New Delhi, Feb 18th: Reinforcing its commitment to emerging technologies and future-ready governance, Goa is making a strong and strategic presence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The summit, being held from February 16 to 20, 2026, marks the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South and aims to shape an inclusive, responsible and resilient Artificial Intelligence ecosystem.
Aligned with the broader vision of People, Planet and Progress, the summit has drawn global attention, with participation from key political leaders, industry leaders, startups and stakeholders from across the world. The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, presence at the summit underscores its strategic efforts to position the state as an emerging AI-driven innovation hub, across India’s growing AI ecosystem and on the international stage.
On the inaugural day, during the knowledge-sharing Workshop on AI adoption, Shri. Heramb Kanekar, Startup and IT Promotion Cell, DITE&C outlined Goa’s AI initiatives and affirmed the state’s commitment to building ethical and scalable AI solutions that benefit citizens and enable startups to innovate responsibly.
Under the Goa AI Mission 2027, the state has launched initiatives like the AI for Governance & Social Impact workshop, an AI Hackathon and a new AI Chatbot on Goa Online Portal. These efforts highlight Goa’s approach to leverage AI not merely as a technological advancement, but as a tool to improve public service delivery, enhance transparency, empower startups and create sustainable economic growth.
Among the flagship initiatives at the summit, the AI Impact Expo at the Bharat Mandapam serves as an experiential showcase featuring international, state, enterprise and startup pavilions. Spanning over 70,000 square metres across 10 arenas and hosting more than 840 exhibitors, the expo was inaugurated by Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on day one.
Supported by the DITE&C, five innovative startups from Goa are exhibiting at the expo. These include DivvyUp and Grow by Shri. Gaurish Datta Pangam and Shri. Shivam Kamat; Frover Labs Pvt. Ltd. by Shri. Siddharth Manjrekar and Shri. Sarvesh Patkar; Neural Kissan by Shri. Sai Vitthal Rane; Kverty by Shri. Mexson Fernandes; and Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. by Shri. Dewansh Choudhary. These startups are demonstrating AI applications across sectors, highlighting the diversity of Goa’s growing innovation ecosystem.
While the expo remains open to delegates and visitors throughout the summit, the final two days of the summit, February 19 and 20, will feature Leaders’ Plenary Sessions, roundtables and panel discussions focused on how AI can serve humanity, foster inclusive growth and drive sustainable development.
Through strategic collaboration, forward-looking policy and a growing startup ecosystem, Goa is positioning itself as a responsible and future-ready AI destination. The state invites delegates, industry leaders, investors and visitors to explore the Goa pavilion (Stall No. 4F.21) in Hall No. 4 to experience firsthand how Goan innovators are harnessing Artificial Intelligence to create meaningful, inclusive and sustainable impact.