The state rolls out a three-year roadmap for 2026-29 built on five pillars, kicks off a governance-focused hackathon, and signs a pact with BITS Pilani Goa as its two-day AI Tech Conclave opens
Â
Goa on Thursday (October 22) formally introduced its Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 and opened a statewide hackathon, as the two-day Goa AI Tech Conclave 2026 began at INOX Courtyard. The government says the steps are meant to encourage responsible use of the technology, improve administration and create fresh avenues for earning.
Organised by the state’s Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, the event is themed “AI for People, Planet and Progress”. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, senior officials and industry representatives attended the opening session.
A three-year roadmap built on five pillars
The policy covers 2026-29 and aims to turn Goa into a centre for responsible AI and practical innovation. Officials said it rests on five pillars: skilling, support for startups and industry, capital and investment, policy and infrastructure, and safe and ethical use of AI.
Sawant stressed the need to take AI training to more young people. A programme that started in Porvorim could be extended to other talukas, he said, while the IT and Education departments work together to set up AI laboratories in educational institutions.
Khaunte said the policy and the proposed Goa AI Mission 2027 are meant to promote inclusive growth, citizen-focused governance and new economic openings. He also announced plans for an IT Techno Centre in Porvorim, which would bring infrastructure, incubation facilities and shared workspaces under one roof.
The hackathon will invite technology-based solutions for governance and public services, and will be rolled out in phases.
Language, heritage and skills initiatives
The IT department signed a memorandum of understanding with BITS Pilani Goa to set up an AI Centre of Excellence. The conclave also highlighted work on a Konkani large language model with Digital India BHASHINI, under an agreement signed six months ago. The Higher Education Department and the Directorate of Official Languages are involved. The model is intended to power local-language AI tools for governance, with data gathered through BhashaDaan, a BHASHINI initiative that invites citizens, students and language experts to contribute.
Another project, Granthika, will support the digitisation and preservation of historical, legal and manuscript records, with citizens, including senior residents, helping to safeguard the material.
The event also saw the release of the “Living Library of Goa Rural AI” report by Hyprlocl. Twelve “Drone Didis” who finished foundational drone training and are moving on to advanced courses were felicitated. The government presented the first batch of 10 AI trainees prepared by TAWAI Studio. Organisers said some have already found work, including Shradha Sawant, who joined McLaren Strategic Solutions.
Participants included industry leaders, startups, researchers, students and academics, who are discussing AI in governance, tourism, climate resilience and industrial development. The programme features panel discussions, roundtables, skill workshops, startup pitches and an exhibition with 30 technology experience zones and institutional stalls. CoRover.ai, Adani Global Capability Centres and Quidich Innovation Labs are among the companies taking part.
The second day will focus on climate resilience and industrial transformation, organisers said.
