Critical Minerals Push: Uzbekistan is inviting Indian investors to scale mining and deep processing of copper and rare earths, aiming to move beyond raw exports and build local value chains as global demand rises. Agri-Innovation in Karakalpakstan: ICBA and Uzbekistan’s Agency for Innovative Development launched a one-month Farmers’ and Agro-Entrepreneurs Accelerator in Nukus for 200 participants, focusing on value-added products and market access. Informatics Talent Spotlight: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2026) opened in Tashkent for the first time in Uzbekistan, with 386 students from 97 countries competing and the event framed around turning Uzbekistan into a regional IT hub. Manufacturing Investment Signals: Uzbekistan reported 338.9 trillion UZS in fixed capital investment for Jan–Jun 2026, with manufacturing taking the largest share and digital/innovation activities also receiving funding. Energy & Industry Updates: Condor Energies said its Uzbekistan project hit 17,925 boe/d after new horizontal wells tied into production; and a Czech firm discussed importing IQF frozen fruit from Uzbekistan for European markets. Regional Science & Tech Links: Kyrgyz scientists joined an Altai expedition on Turkic heritage, while Uzbekistan’s technical regulation agency met Malaysia’s palm oil standards group to expand lab testing and conformity cooperation.