German University of Digital Science Signs MoU with National University of Uzbekistan to Advance AI and Digital Education in Central Asia

BERLIN, June 29, 2026— The German University of Digital Science (German UDS), a state-accredited fully digital university, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National University of Uzbekistan, one of Central Asia's most established academic institutions. The agreement marks a formal commitment to joint degree programmes, student and faculty exchange, collaborative research in applied artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation, entrepreneurship initiatives, and access to German UDS's immersive virtual campus platform.

The partnership follows a high-level roundtable hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Berlin earlier this month, attended by German UDS President Prof. Dr. Mike Friedrichsen alongside Uzbekistan's Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr. Kongratbay Sharipov. Key institutional signatories and organizers for the agreement include Mr. Oybek Akramov (First Secretary/Consul), Inakov Komil Qadirjanovich (Vice Rector for International Relations), and Mr. Oxundadayev Ulug‘bek Raximjon o‘g‘li (Head of Department for Working with Foreign Students). The MoU with the National University of Uzbekistan is a direct outcome of those diplomatic and academic discussions, alongside rectors from more than a dozen of the country's leading universities.

The timing of the agreement reflects a convergence of strategic priorities. Uzbekistan adopted its first national AI Strategy in 2024, with implementation running through 2030. The government has committed $50 million to AI infrastructure and is developing a $200 million R&D centre in Nurafshon equipped with 200 high-performance GPUs. The national target: 300,000 young people employed in the IT sector by 2030. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan's digital sector has grown at an average of 24.8% annually - 3.5 times the country's overall GDP growth rate.

At the same time, demand for AI-qualified professionals globally is accelerating at a pace that education systems are struggling to match. AI Engineer roles grew by 143% in a single year - the fastest-growing job category globally. Workers with verified AI skills now earn 56% more than their peers without them, a premium that nearly doubled in twelve months.

German UDS delivers fully online, state-accredited programmes in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, and Advanced Digital Reality - accessible to students globally without the geographic and logistical barriers of traditional campus-based study. The National University of Uzbekistan brings decades of academic depth, a large and motivated student base, and institutional standing in one of Central Asia's fastest-growing economies.

Together, the partnership is designed to create a direct pipeline between Uzbekistan's growing pool of young professionals and the global AI job market - enabling students to acquire internationally recognised qualifications without relocating.

Further details on joint degree structures and exchange arrangements will be announced as implementation planning progresses.