Date and Time
Thursday, October 26, 2025
12–1:30 p.m. MST
Location
Canyonlands 3rd Floor
World Trade Center Utah
Registration
Shaping the future in Uzbekistan
What role do universities, research, and startups play in shaping a country’s global future? At this Crossroads of the World luncheon, hear from three senior voices driving Uzbekistan’s next era of innovation.
Dr. Nabijon Holov, economist and policy leader advancing national and international research programs
Mr. Azizbek Ilhamov, a dynamic leader building Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem and youth innovation initiatives
Dr. Akbarkhon Sobirkhonov, a dedicated professional advancing Uzbekistan’s innovation sector through education, research, and youth entrepreneurship
Together, they will share how Uzbekistan is strengthening education, research, and innovation to foster collaboration across borders and spark sustainable growth.
For Utah companies, this is a chance to:
Explore how emerging markets are investing in talent and technology
Understand new opportunities for partnerships in research and innovation
Connect with diplomatic leaders shaping Uzbekistan’s global engagement
This conversation goes beyond traditional trade, it’s about the flow of ideas, talent, and innovation that power global business.
Join us for a look inside Uzbekistan’s innovation landscape and discover what it means for Utah’s international connections.
This event is hosted in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Salt Lake Chamber, and the Baskerville Institute.
Dr. Nabijon Holov
Chief Expert, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation
Dr. Nabijon Holov is an economist and policy leader shaping Uzbekistan’s innovation ecosystem. At the ministry, he coordinates national and international research programs. He previously led scientific initiatives at the Ministry of Innovative Development and taught finance and taxation at Tashkent State University of Economics. Holov has worked in banking with a focus on small-business development. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and is completing a Doctor of Economic Sciences. A former Erasmus scholar, he has studied in Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany, and has published on digital finance, monetary policy and sustainable agriculture. He is fluent in Uzbek, English, Russian, Turkish and Spanish.
Dr. Abdusamat Mamanazarov
Head, Department of Higher Education Institutions
Dr. Abdusamat Mamanazarov helps shape higher education policy and governance in Uzbekistan. He leads the department responsible for strategic planning and coordination across the country’s university system. Within the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, he has held multiple expert and leadership roles focused on long-term development. Mamanazarov earned a Ph.D. in economic sciences and the academic title of associate professor from Tashkent State University of Economics. He also holds a master’s degree in economic theory and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the National University of Uzbekistan.
Dr. Akbarkhon Sobirkhonov
Head, Youth Academy, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Dr. Akbarkhon Sobirkhonov leads Uzbekistan’s Youth Academy, advancing innovation and entrepreneurship among young scientists. Within the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, he has held leadership roles including deputy director general of the National Office for Innovation and director general of Inno Technopark. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Tashkent State University of Economics, a master’s degree from Tashkent State Technical University and a bachelor’s degree from Turin Polytechnic University in Italy.
Crossroads of the World
Join us as we bring together global influencers at our in-person roundtable discussions with top government and business leaders from around the world. Be a part of meaningful conversations and make valuable connections that will expand your perspective and knowledge of the global marketplace. These roundtables are designed for the ambitious and forward-thinking individual who wants to stay ahead of the curve in the world of international trade.
In partnership with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Salt Lake Chamber.
