Shillong is preparing to host a regional conference on artificial intelligence on 3 December, with the Meghalaya government partnering the IndiaAI Mission of the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to advance discussions on the role of emerging technologies in public life.
The Regional AI Impact Conference, to be held at the State Convention Centre, forms part of a nationwide run-up to the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. Officials said the event will centre on the theme “AI for Citizens’ Empowerment: Smarter Governance, Better Lives” and will bring together senior government representatives, global technology firms, start-ups, academic institutions and industry specialists.
The IT and Communications Department is the nodal agency for the conference, while IIM Shillong is serving as knowledge partner. Delegates will deliberate on the use of artificial intelligence in governance, climate resilience, and the creation of safer and more equitable communities.
The IndiaAI Mission team will hold a dedicated session outlining the Centre’s AI initiatives. A showcase arena is expected to feature demonstrations of AI products, innovation pitches, ideation clusters and networking opportunities for stakeholders.
Also read: Rare Meghalaya plant found to inhibit cancer cell growth
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will attend as chief guest and is expected to announce the state’s new technology roadmap, setting out Meghalaya’s aspirations to emerge as a regional leader in digital innovation and AI-driven governance. Officials said the conference will also mark the launch of the Bhashini Hackathon for Garo and Khasi languages, the MeghDEE programme, and MoUs for establishing a Data and AI Lab and for collaboration with MATH T-Hub.
Union Minister for Electronics and IT, along with senior officials from central ministries and northeastern states, are likely to attend. A CM–investor roundtable has also been planned to position Meghalaya as an emerging hub for digital enterprise in eastern India.
Pravin Bakshi, Commissioner and Secretary of the IT and Communications Department, said pre-event outreach involving IIM Shillong, NIT Meghalaya and NIELIT Shillong is already underway to engage students and generate public interest ahead of the conference. Inputs gathered at the event will feed into the India–AI Impact Summit 2026.
Follow us
