Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio formally inaugurated the two-day Tech X Gaming Expo at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima on 28th August 2026.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Tech X Gaming Expo 2026 (TXG Expo 2026) Dr. Neiphiu Rio said that the Expo marked the convergence of technology, gaming, innovation, education and the aspirations of Nagaland’s youth.
He particularly highlighted the Kohima Time Trials of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, saying 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 careers in areas such as race engineering, game development, data analysis, streaming and digital content. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Rio said technology could help Nagaland overcome geographical constraints and connect its young talent with national and global opportunities without requiring them to leave the State.
The Chief Minister highlighted several government initiatives in GIS, drone technology, e-sports, IT, start-ups and artificial intelligence, including the STPI centre in Kohima, the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups at Chumoukedima and the proposed AI Centre of Excellence.
Rio also underlined the important role of the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) in the digital age, saying communication today is not 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 said, must be used to ensure that the world sees not only the beauty and heritage of Nagaland but also the talent, innovation and aspirations of its people. DIPR is among the government departments working together with the Departments of School Education, Youth Resources & Sports, Information Technology & Communication, and GIS under Planning & Coordination to co-organise the Tech X Gaming Expo. Rio said such collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when different departments work towards a shared objective of preparing young people for the future.
Rio 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 outcomes and equipping students with 21st century skills.
Addressing the youth, Rio urged them not to limit their dreams because of where they come from and encouraged them to explore fields such as gaming, coding, AI, music, design, robotics, sports and entrepreneurship, backed by discipline, hard work and continuous learning. “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. He expressed hope that TXG Expo 2026 would contribute to establishing Nagaland as a recognized hub for technology, innovation, gaming, e-sports and digital talent in the Northeast.
The Tech X Gaming Expo (TXG) 2026, organised by the Nagaland Esports Society (NES), is being held on August 28 and 29 at the NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima, bringing gaming, technology, artificial intelligence, esports, digital creativity and entertainment under one roof.
The two-day expo will include esports 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 will be the Kohima Round of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, organised in collaboration with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited. The event will provide aspiring racers and technology enthusiasts from Nagaland and the Northeast an opportunity to compete in sim racing as part of a national championship pathway.
TXG 2026 will also feature 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 highlight gaming and technology not merely as forms of entertainment but as growing fields offering career, innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth of Nagaland and the Northeast.
(Morotsung Longchar, IA)
