Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa, and Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, outline plans for the Goa AI Policy 2026 launch, seven expert panels, 30 exhibition stalls and an AI hackathon.
The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has officially announced the Goa AI Tech Conclave 2026, scheduled for October 22 and 23 at the INOX Courtyard in Panaji.
The two day event will bring together technology companies, startups, researchers, academic institutions, policymakers and students to discuss the practical application of artificial intelligence across public services, industry and everyday life.
Organised around the theme “AI for People, Planet and Progress”, the conclave will focus on responsible AI adoption, technological innovation and opportunities for collaboration across sectors.
The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa, alongside Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C.
Also present were Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; Shri Neville Noronha, OSD to Minister IT; and Shri DS Prashant, CEO, SITPC.
The press conference included the unveiling of the official Goa AI Tech Conclave website, opening registrations for delegates and applications from startups across India.
Shri Rohan Khaunte highlighted the state’s intention to create opportunities for technology companies, entrepreneurs and researchers while connecting AI development with Goa’s established strengths in tourism, culture and creative industries.
He said, “Artificial intelligence is reshaping governance, entrepreneurship, industry and daily life. Goa is recognising this transformation and actively building a hub where people can work, innovate, collaborate and build for the world.”
The minister also emphasised the importance of placing citizens at the centre of technological development and encouraging their participation in emerging opportunities.
Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C, discussed the state’s digital governance priorities and its plans for adopting emerging technologies.
He said, “Building on Goa’s strong digital governance foundation, the Goa AI Mission 2027 and Goa AI Policy 2026 is establishing a structured framework to adopt emerging technologies responsibly and create an environment where innovation can flourish.”
The inaugural programme on October 22 will include the official unveiling of the Goa AI Policy 2026, the launch of the Goa AI Hackathon and the release of the Living Library of Goa Rural AI report.
The Goa AI Hackathon will invite startups and innovators to develop practical solutions addressing governance and public service requirements identified across state departments.
The initiative is designed to support the development, testing and deployment of AI applications through a phased approach.
The conclave will feature seven expert panel discussions covering technology adoption, public policy, tourism, sustainability, industrial applications and entrepreneurship.
On the first day, sessions will examine the future of artificial intelligence, inclusive and ethical AI, Goa’s potential as a destination for AI focused Global Capability Centres, the use of AI in tourism and the development of locally created AI solutions.
The second day will focus on AI applications for climate resilience, environmental sustainability, industrial transformation and adoption among micro, small and medium enterprises.
An AI exhibition featuring 30 stalls will run alongside the conference, offering technology demonstrations and interactive experience zones.
Participating organisations and startups will include MeitY, India AI, Bhashini, Google, Microsoft, CommScope, Unity, TrendAI, Sirena Technologies, Hyprlocl, PoAI and TAWAI Studio.
The exhibition will also provide information about ongoing DITE&C initiatives and the problem statements associated with the Goa AI Hackathon.
Startup pitch sessions will offer participating innovators an opportunity to present their ideas.
An Accessibility AI Creative Challenge will encourage students to explore practical uses of artificial intelligence.
Additional discussions will address women’s participation in technology, education and the skills required as AI becomes more widely adopted.
DITE&C has also announced an AI Reel Competition and an AI Jingle Competition based on the theme “Envision Goa in 2037”.
Participants are invited to create content using AI tools, with a cash prize of ₹25,000 offered in each competition category.
Through the conclave, the department aims to connect technology development with opportunities in public administration, tourism, business, education and environmental management.
The event forms part of Goa’s wider plans under the Goa AI Mission 2027 and the proposed Goa AI Policy 2026.
Technology professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and academic institutions can register as delegates or explore participation in the hackathon and competitions.
Registrations and programme details are available on the official website, www.goaaiconclave.com.
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