Kohima: The Nagaland government on Friday signed an MoU with Google for collaboration in school education, with an investment of more than 10 crore, as Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the state is ready to participate, innovate, compete and lead in India's digital transformation.

The partnership with Google is aimed at strengthening learning methodologies in schools and equipping students with future-ready and 21st-century skills.

The MoU was signed by a representative of Google and the Principal Director of School Education during the inaugural ceremony of the Tech X Gaming Expo 2026 (TXG Expo 2026) here.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Rio said the convergence of technology, gaming, innovation, education and creativity offered new opportunities for Nagaland's youth.

"The workplace of tomorrow will demand not only knowledge, but also creativity, adaptability, digital literacy, problem-solving and the ability to continuously learn new skills," Rio said.

Nagaland is ready to participate, innovate, compete and lead in the digital transformation, the CM said, stressing that technology could help the state overcome geographical barriers and connect its young people with national and global opportunities.

Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he said Nagaland must be an active participant in India's transformation into a developed, technologically advanced, innovative and self-reliant nation.

"Technology provides us with an extraordinary opportunity to overcome geographical distances, connect talent with opportunity and enable our youth to participate in the national and global economy without necessarily having to leave Nagaland," he said.

Rio said the state's young, creative and highly literate population was its greatest resource and called for an ecosystem where talent could flourish within Nagaland.

He pointed to emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, software development, data analytics, game design, e-sports, digital content, robotics, geospatial technology and race engineering.

Highlighting the state's technology initiatives, Rio said the 18,000 sq ft STPI centre in Kohima and the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for startups at Chumoukedima, supported by the Ministry of DoNER, would strengthen entrepreneurship, incubation and innovation.

He also highlighted the proposed Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, which could support AI-based start-ups, prototypes, employment and training, with applications across governance, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and sustainability.

On geospatial technology and drones, Rio said the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre was undertaking work in mapping, forest and infrastructure monitoring, disaster-risk assessment and evidence-based planning.

He said the Drone School was training certified pilots and, following a recent inspection, was expected to receive DGCA certification shortly.

"Our objective is clear: to position Nagaland as a leading hub in the North-East for drone skills, innovation and practical applications of unmanned aerial technology," he said.

Rio said Nagaland had already demonstrated strong interest in e-sports through initiatives such as the Hornbill E-Sports Championship and participation in the Khelo India Youth Games.

The TXG Expo, he said, takes this further by bringing together competitive gaming, game development, streaming, technology and digital career opportunities.

"Our vision is to build a robust e-sports ecosystem and establish Nagaland as a leading gaming hub in the North-East," Rio said, adding that the aim was not merely to produce gamers but to create opportunities for developers, designers, broadcasters, commentators, streamers, event managers, data analysts and other technology professionals.

He also 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.

"These are not merely games or recreational activities. They are gateways to some of the most exciting and future-ready careers in the world," he said.

Addressing the youth, Rio urged them not to limit their ambitions because of where they came from, but stressed that opportunities must be matched by discipline, hard work, continuous learning and a willingness to innovate.

"The government can build the infrastructure and create the opportunities. The responsibility to seize them rests with you," he said.

Rio said the expo should be seen not merely as an exhibition but as a statement of confidence in Nagaland's future.

This report was published from a syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, the EdexLive Desk has not edited the copy.