Shillong, December 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated several key digital transformation initiatives at the Regional AI Impact Conference held in Shillong, marking a major push toward positioning the state as a leading AI and digital innovation hub of Northeast India.
During the event, the Chief Minister officially launched the Bhashini Hackathon, a state-level innovation challenge aimed at expanding citizen access to governance and essential services in Khasi and Garo languages. The initiative aligns with the national Bhashini Mission, which focuses on enabling AI-driven multilingual digital public infrastructure across India.
Sangma also rolled out the Meghalaya Digital Ecosystem Enablement (MeghDEE) program, designed to strengthen the state's digital services, governance systems, interoperability frameworks, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
MoUs Signed to Boost AI Research, Innovation and Startups
The conference witnessed the exchange of several strategic Memoranda of Understanding, including:
• DRISHTI-NE Hackathon MoUs with IIM–Shillong and Meghalaya Advanced Tech Hub (MATH)
• Establishment of a Data & AI Lab under the India AI Mission
• Setting up of a Satellite Incubation Centre in collaboration with MATH and T-Hub
These partnerships aim to accelerate AI research, capability development, and startup incubation in Meghalaya, while strengthening collaboration with academic institutions and national innovation networks.
Investor Roundtable Highlights Meghalaya’s Growing Potential
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister chaired an investor roundtable with leading technology and venture capital stakeholders attending the conference. Discussions focused on:
• Unlocking investment potential in AI and emerging technologies
• Advancing AI-driven smart governance
• Building a coordinated roadmap to position Meghalaya as the Digital and AI Capital of Northeast India
Sangma highlighted the state’s evolving business-friendly ecosystem, progressive policies, and rapidly growing technology infrastructure, stating that Meghalaya presents a “compelling opportunity for leading companies to invest, collaborate, and build the future with us.”
A Transformative Moment for Meghalaya’s Digital Future
The Regional AI Impact Conference brought together government leaders, industry innovators, startups, researchers, and investors. With the launch of new digital programs, hackathons, AI labs, and incubation centres, Meghalaya is charting an ambitious course toward a future anchored in technology, language inclusivity, innovation, and economic growth.
Officials stated that these initiatives will not only enhance service delivery but also create new opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals across the state.
