nations Youth 2030 Strategy.
• Global Recognition: Leadership in youth empowerment initiatives is gaining international acclaim.

Young Innovators Lead Uzbekistan’s Transformative Shift

Uzbexburg – In a country where more than 60 % of residents are under 30, Youth Day has become the nation’s benchmark for creativity, technical progress, and evolving policies that are reshaping society from the grassroots level.

Beyond Ceremonies: Real Impact on Display

• Gathering held at the International Congress Centre, Tashkent
• Showcased not only speeches but active sessions from artists, programmers, inventors, and educators
• Highlighting practical demonstrations that resonate with everyday citizens

The Workshop Revolution of Elmurod Polvonov

While many breakthroughs surface in polished laboratories or international tech hubs, Polvonov demonstrates that substantial change can originate in a Tashkent workshop full of cables, sensors, and an uncompromising vision for engineering education.

As director of the Innovation Centre within Tashkent Chemical International University, he is quietly spearheading a formidable transformation by preparing Uzbekistan’s upcoming cohort of engineers.

From Hands-On Beginnings to Industry 4.0 Training

• Polvonov grew up working with machines and factories, drawing a lifelong curiosity for mechanics
• He emphasized that “to truly grasp how machinery functions, one must manipulate real equipment, not only study theory.”
• His philosophy of learning by doing now forms the bedrock of his programs
• The centre’s local Industry 4.0 training rig is the first-of-its-kind installed in the country
• Internationally, comparable industrial simulation platforms—often imported from firms such as Germany’s Festo—are priced over €850,000 ($1 million); Polvonov’s team crafted a model that is five to seven times more affordable while keeping all essential capabilities

Through such initiatives, the youth of Uzbekistan are not merely spectators of change but architects of a future where innovation is rooted in hands‑on experience and local ingenuity.

President Engages with Youth in a New Smart Factory Initiative

In a recent gathering, the President met with a group of students to discuss their future prospects in technology and industry. The event showcased a cutting‑edge training facility that blends mechatronics, electronics, pneumatic sensors, and robotics programming.

What the Training Centre Offers

• Integrated Learning: Students are guided through every stage of product creation—from the initial concept to final assembly.
• Real‑World Projects: Work begins with simple tasks such as designing a bus door’s opening mechanism, advancing to fully autonomous plant systems.
• Hands‑On Experience: By graduation, participants master tools and processes directly used by leading industry players.

Success Stories and Industry Impact

Graduates are now positioned across top domestic and international companies, including Technopark, Solar Nature, and Hyundai Elevator. Employer feedback highlights: “Your students already understand how to operate the systems we employ—this is the most significant compliment we receive.”

Expanding Knowledge Beyond Students

Recognizing that innovation thrives when it permeates the classroom, the centre also offers professional development for technical teachers.

• Practical Training: Instructors undergo courses that familiarize them with 60‑70% of industrial operations, from robotic arms to panel assembly.
• Curriculum Enhancement: Equipped with new skills, teachers return to regional colleges and vocational schools, fostering a nationwide ripple effect.

Vision for the Future

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and manufacturing, ensuring that the next generation is ready to contribute immediately to the country’s evolving industrial landscape.

Introducing art engineering

Artful Engineering: Merging Creativity with Function

Engineering is often pictured as a realm of precision, cables, and complex equations.

Yet there’s a burgeoning field where the language of code turns into visual poetry – the realm of art engineering. This is where Polvonov and his team leave the familiar laboratory whiteboard behind and invite students to treat technology as a canvas.

What The Program Looks Like

• Students craft emotionally charged pieces with nothing but engineering tools.
• Examples include a three‑dimensional portrait of Einstein, assembled entirely from discarded keyboard keys.
• Every project demands both meticulous design and a touch of artistic flair.

Polvonov explains, “When students channel technical skills into a visual and expressive creation, they start to see themselves as inventors rather than mere technicians.”

Expanding the Movement

The Art Engineering School already stages monthly showcases. Plans are underway to bring the initiative nationwide, aiming to:

• Make engineering approachable for all.
• Encourage inclusivity by offering a platform for those who feel out of place in a traditional lab.
• Highlight the relevance of engineering to everyday creativity.

By blending the analytical rigor of engineering with the boundless possibilities of art, this program hopes to inspire a new generation of innovators.

Coding’s future: From Excel to AI

Akbar Turdiboyev: From Spreadsheet Enthusiast to Nationwide AI Innovation Leader

In the vibrant landscape of Uzbekistan’s youth movement, one figure stands out: Akbar Turdiboyev, best known as the “Excel Guy.” His journey began with a fascination for spreadsheets and evolved into a thriving community of more than 200,000 supporters. Today, his venture leverages artificial intelligence to deliver cutting‑edge tools for Google Sheets.

