In Uzbekistan, millions of people pass through supermarkets, bank branches, delivery points, and retail hubs every day. Until recently, very few of those locations played any role in tracking the air people breathe. Air quality data was sparse, fragmented, or unavailable for large parts of the country—even in major cities such as Tashkent and Samarkand.
That began to change in 2024, when Uzum Market, one of Uzbekistan’s most widely used digital ecosystems, partnered with IQAir to deploy a new air quality monitoring network using Uzum’s existing nationwide footprint.
With an estimated 90% of Uzbekistan’s population using at least one Uzum service—from e-commerce and express delivery to digital banking—the company saw a unique opportunity to use its commercial locations to bring transparent air data to the public (1).
Building a national air monitoring network from everyday locations
Using its branches, pickup points, logistics hubs, and retail locations as anchor sites, Uzum installed IQAir AirVisual Outdoor air quality monitors across Uzbekistan.
Each monitor measures PM2.5, sending the results to IQAir’s AirVisual app and air quality map, where anyone can access the data. PM2.5—one of the most harmful pollutants due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs—is often the primary driver of poor air quality in Uzbekistan’s urban centers.
Monitoring stations are already up and running in key cities including:
The network continues to expand into additional locations across the country. What once were commercial touchpoints—places people visited for groceries, parcels, or financial services—are now also providing a clearer picture of the air above the streets and neighborhoods they serve.
Scaling impact through the “Need Like Air” initiative
After some time, Uzum joined forces with Kapitalbank, one of Uzbekistan’s largest commercial banks, to expand monitoring coverage even further.
Through the “Need Like Air” initiative, AirVisual air quality monitors are being installed not only at Uzum’s commercial sites, but also at Kapitalbank offices and bank branches throughout the country.
This expansion dramatically increases the network’s reach, extending visibility into areas that previously had little or no monitoring. It also demonstrates how partnerships between digital platforms, financial institutions, and environmental technology providers can accelerate public access to health information.
Making invisible air pollution visible
The data collected by the network is presented on IQAir’s AirVisual app and air quality map, utilizing color-coded AQI readings that help people quickly understand whether the air is considered good, moderate, or unhealthy.
For many users, this has become part of their daily routine—checking local air quality before commuting, exercising, or planning outdoor time with children or older family members.
A new foundation for policy and long-term planning
Uzum and IQAir’s collaboration is helping lay the groundwork for more evidence-based air quality management across Uzbekistan. As more stations come online, the dataset grows richer and more complete. With broader coverage and more consistent measurements, the network is offering valuable insights into pollution trends over time.
Authorities, researchers, and advocates can see which areas experience the most frequent spikes, how different seasons compare, and how pollution responds to changes in weather, traffic, or regional activity. This kind of granular, real-time information is essential for designing effective environmental policies, evaluating the impact of interventions, and tracking progress toward cleaner air.
The takeaway
Uzum Market’s initiative shows how existing commercial infrastructure can be transformed into a powerful public health asset. By turning supermarkets, banking branches, and pickup points into air monitoring locations, this project is making the invisible visible—giving millions of people access to real-time air quality data they previously lacked.
As the network continues to grow through initiatives like “Need Like Air,” Uzbekistan is building a clearer, more transparent picture of its air quality. That picture is more than just numbers; it’s a tool for healthier choices, stronger policies, and a more sustainable future.
