Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Oct 22: The Goa government on Thursday unveiled its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2026 and launched a state-level hackathon to promote responsible AI adoption, improve governance and create new economic opportunities.
The announcements were made at the inaugural session of the two-day Goa AI Tech Conclave 2026, organised by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications at INOX Courtyard. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, senior officials and industry representatives attended the event, held under the theme 'AI for People, Planet and Progress'.
The AI Policy 2026 outlines a three-year framework for 2026-29, with the government aiming to position Goa as a hub for responsible AI and applied innovation. The policy focuses on five pillars: skilling and capacity building, startups and industries, capital and investments, policy and governance infrastructure, and responsible, safe and ethical AI.
Addressing the gathering, Sawant stressed the need to expand AI training opportunities for young people across the state. He said the training programme launched in Porvorim could be extended to other talukas, with the IT and Education departments working together to establish AI laboratories in educational institutions.
Khaunte said the policy, along with the proposed Goa AI Mission 2027, would promote inclusive growth, improve citizen-centric governance and generate economic opportunities. He also announced plans to establish an IT Techno Centre in Porvorim to support the state's technology ecosystem through infrastructure, incubation facilities and collaborative workspaces.
The Goa AI Hackathon was launched to encourage the development of technology-based solutions for governance and public service delivery.
In another major initiative, the IT Department signed a memorandum of understanding with BITS Pilani Goa to establish an AI Centre of Excellence.
The conclave also highlighted plans to develop a Konkani Large Language Model (LLM) in collaboration with Digital India BHASHINI. The initiative, undertaken in coordination with the Higher Education Department and the Directorate of Official Languages, aims to develop localised AI applications for governance. Data collection will be supported by BhashaDaan, BHASHINI's crowdsourcing initiative that invites citizens, students and language experts to contribute linguistic data.
Another initiative, Granthika, will support the digitisation and preservation of historical, legal and manuscript records by encouraging citizens, including elderly people, to contribute to safeguarding these materials.
The event also witnessed the launch of the 'Living Library of Goa Rural AI' report by Hyprlocl and the felicitation of 12 'Drone Didis' who completed foundational drone training and are progressing to advanced courses.
The government showcased the first batch of 10 AI trainees trained by TAWAI Studio. Organisers said some participants had secured employment after acquiring AI skills, including Shradha Sawant, who was placed with McLaren Strategic Solutions.
The conclave brought together industry leaders, startups, researchers, students and academic representatives to explore AI applications in governance, tourism, climate resilience and industrial development.
The programme featured panel discussions, industry roundtables, skill development workshops, startup pitching sessions and an exhibition with 30 technology experience zones and institutional stalls. Participants included CoRover.ai, Adani Global Capability Centres and Quidich Innovation Labs.
The second day of the conclave will feature sessions on climate resilience and industrial transformation, according to the organisers.