Advancing Goa’s vision for responsible and human-centric artificial intelligence, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, through the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), is organising the Goa AI Tech Conclave 2026 on October 22 and 23 at Inox Courtyard, Panaji. The conclave will focus on strengthening the State’s AI ecosystem and promoting innovation that contributes to an inclusive and future-ready digital economy.
Driving innovation with purpose, the conclave will be guided by the theme “People | Planet | Progress,” emphasising the importance of aligning technological advancement with human well-being and sustainable development. It aims to promote responsible AI through progressive policy frameworks, local talent development, startup support and the development of practical AI solutions that address real-world challenges.
Strengthening government-academia collaboration, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications will sign an MoU with BITS Pilani – K K Birla Goa Campus to strengthen Goa’s startup and AI ecosystem. The partnership will focus on joint AI research, startup incubation, mentoring, skill development and exploring AI applications in key sectors, including tourism, fisheries, environmental management and public health. The conclave will also feature organisations such as MeitY, Bhashini, Google and Microsoft, alongside several AI-focused enterprises.
The inaugural programme will be graced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Tourism, Printing and Stationery; Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, MLA for Bicholim and Chairman of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Limited; Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa; Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary for Information Technology; and Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications. The programme will also be attended by Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications; Praveen Volvotkar, Managing Director, Info Tech Corporation of Goa Limited; and D. S. Prashant, Chief Executive Officer, Startup & IT Promotion Cell.
