Goa unveils AI Policy 2026 to diversify state economy

A shift toward a tech economy

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has officially welcomed the state's AI Policy 2026. This initiative is designed to help the region diversify its economic base, which has historically relied heavily on tourism. By focusing on knowledge-driven industries, the state hopes to create a more resilient economic structure.

The policy aims to position Goa as a hub for research and innovation. Rather than focusing on land-intensive industries, the state intends to leverage its existing strengths in areas like healthcare and environmental systems. This strategy is intended to foster a technology-led economy that utilizes the state's unique geographical and creative assets.

The GCCI expressed confidence that the policy will help build a stronger technology ecosystem. By focusing on research and development, the state can create new areas of economic activity. This move is intended to position the region as a destination for responsible innovation while creating skilled employment opportunities for the local population.

Funding and workforce targets

A major component of the AI Policy 2026 is the creation of an Innovation Fund valued at Rs 250 crore. This fund is scheduled to be distributed over a five-year period to support technological growth. The goal is to provide the necessary capital to foster a new wave of startups and research projects within the state.

The government has also set a specific target to create 50,000 AI-ready professionals by the year 2030. Within this goal, the state has committed to ensuring that women account for 20 per cent of the trained workforce. These numbers represent a significant investment in human capital to meet the demands of an increasingly automated world.

To achieve these goals, the state plans to strengthen the industry-academia ecosystem. By expanding access to AI education, the government hopes to prepare students and professionals for emerging jobs. This workforce development is a core pillar of the strategy to ensure that the local population can participate in the new economy.

Education and infrastructure

The policy includes several concrete steps to integrate AI into the local education system. Starting from the 2027-28 academic year, AI will be introduced as a compulsory subject for students in Class VI. This early exposure is intended to build a foundation of technical literacy for the next generation of workers.

To support this curriculum, the state plans to establish AI laboratories in 50 different schools. Additionally, a Centre of Excellence will be created in collaboration with BITS Goa. These physical spaces will provide students with the tools and environments needed to experiment with and learn about artificial intelligence technologies.

Another significant project mentioned in the policy is the development of a Konkani Large Language Model (LLM). This project will be developed in collaboration with Bhashini, a platform for Indian languages. Creating a local language model helps preserve cultural identity while ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to those who speak the regional tongue.

Responsible AI and risk tiers

The Goa AI Policy 2026 emphasizes the importance of safety through a proposed four-tier 'Responsible AI' framework. This system categorizes AI applications into prohibited, high-, medium-, and low-risk levels. By defining these categories, the state can create clear rules for how different technologies are deployed in public and private spaces.

The framework also includes mandatory AI Impact Assessments. These assessments are designed to evaluate the potential consequences of an AI system before it is fully implemented. This approach is intended to balance the need for rapid technological innovation with the necessity of protecting citizen safety.

The GCCI president, Pratima Dhond, noted that the approach reflects the importance of balancing innovation with safety. By establishing these guardrails, the state aims to encourage responsible deployment. This framework provides a structured way for businesses to innovate without bypassing essential safety standards or ethical considerations.

Industry support and growth

The GCCI has pledged its support for the implementation of these policies and plans to work closely with the state government. One of the primary goals is to facilitate industry sandboxes. A sandbox is a controlled environment where companies can test new technologies under specific regulatory conditions before a wider release.

The chamber also intends to encourage the adoption of AI among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By helping smaller businesses integrate these tools, the state can ensure that the benefits of the AI economy are not limited to large corporations. This includes strengthening the linkages between new startups and established industries.

The policy's tagline, 'Build from Goa, Scale from Goa,' serves as the guiding principle for this expansion. It suggests that the state should focus on the creative and design aspects of technology. By prioritizing research and innovation, Goa aims to become a primary site for both the creation and the growth of new AI-driven products.