Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa is set to establish its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in Panaji following a partnership between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus.
The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the centre on the first floor of the IT Hub at Altinho, Panaji. The initiative aims to strengthen Goa’s technology ecosystem, promote AI-driven research and create new opportunities for startups and young innovators.
The MoU was exchanged by DITE&C Director Kabir Shirgaonkar and BITS Pilani Goa Campus Director Prof. Suman Kundu in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte during the Goa AI Conclave 2026.
Khaunte highlighted that Goa has successfully expanded its identity beyond tourism, emerging as a growing destination for technology, startups and artificial intelligence. He said the partnership would support the objectives of the Goa AI Policy 2026 and Goa AI Mission 2027 by bringing academic institutions, government resources and startups together to address challenges faced by the state.
Under the agreement, DITE&C will identify key challenges and provide relevant government datasets across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, fisheries, coastal and environmental management, and public health. BITS Pilani will lead collaborative research, develop prototypes and support pilot projects using artificial intelligence.
The partnership will also organise AI grand challenges, hackathons and training programmes to improve technological skills among government officials and local talent.
Additionally, AI-based startups will receive technical guidance, mentorship, computing resources, intellectual property support and connections with investors. Eligible startups will also be encouraged to register on the Goa State Startup Portal to access government incentives, funding opportunities and incubation support.
The three-year agreement will further facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives and funding applications to national institutions, including MeitY, IndiaAI Mission, ANRF and DST.
The initiative is expected to position Goa as an emerging AI innovation hub while creating opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and businesses across the state.
