Inaugurates 2-day Tech X Gaming Expo
Google partnership to advance digital learning in schools
Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 28 (NPN): In a significant development, the e two-day Tech X Gaming Expo (TXG) 2026, Nagaland’s premier technology and gaming exhibition, was inaugurated on August 28 at the NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima. The event was organised by the Nagaland Esports Society, the expo brings together technology, gaming, innovation, education and youth aspirations.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, state chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio said the expo offered young people opportunities to explore emerging careers and showcase their talents beyond conventional fields.
He welcomed the Kohima Time Trials of the F1® Sim Racing India Open 2026, noting that the national talent search had come to the Northeast for the first time. He appreciated Mumbai Falcons Racing and the Nagaland Esports Society for engaging students in Kohima and Dimapur through seminars on race engineering, vehicle dynamics, strategy and data analysis.
Rio said gaming and technology were “gateways “to exciting, future-ready careers”. He pointed to Nagaland’s participation in the Hornbill E-Sports Championship and the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 as evidence of growing youth talent.
Linking the expo to India’s development goals, Rio said technology, innovation and self-reliance would be central to the vision of building a developed India by 2047.
Rio said Nagaland must actively participate in the technological transformation, with its young population being its greatest resource. Technology, he said, can help overcome geographical barriers, connect local talent with opportunities and enable young people to participate in the national and global economy without leaving the State.
He stressed the need to build an ecosystem where young Nagas can develop and use their skills at home.
As traditional careers evolve, new opportunities are emerging in artificial intelligence, software development, data analytics, game design, e-sports, digital content, robotics, geospatial technology and race engineering.
Preparing youth for this changing world, Rio said, requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, supported by coordinated initiatives across departments and institutions.
Rio said geospatial technology was vital for Nagaland to understand its land, settlements, infrastructure, natural resources and development needs. He highlighted the work of the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NISRSC) and the Drone Division, which uses drones and robotics for mapping, forest and infrastructure monitoring, disaster-risk assessment and evidence-based planning.
He also pointed to the Drone School, which trains certified pilots and is expected to receive DCA certification following a recent successful inspection. Rio said Nagaland aims to emerge as a leading North-East hub for drone skills, innovation and practical applications of unmanned aerial technology.
DIPR: Rio said DIPR must adapt to the digital age, with communication going beyond government information to telling Nagaland’s story to the world. He said modern platforms should showcase the State’s culture, creativity, music, sports, entrepreneurship and innovation, while highlighting the talent and aspirations of its young people.
YR&S: Rio said Nagaland’s growing gaming culture, reflected in the Hornbill E-Sports Championship and Khelo India Youth Games participation, was being strengthened through the Tech X Gaming Expo. He envisioned a robust e-sports ecosystem that would position Nagaland as a North-East gaming hub. The focus, he stressed, was not only on gamers but also on game developers, designers, broadcasters, streamers, commentators, event managers, data analysts and technology professionals.
IT & Start Ups: Rio said the Department of Information Technology and Communication was building the digital infrastructure needed for Nagaland’s transformation. He highlighted the 18,000 sq. ft. STPI Centre in Kohima and the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups at Chumoukedima as key initiatives for entrepreneurship and innovation. He also mentioned the proposed AI Centre of Excellence to support start-ups, training, employment and applications in governance, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and sustainability, stressing that youth should not have to leave Nagaland for opportunities.
Transforming Edn: Rio said education must remain the foundation of Nagaland’s transformation, as future workplaces would require not only knowledge but also creativity, adaptability, digital literacy, problem-solving and continuous learning.
He said schools must evolve with changing times, highlighting an MoU signed during the event involving an investment of more than ₹100 million with Google for collaboration in school education. He described the partnership as an important milestone that would strengthen learning methods and outcomes through technology and international collaboration.
Rio expressed confidence that the collaboration would help equip children with future-ready, 21st-century skills. He also appreciated the departments of School Education, Youth Resources & Sports, Information Technology & Communication, GIS under Planning & Coordination, and DIPR for jointly organising the event.
He said the initiative demonstrated what could be achieved through inter-departmental cooperation, adding that his government was committed to providing youth with education, skills, technology, exposure and confidence to compete globally.
Message to Youth: Addressing Nagaland’s youth, Rio urged them not to limit their ambitions because of their geographical origins. He said technology was breaking barriers between talent and opportunity, creating avenues in gaming, coding, artificial intelligence, music, design, robotics, sports and entrepreneurship.
However, he stressed that opportunities must be matched by discipline, hard work, continuous learning and innovation. “The Government can build the infrastructure and create the opportunities. The responsibility to seize them rests with you,” he said.
As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, Rio said Nagaland could contribute through its people, creativity and heritage. He hoped TXG 2026 would become a symbol of confidence in the State’s youth, encouraging digital learning, start-ups and employment.
He envisioned Nagaland emerging as a recognised North-East hub for technology, innovation, gaming, e-sports and digital talent. He urged young people to compete nationally and globally, saying Nagaland was ready not merely to participate in the digital transformation, but to innovate, compete and lead.
TXG 2026 brings gaming, technology, AI, digital creativity, e-sports, education and entertainment together, showcasing emerging opportunities in game development, animation, digital art, content creation and entrepreneurship. The expo aims to connect young people with future-focused careers. NES President Moalong Longkumer delivered the welcome address.
FNTA Bill to be tabled in upcoming NLA session: Rio
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has disclosed that the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill would be tabled in the upcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) session that is set to begin on September 1, 2026.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a programme here Friday, Rio said the state government has sent a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) issue after discussions with ENPO leaders and legislators and consultations with the Attorney General.
He said the state Cabinet had invited ENPO representatives and all legislators from the eastern region for discussions with the full Cabinet team on a letter sent earlier in March.
He said the matter had entered into a legal conflict as the state did not have the power or authority to delegate legislative powers. However, since the state government had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ENPO, a mechanism had to be worked out to honour the agreement.
Rio said discussions were subsequently held with the ENPO, following which another letter was drafted based on a Cabinet decision and sent to the Attorney General for legal advice.
“There are a few points and we called them to discuss, and they have fully agreed. So, we have sent that letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Rio said.
He said the matter would be tabled in the Nagaland Assembly on September 1 and expressed hope that it would be passed on September 3.
Naga political issue: On the Naga political issue and the demand for the appointment of a ministerial-level representative, Rio referred to a resolution adopted in September 2024.
He said representatives of tribal bodies, civil society organisations, churches, student organisations, officers, legislators, parliamentarians, senior citizens and political parties participated in the process, with more than 300 people signing the resolution.
Four resolutions were adopted, with the fourth maintaining that the Naga issue was political in nature and negotiations should therefore be held at the highest political level.
Rio said the negotiations should involve a person with the authority and mandate of the Government of India, either a Union minister or another representative at the highest political level.
He said the Political Affairs Committee also endorsed the resolution at its meeting on Sept. 1, 2025, following which the matter was taken up with the Union home minister.
According to Rio, the Union home minister agreed to assign a Union minister of state for home affairs to the process. He said this had been communicated to the Naga groups engaged in negotiations and that the matter was under process.
“That’s why we stand by what we are handling. And I hope people understand slowly,” he said.
Asked about key government business during the upcoming Assembly session, Rio said discussions would include the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, among other matters.
On the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, Rio said there was no government business relating to the Act during the upcoming session.