Early Beginnings and a Shift in Focus

• 2019: Released the first online learning module, aiming to democratize Excel knowledge.
• 2019–2020: Initial adoption fell short of expectations.
• 2020: Pivoted strategy, drawing attention with short, viral videos and launching simple, business‑orientated solutions.

Fast‑Track Growth

Within a span of just two years, the platform’s user base surged to 100,000. It now offers a portfolio of features blending information commerce with creative tech:

• Robust Excel templates tailored for small enterprises.
• Custom automation frameworks powered by AI.
• Micro‑learning courses focused on practical, real‑world applications.

Support from the State and a People‑Centric Vision

The initiative has secured backing through governmental grants and mentorship programs, yet the core philosophy remains “user‑first.” In Akbar’s words:

“Our mission extends beyond teaching Excel or AI. We aim to demonstrate how digital proficiency can forge viable careers—right from a home office.”

Impact on the Community

While accolades like medals have never been the goal, the resonance of his solutions within Uzbekistan speaks volumes. The combination of accessible learning, pragmatic tools, and community engagement showcases a model of scalable, tech‑driven empowerment.

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The artist who hammers threads into portraits

Aziza Pulatova: The Trailblazer of Nail‑Thread Portraits

Aziza Pulatova, a virtuoso string artist and co‑founder of the M.O.C. creative collective, has carved a niche where technical mastery and emotional depth intersect. Her signature large‑scale portraits—vivid tapestries woven from thousands of nails and threaded strands—command attention and stir feelings.

From DIY Experiment to Nationwide Phenomenon

What began as a modest personal project has blossomed into a city‑wide cultural wave. With her dedicated team, Pulatova has orchestrated more than 50 cultural festivals in locales ranging from the bustling streets of Tashkent to the remote landscapes of Muynak.

Key Highlights of Pulatova’s Impact

• Founded and managed a creative agency that specialises in commercial video and documentary film production.
• Designed and executed large‑scale nail‑thread portraits that merge precision with profound storytelling.
• Curated and led over 50 cultural festivals, fostering community engagement across multiple cities.
• Launched innovative educational programmes for children in underserved regions, nurturing artistic talent and creativity.

Educational Initiatives for Future Artists

In partnership with local schools and community centres, Pulatova’s outreach programmes aim to give children in socio‑economically challenged areas access to artistic tools and mentorship. These efforts are focused on:

• Instilling foundational skills in drawing, composition, and colour theory.
• Encouraging experimentation with unconventional media such as nails and threads.
• Providing platforms for students to showcase their work through local exhibitions and online galleries.

Through her relentless dedication, Aziza Pulatova has become not only a beacon of creativity but also a catalyst for cultural enrichment across Uzbekistan.

Building Creative Futures with M.O.C.

Aziza Pulatova: Crafting Moments of Meaning

“We don’t just organize festivals,” Aziza Pulatova explains. “We create occasions where creativity, community, and purpose intersect.”

Financial Sustainability for Emerging Talent

M.O.C. is committed to transforming artistic passion into a sustainable career. Its mission is to prove that young creators can:

• Live creatively by integrating art into everyday life.
• Find meaning through collaborative projects and shared experiences.
• Earn professionally by securing reliable income streams.

Impact Beyond the Stage

Through festivals, workshops, and mentorship programs, M.O.C. plays a pivotal role in shaping a future where art is not merely a hobby but a viable profession for the next generation.

$145 million for young start-ups

Uzbekistan Takes the Lead in Youth Development

Heavily Investing in Young Entrepreneurs

• The national government has earmarked $145 million (€125 million) for youth start‑ups, with a long‑term goal of reaching $1 billion.
• A dedicated Youth Venture Fund now offers grants and prototype financing to aspiring founders.

Creating New Opportunities for Young Leaders

• Over the past year, the country has established 9,000 new leadership posts in district-level administrations.
• In partnership with the UAE, the One Million AI Leaders programme has been launched to equip the next generation with cutting‑edge digital skills.

Academic Excellence on the Global Stage

• Currently, 30 Uzbeks are pursuing studies at the ten most prestigious universities worldwide.
• Additionally, 1,500 students are enrolled in institutions ranked within the top 300 globally.

Recognizing Uzbek Youth – Symbolic Highlights

• Tashkent has been honored as the Youth Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
• Bukhara has earned the title of Youth Capital of the Turkic World.

President Mirziyoyev’s Vision for the Future

Addressing a gathering of young people, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated: “Every triumph of our youth multiplies our nation’s strength. You are the golden generation that will write new history and sculpt the next chapter of Uzbekistan.”

• The president emphasized a long‑term strategy focused on empowering the youth to become the architects of a “New Uzbekistan.”