The Digital Som Project Group of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (hereinafter referred to as "the National Bank") announces that, as part of the request for "Functional and Technical Requirements for the Digital Som Prototype," it has received proposals from twelve interested companies for testing the digital som prototype in an experimental mode (Sandbox). These proposals are aimed at exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). 

The companies that have submitted their proposals include: 

1. Axellect; 

2. DCM, Ltd.; 

3. EMTECH, Inc.; 

4. FIS, Inc.; 

5. G+D Filia GmbH; 

6. Knox Networks, Inc.; 

7. MONTRAN; 

8. Nahmii, Ltd.; 

9. R3 Corda Ltd.; 

10. SICPA/Nabatech Inc.; 

11. TCS Quartz, Ltd.; 

12. Xiamen Strait Chain Technology Co.;

After a thorough analysis and evaluation of the proposals submitted by these vendors, the National Bank will select a CBDC vendor to develop a demo version of the digital som. This includes simulating payments and conducting initial test operations in a controlled environment using the digital som. The selection criteria will focus on blockchain platform technology, innovation potential, technological reliability, security of the proposed solutions, speed of payments, and the ability to integrate effectively with the existing financial infrastructure. 

Testing the prototype of the digital som is a strategic initiative of the National Bank in the digitalization of the economy and financial system of the Kyrgyz Republic. The introduction of digital currency aims to enhance financial inclusion, simplify the processes of transfer and payment, and increase the transparency and security of financial transactions. 

The National Bank will provide detailed information on the project's progress and test results through its official channels as the project stages are completed.