Tajikistan Makes History with Launch of World’s First AI Zone

Tajikistan has taken a bold step into the future with the official launch of Area AI, the world’s first Special Artificial Intelligence Zone, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s ambition to become a global hub for responsible AI innovation.

The initiative was formalized in Dushanbe through the signing of the Area AI Investment Consortium, bringing together leading AI companies, research institutions, and startups from around the world, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

Area AI is envisioned as a dedicated ecosystem focused on the ethical development, deployment, and governance of AI technologies. The zone will serve as a center for research, international collaboration, and high-tech investment, while supporting global self-regulation mechanisms for AI - an idea Tajikistan previously presented at the United Nations.

The founding members of the consortium include local and international firms such as zypl.ai, epsilon3.ai, zehnlab.ai, darya.ai, and Qulla AI, alongside partners from the US, UAE, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Together, they aim to create a full-cycle AI innovation ecosystem - from green computing and education to commercialization and export of AI solutions across Central Asia and beyond.

Among the global AI leaders joining the initiative are Presight (a G42 company), Yotta, and others, with MoUs signed with Scale AI and Perplexity AI, supported by Tajikistan’s Ministry of Industry and New Technologies.

To further accelerate growth, major technology firms from the U.S., UAE, France, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia will establish AI labs and research centers within the new zone.

“Tajikistan already boasts a complete AI development cycle - from teaching AI in schools to building green data centers,” said Firouzjon Sodiqov, CEO of Area AI. “This launch will attract global talent, investment, and innovation, positioning Tajikistan as a bridge between East and West on the world’s tech map.”

Unveiled during AI CONF 2025 in Dushanbe, the creation of Area AI underscores Tajikistan’s strategic commitment to sustainable and ethical AI development, setting the stage for the country’s rise as a new technological hub in Eurasia.