The 2026 China International College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (Central Asia Regional Finals) concluded on June 29 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This event served as a key platform for China-Central Asia scientific and youth exchanges, gathering young innovators to share ideas, enhance technological cooperation, and support Belt and Road development.

[Photo by Shi Xuemai]

Under the guidance of China’s Ministry of Education, the competition was co-organized by the Silk Road Alliance for Agricultural Education, Science and Technology Innovation, and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. It was hosted by leading Chinese universities, including Northwest A&F University and Northwestern Polytechnical University, in collaboration with Tashkent State Agrarian University.

The closing ceremony was attended by senior officials from Uzbek government institutions, the Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and university representatives.

This year, 736 teams from 108 universities across five Central Asian countries participated. After rigorous evaluation, 35 projects from 19 universities advanced to the finals, with 15 teams winning gold, including the Sodium–Carbon Rebirth project from Tashkent State University of Economics.

Participants showcased creativity and teamwork. Duan Xinyu, a postgraduate from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, noted that a year of dedicated research, supported by Northwestern Polytechnical University, led her team to the finals.

The event featured a China-Central Asia youth innovation roundtable, focusing on cross-border entrepreneurship and digital innovation. Participants explored traditional Chinese culture and visited the Huawei Innovation Center in Uzbekistan, gaining insights into 5G networks and ICT development.

Seyar Ablyametov, a gold award winner from Tashkent State Technical University, praised the competition as a platform for cross-border learning and growth.

Launched in 2025, this competition has become a prestigious platform for international youth innovation. The 2026 finals strengthened bonds and deepened collaboration, injecting vitality into China-Central Asia cooperation and Belt and Road development.