Goa has unveiled its AI Policy 2026, backed by an innovation fund spread over five years, as the state seeks to develop its technology sector and reduce its dependence on tourism. The policy will run for three years, from 2026 to 2029, with a focus on developing artificial intelligence skills, supporting startups and attracting investment. The announcement was made at the opening of the Goa AI Tech Conclave in Panaji, a two-day event held on October 22 and 23.
IT Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted the need to diversify Goa’s economy, noting that tourism accounts for approximately 16.43% of the state’s GDP and 40% to 45% of employment. Mining, which once contributed around 17% to the economy, has also played a significant role. Khaunte said the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the risks of relying on a single economic sector, reinforcing the need to build new avenues for growth.
The policy is built around five key areas: skills development, startups and industry, investment, governance and infrastructure, and safe and ethical AI adoption. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said AI training would expand beyond the existing programme in Porvorim, with laboratories planned at educational institutions across additional talukas. The initiative aims to strengthen local capabilities and prepare students and professionals for opportunities in emerging technologies.
Goa has also established three partnerships to advance AI research, robotics and regional-language technology. BITS Pilani’s Goa campus will set up an AI Centre of Excellence focused on research and skill development, while Bengaluru-based Sirena Technologies will introduce robotics into the curriculum. A partnership with BHASHINI will support the development of a Konkani language model for government operations. Citizens, students and language experts will be able to contribute speech and text data through the BhashaDaan platform.
Given its limited availability of large land parcels compared with bigger states, Goa intends to focus on research, design and creative technology rather than large-scale manufacturing. Khaunte outlined the approach with the motto, “Build from Goa, scale up from Goa.” The state has also launched a hackathon inviting solutions to 100 problems identified by 35 government departments. Additionally, an IT Techno Centre is planned in Porvorim, featuring technology infrastructure, incubation facilities and shared workspaces to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
The state is also taking a cautious approach to data centre development. Khaunte said Goa could accommodate one or two data centres at most, citing their substantial energy and water requirements relative to the employment they generate. Officials said it was too early to estimate the policy’s potential investment inflows or contribution to the state’s GDP. The government will focus on building technology capabilities, developing talent and supporting innovation as it seeks to broaden Goa’s economic base beyond tourism.