Overview

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) issued a press release on 16 Oct 2026 announcing the Goa AI Tech Conclave 2026, scheduled for 22‑23 Oct 2026 at the INOX Courtyard in Panaji. The conclave is themed “AI for People, Planet and Progress” and aims to position Goa as a premier launchpad for responsible artificial‑intelligence innovation.

Core Announcements

  • The event will officially unveil the Goa AI Policy 2026 and launch the Goa AI Hackathon, which seeks nationwide startup and innovator participation to develop, test, and deploy AI solutions for governance and public‑service challenges across state departments.
  • Registrations for delegates, startup applications, and competition entries are open on the official portal www.goaaiconlude.co.in.
  • An AI Reel and Jingle Competition, themed “Envision Goa in 2037,” offers cash prizes of Rs 25,000 for each category.

Programme Details

Day 1 (22 Oct): Inaugural ceremony, policy unveiling, hackathon launch, followed by panel discussions on the future of AI, inclusive and ethical AI, positioning Goa as an AI‑native Global Capability Centre (GCC), AI‑powered tourism, and building AI from the ground up.

Day 2 (23 Oct): Sessions on AI for climate resilience and sustainability, AI‑driven industrial transformation, and a grand award ceremony recognizing standout startups and student innovators.

Parallel Activities

  • An immersive AI Expo will run alongside the main conference, featuring 30 stalls, technology experience zones, live demonstrations, startup pitches, and an “Accessibility AI Creative Challenge” for students.
  • Dedicated sessions will focus on women in technology and on education and skilling in the AI era.

Leadership Statements

  • Shri. Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, emphasized that AI is reshaping governance, entrepreneurship, industry and daily life, and that Goa is leveraging its cultural heritage, creative industries and tourism strength to build a responsible AI hub that puts people first.
  • Shri. Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, highlighted the Goa AI Mission 2027 and Goa AI Policy 2026 as structured frameworks for responsible technology adoption, noting that the conclave is a vital step toward fostering collaboration and momentum for the state’s AI ambitions.

Edge City Goa Initiative

From 11 Oct to 1 Nov 2026, Goa will host India’s first Edge City in Mandrem, bringing together nearly 800 global tech leaders and creators. The edition includes the “Ground Floor” civic AI research project, pairing international experts with Goan businesses to deploy practical AI tools, and an intensive AI Hacker House scheduled for 28‑31 Oct.

Significance

The combined activities of the Goa AI Tech Conclave and Edge City are presented as a decisive leap toward establishing Goa as a hub for responsible technology and innovation, aligning state‑level policy, industry collaboration, and talent development under a unified AI agenda.

Access

All registrations, startup applications, and competition entries are available at www.goaaiconclave.co.in.