Goa unveils AI Policy 2026, launches state hackathon and announces AI Centre of Excellence
Government of Goa has unveiled its AI Policy 2026, launched a state-level AI hackathon and signed a memorandum of understanding with BITS Pilani Goa to establish an AI Centre of Excellence as part of efforts to expand the use of artificial intelligence in governance, education and industry.
The announcements were made at the inaugural Goa AI Tech Conclave 2026, organised by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications under the theme “AI for People, Planet and Progress”.
The AI policy sets out a three-year framework for 2026–29, with priorities spanning skills development, startups and industry, investment, governance and infrastructure, and responsible AI. The government said the policy aims to support citizen-centric public services, economic growth and the development of AI capabilities in the state.
IT Minister Rohan Khaunte said the policy and the Goa AI Mission 2027 were intended to make AI a tool for inclusive growth and public service delivery.
“The Goa AI Policy 2026, with a three-year framework for 2026-29, is designed to establish Goa as India’s responsible AI and Applied Innovation hub,” Khaunte said.
The minister also announced plans for an IT Techno Centre in Porvorim, which is expected to bring together technology infrastructure, incubation facilities and collaborative workspaces.
The newly launched AI hackathon will follow a phased approach, with a focus on using AI to improve governance and public service delivery. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also called for expanding AI training beyond Porvorim to other talukas and establishing AI laboratories in educational institutions through collaboration between the IT and Education departments.
The conclave also highlighted work on a Konkani large language model being developed by Digital India BHASHINI under a memorandum of understanding signed with the state department six months ago. The initiative involves the Higher Education Department and the Directorate of Official Languages.
To build the language model’s training datasets, the state is using BHASHINI’s BhashaDaan crowdsourcing initiative to collect linguistic data from citizens, students and language experts. Another initiative, Granthika, is designed to support the digitisation and preservation of historical, legal and manuscript records.
The state also recognised 10 trainees who completed an AI training programme conducted by TAWAI Studio. According to the government, participants have begun securing employment opportunities, including one trainee placed at McLaren Strategic Solutions. Twelve women who completed foundational drone training under the Drone Didis initiative were also felicitated and are moving on to advanced courses.
The event included the launch of the Living Library of Goa Rural AI report by Hyprlocl, alongside discussions on AI adoption, ethical and inclusive AI, AI-led global capability centres, tourism and industrial applications.
The two-day conclave brought together government officials, technology companies, startups, researchers and students. The second day is scheduled to feature sessions on climate resilience and industrial transformation.