LocationsThe final event of a two-month intensive internship program showcasing young women’s IT projects, mentorship outcomes, and pathways to inclusive digital careers.
Demo Day of the IT and Digital Internship Program for Girls and Women
December 15, 2025
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan
Tashkent, 12 December 2025 — The Demo Day of the IT and Digital Internship Program for Girls and Women was held in Tashkent. The program was organized by Tech4Impact NGO in partnership with UNDP Uzbekistan, within the framework of the joint project with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan “Empowering Youth to Embrace the Digital Economy and Digital Entrepreneurship”, with financial support from the Russia–UNDP Trust Fund for Development.
The Demo Day marked the conclusion of a two-month intensive internship program, during which participants gained hands-on professional experience in IT, fintech, digital solutions, and the green economy, and presented the results of their mentoring projects.
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan
The event opened with welcoming remarks by Ms. Akiko Fujii, UNDP Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, who emphasized the importance of narrowing the gender digital divide and highlighted the role of such initiatives in increasing women’s participation in STEM fields and the digital economy.
“Today we are speaking about young women who demonstrate through their own example that a place in the digital economy is defined not by gender, but by knowledge, courage, and a willingness to grow. Their journey is an important step toward a more inclusive digital future for Uzbekistan,” said Ms. Akiko Fujii.
Photo: UNDP Uzbekistan
Program in Numbers
The internship program recorded strong national engagement:
- 442 applications received from across Uzbekistan;
- 138 candidates invited to the second stage - interviews with the Tech4Impact and UNDP selection committee;
- 75 candidates advanced to technical interviews with companies;
- 35 interns selected and successfully completed internships in 24 partner companies;
- Over 90 individual interviews conducted between interns and companies.
Participants represented a wide geographic reach, including Almalyk, Bukhara, Zangiota, Zarafshan, Karakul, Kungrad, Navoi, Namangan, Samarkand, Tashkent, Urgench, and Ellikkala, underscoring the nationwide scope of the initiative.
Practical Experience, Mentorship, and Real Projects
During the internships, participants worked on real business challenges - ranging from digital product development and UX/UI design to data analytics, process automation, and IT solutions for business and education.
Presented projects included prototypes of digital services, internal IT tools for business process optimization, educational platforms, and solutions in fintech and green tech. Many of these initiatives were developed through close collaboration with mentors and company teams.
Internships were hosted by leading companies such as SUEZ, Click, Kundalik, Factura.uz, AVO Bank, EPAM Systems, UzAutoMotors Powertrain, Uzum Tech, UzInfoCom, AlifTech, School 21, as well as a number of regional and international IT companies.
Platform for Dialogue and Recognition
During the Demo Day, interns shared reflections on their experience, highlighting newly acquired skills and professional growth. A dedicated panel discussion focused on feedback from companies and mentors, as well as future career opportunities for participants.
The event concluded with a certificate award ceremony recognizing partner companies, mentors, and interns who took part in the program.
Contribution to Sustainable Development
The internship program contributes to advancing gender equality, strengthening human capital, and fostering an inclusive digital economy in Uzbekistan. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaboration with the private sector, the initiative supports the development of competitive talent and expands economic opportunities for women and girls across the country.
