Goa’s First AI Conference -Build with AI – with Google Developers, equips Goans for AI-Driven Future

Goa Khabar: Goa took a significant step into the world of artificial intelligence with its first AI-focused conference, Build with AI – with Google Developers held at Novotel, Panaji.

Build with AI – with Google Developers was focused on empowering the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness the transformative power of AI and contribute to Goa’s technological advancement. This conference represented a significant step toward realizing Goa’s vision of becoming a leading AI hub.

Jointly organized by Google for Developers and Google Developer Group Goa, the conference brought together over 400 students, industry leaders, researchers, developers, and policymakers, fostering discussions on the transformative potential of AI in various sectors. The event saw participants exchange ideas and insights into AI advancements, industry applications, and the growing role of AI in India’s technological landscape.

Addressing the conference, Chief Guest and Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte emphasized the state’s ongoing digital transformation and the evolving role of AI in governance.

Building on previous efforts to bring government services online, the state is now taking a significant step forward by making approximately 241 services accessible via WhatsApp, ensuring greater convenience for citizens, Shri Khaunte announced. He further underscored the integration of AI-driven solutions to address real-world challenges in governance.

“Initiatives like hackathons can enable the government to collaborate with startups in solving key governance challenges. Young innovators must develop AI-driven solutions that contribute to Goa’s future. The government is fully committed to supporting such efforts on the policy front,” the minister stated.

Keynote speaker Shri Siddharth Prakash, Head of Product Strategy for Emerging Markets at Google Cloud, shared insights on AI’s global impact. He highlighted how AI-based products are evolving rapidly, with companies like Google increasingly prioritizing AI to reshape industries, empower small businesses, and transform job-seeking processes.

“Google Gemini is now actionable. Small businesses can build interfaces where Gemini understands customer intent and showcases their products more effectively. When someone is searching for a job or gig, AI plays a crucial role in helping them upskill,” he stated.

He further emphasized that the purpose of Google Cloud is to enable businesses to thrive using Google’s advanced infrastructure while driving industry-wide transformation. With nearly a decade of AI expertise, Google now places AI at the core of its innovations, he added.

The event featured expert-led discussions, networking opportunities, and insights into Goa’s evolving startup ecosystem, with participation from Google engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Prajyot Mainkar, Founder of Sofueled and Lead Organizer of the conference, stated: “Tech giants are set to invest over USD 320 billion in AI development in 2025, reflecting the rapid global adoption of AI. India, too, is witnessing a surge in AI-driven initiatives like the IndiaAI mission. This conference is a step toward equipping Goan developers, researchers, students, and businesses with essential resources and networks to thrive in the AI ecosystem.”

The success of Build with AI – with Google served to set the foundation for more AI-driven initiatives in Goa, encouraging further collaborations and advancements in the field.