RIO HIGHLIGHTS TECHNOLOGY, GAMING AND DIGITAL STORYTELLING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NAGALAND YOUTH
KOHIMA, Aug 28: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio today inaugurated the two-day Tech X Gaming Expo 2026 (TXG 2026) at the NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima, highlighting the growing opportunities for the State’s youth in technology, gaming, e-sports, artificial intelligence and digital creativity.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Rio said the Expo marked the convergence of technology, gaming, innovation, education and the aspirations of Nagaland’s young people.
He particularly highlighted the Kohima Time Trials of the F1® Sim Racing India Open 2026, noting that it was the first time the national talent search had come to the Northeast. He said gaming and e-sports should not be viewed merely as recreational activities but as gateways to future-ready careers, including race engineering, game development, data analysis, streaming and digital content.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Chief Minister said technology could help Nagaland overcome geographical constraints by connecting its young talent with national and global opportunities without necessarily requiring them to leave the State.
Rio highlighted several government initiatives in GIS, drone technology, e-sports, IT, start-ups and artificial intelligence. These include the STPI centre in Kohima, the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups at Chümoukedima and the proposed Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence.
The Chief Minister also underlined the role of the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) in the digital age, saying communication is no longer simply about disseminating government information but also about telling Nagaland’s story to the world.
He said Nagaland has a remarkable story to tell through its culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, music, sports, innovation and young talent. Modern communication platforms, he added, should ensure that the world sees not only Nagaland’s beauty and heritage but also the talent, innovation and aspirations of its people.
Rio said the involvement of multiple government departments in the Expo demonstrated what could be achieved through a shared approach to preparing young people for the future. The Departments of School Education, Youth Resources & Sports, Information Technology & Communication, GIS under Planning & Coordination and DIPR are among those involved in co-organising the event.
He also welcomed the proposed collaboration with Google involving an investment of more than ₹100 million in school education, describing it as an important step towards strengthening learning methodologies and outcomes and equipping students with future-ready skills.
Addressing the youth, Rio urged them not to limit their dreams because of where they come from and encouraged them to explore emerging fields including gaming, coding, AI, music, design, robotics, sports and entrepreneurship. He stressed that opportunities must be matched by discipline, hard work, continuous learning and a willingness to innovate.
“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,” Rio said, expressing hope that the Expo would help establish Nagaland as a recognised hub for technology, innovation, gaming, e-sports and digital talent in the Northeast.
Organised by the Nagaland Esports Society (NES), TXG 2026 is being held on August 28 and 29 at the NBCC Convention Hall, bringing together gaming, technology, artificial intelligence, e-sports, digital creativity and entertainment.
The two-day Expo features e-sports tournaments, gaming competitions, cosplay, digital art and AI creative challenges, a 48-hour Game Jam, workshops, panel discussions, technology exhibitions, live entertainment and food and vendor experiences.
A key attraction is the Kohima Round of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, organised in collaboration with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited. The event provides aspiring racers and technology enthusiasts from Nagaland and the Northeast an opportunity to compete in sim racing as part of a national championship pathway.
The Expo also features industry experts and speakers discussing gaming, AI, technology, digital careers and entrepreneurship, with a focus on emerging opportunities for young people.
NES said the Expo aims to present gaming and technology not merely as entertainment but as growing fields offering career, innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth of Nagaland and the Northeast. (DIPR)
