From SI Academy to Digital Transformation: New Opportunities for Cooperation with EPAM Systems

On October 19, a working meeting was held in Tashkent between the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, IT Park Uzbekistan, and international technology company EPAM Systems. The discussions focused on establishing SI Academy Uzbekistan, strengthening AI talent development, and exploring opportunities for joint projects aimed at accelerating digital transformation in the public sector.  

The meeting brought together Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan; Farkhod Ibragimov, Chief Executive of Enterprise Uzbekistan; Lazizbek Khudaev, Director for Resident Relations at IT Park Uzbekistan; Yury Antaniuk, Vice President of EPAM; and Renat Akhtyamov, Head of EPAM Uzbekistan.

EPAM Systems was represented by Yury Antaniuk, Vice President of EPAM Systems and former Head of EPAM Ukraine, and Renat Akhtyamov, General Director of EPAM Systems Uzbekistan, who has led the company's operations in the country since 2019.

Establishing SI Academy Uzbekistan

One of the key areas of discussion was the initiative to establish SI Academy Uzbekistan in partnership with EPAM Systems. The proposed educational platform is expected to follow the EPAM Campus model, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on training and practical experience in addressing real-world technology challenges.

The academy's concept encompasses three main areas:

• Free education for young people: providing foundational knowledge in information technology and artificial intelligence;

• Specialized educational programs: training and upskilling AI professionals;

• Training for government employees: developing practical skills in applying AI technologies to improve operational efficiency.

The initiative is expected to expand opportunities for developing qualified professionals and establish additional educational infrastructure to support the growth of Uzbekistan's AI industry.

Applying Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector

Particular attention was given to the potential implementation of Agentic AI, a technology capable of autonomously performing multi-step tasks and interacting with digital systems.

One potential area of cooperation discussed was the development of two to three practical use cases for deploying these technologies using the government's GPU cluster.

Special emphasis was placed on ensuring information security and keeping sensitive government data within Uzbekistan.

As an initial step, the participants proposed considering a pilot project with clearly defined objectives, technical requirements, and implementation timelines.

The discussions also explored opportunities to draw on EPAM Systems' international experience in developing digital solutions for the public sector and adapt the most promising practices to Uzbekistan's needs.

Strengthening the Existing Partnership

EPAM Systems is one of Uzbekistan's international technology partners. Founded in the United States in 1993, the company specializes in software engineering, cloud technologies, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. As of the second quarter of 2026, its global workforce exceeded 62,800 employees.

EPAM began operating in Uzbekistan in 2019 and currently maintains two offices in the country, employing more than 600 professionals who support over 70 international clients.

The company also actively contributes to the development of IT education. Educational laboratories specializing in Java, .NET, JavaScript, and DevOps operate at Tashkent University of Information Technologies, INHA University, and Amity University.

One of the significant outcomes of the partnership was the establishment of IT Park University, which celebrated its first graduating class in 2025, with 75 graduates receiving their diplomas.

Discussions on the SI Academy Uzbekistan initiative and prospective AI projects open up further opportunities to expand cooperation with EPAM Systems. The partnership brings together talent development, technological capacity building, and the implementation of advanced digital solutions across the public sector.