Panaji, February 16 Goa is positioning itself as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence, deep-tech research, and semiconductor-related sectors, leveraging the Centre's ambitious India AI Mission, which was unveiled alongside a major industry summit in New Delhi, a state minister said on Monday.
The Union government is hosting a high-level gathering, the India-AI Impact Summit, in the national capital, drawing global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders. The five-day summit, starting on Monday, is being organized against the backdrop of the India AI Mission, which has earmarked ₹1,000 crore to strengthen the country's artificial intelligence ecosystem through research and development, access to computing resources, and support for startups.
Goa Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte described the AI mission as "a major announcement, not just for India, but for the world," saying the level of participation at the Delhi event reflects the country's growing leadership in emerging technologies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047."
"The AI Mission, coupled with the Union Budget allocation of over ₹21,600 crore for IT, electronics, and communications, shows how seriously the country is taking artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and emerging technologies," he noted.
For Goa, where tourism and information technology are among the key drivers of the economy and employment, the push for AI presents a significant opportunity, the minister opined.
"With a population of around 1.5 million, Goa can be the right place for research and innovation. We are already working towards a Goa AI Mission with a target year of 2027, where industry, academia, and government will come together to shape policy and build capacity," Khaunte maintained.
He said the state's focus would be on skilling, reskilling, and upskilling talent to meet industry demands. "Every industry wants talent. If we build that talent pool, investments will follow," the minister emphasised.
Khaunte stated that Goa is looking to attract AI and deep-tech startups, as well as companies linked to semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
The coastal state already has an electronic manufacturing cluster that has attracted anchor units, and new verticals could be created to generate further employment and attract investment, he argued.
Officials from the state IT department are holding meetings with potential investors on the sidelines of the Delhi summit, he said, adding that Goa would need to optimise its limited land availability by focusing on high-value investments.
"For a small state like Goa, revenue per square metre and employment per square metre are important metrics. We have to ensure we get the best possible industries within our space constraints," Khaunte observed.
Addressing concerns that Goa's identity as a tourism-driven economy could deter serious technology investments, he said the state offers a unique combination of quality of life and connectivity that can appeal to knowledge-based industries.
"Goa is not just a tourism destination. We are steadily becoming a knowledge hub. Post-COVID, people have realised the importance of work-life balance. For professionals in AI, research, and creative fields, Goa offers a pollution-free environment and a good quality of life," the minister observed.
Khaunte informed that the state government is strengthening e-governance and will soon launch an AI-powered chatbot for public services, signalling its intent to integrate artificial intelligence into governance as well.
