MoU announced at Tech X Gaming Expo as Rio pushes technology-led learning and digital skills
Nagaland on Friday announced a partnership with Google involving an investment of more than Rs 10 crore in school education, as the State government stepped up its push to bring technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging skills into education and employment opportunities for young people.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced the collaboration while inaugurating the two-day Tech X Gaming Expo 2026 at the NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima. He said an MoU involving the investment would be signed as part of the event.
Rio described the partnership as a significant step towards strengthening learning methodologies and outcomes through technology and international collaboration, and said it would help prepare students for future-ready and 21st-century skills.
The Chief Minister linked the initiative to a wider government effort to build opportunities in the State in areas including artificial intelligence, software development, data analytics, game design, e-sports, digital content, robotics and geospatial technology.
He said Nagaland’s young population was its greatest resource and that technology could help overcome the State’s geographical constraints by connecting young people to national and global opportunities without necessarily requiring them to leave Nagaland.
The government is also looking to expand its presence in emerging technology sectors.
Rio said the proposed Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence would support AI-based start-ups, prototypes, employment and training, with possible applications in governance, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and sustainability.
He also highlighted the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups at Chümoukedima, supported by the Ministry of DoNER, as part of efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, incubation and innovation in the State.
Another initiative highlighted by the Chief Minister was the State’s Drone School. Following a recent inspection, the school is expected to receive certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation shortly, he said.
The government, Rio added, wants to position Nagaland as a hub for drone skills, innovation and practical applications of unmanned aerial technology in the Northeast.
Gaming and e-sports also formed a major part of the State’s technology push.
The Kohima Time Trials of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026 are being held alongside the expo, marking the first time the national talent search has come to the Northeast, according to Rio.
He said the initiative could expose young people not only to competitive gaming but also to fields such as race engineering, vehicle dynamics, strategy and data analysis.
The State is also seeking to develop a wider e-sports ecosystem. Rio said the objective was not merely to produce gamers but to create opportunities for game developers, designers, broadcasters, commentators, streamers, event managers, data analysts and other technology professionals.
The Tech X Gaming Expo, organised by the Nagaland Esports Society, is being held on August 28 and 29 and features esports tournaments, gaming competitions, a 48-hour Game Jam, AI creative challenges, digital art, cosplay, workshops and technology exhibitions.
Rio said the various initiatives reflected the need for government departments and institutions to work together to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world of work.
“Nagaland is no longer merely a spectator in the digital transformation. We are ready to participate. We are ready to innovate. We are ready to compete. And we are ready to lead,” he said.
