Shillong, October 30 : Meghalaya took a major step toward becoming the “Digital Hub of North East India” with the successful hosting of AI SPARK: Accelerating Meghalaya Startups, a collaborative workshop focused on innovation, integration, and growth, held at the Shillong Technology Park, Umsawli.
Organised by the Information Technology & Communication Department (IT&C), Government of Meghalaya, in partnership with the Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Technology Hub (MATH), the event brought together top government officials, technology leaders, and entrepreneurs from the PRIME Meghalaya initiative. The workshop aimed to explore AI-driven opportunities in entrepreneurship, governance, and business transformation.
Delivering the keynote address, Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, IT&C Department, unveiled plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Meghalaya’s own incubation centre, modelled on Hyderabad’s T-Hub. He also announced that Shillong will host the upcoming Regional AI Impact Conference for the North East and East India. “Our State was recognised as an Emerging State for Best Start-up Ecosystem last year. Now it is up to you to make the most of this opportunity,” Bakshi said.
In his welcome remarks, K.L. Nongbri, MCS, Joint Secretary, IT&C Department, highlighted that the workshop was a direct outcome of the government’s engagement with T-Hub in Hyderabad. He emphasised that the collaboration aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision to transform Meghalaya into a digital powerhouse.
Nongbri noted that linking local startups with MATH’s AI experts complements ongoing infrastructure projects such as the operational Shillong Technology Park (Phase 1), the upcoming Phase 2, and the planned IT Park in Tura—all key components of the State’s digital roadmap.
Rahul Paith, CEO of MATH, presented the Nuage Program, which focuses on AI ecosystems, career pathways, investor connections, and the use of AI in MSME and business transformation. “AI is such a beautiful thing that can help you augment any of your businesses,” Paith said, encouraging local entrepreneurs to embrace AI across diverse sectors—from food processing to design and handicrafts.
Suresh Kumarasubramanian, CTO of MATH, led the concluding session on AI stack and domain applications, sharing strategies for scaling startups from seed stage to growth.
Three promising startups from PRIME Meghalaya showcased their AI-powered innovations: Runo Health Services Pvt. Ltd., led by Dr. Elvee Marbaniang – AI Human Hybrid Emergency Care, Solipsis Design Pvt. Ltd., founded by Rundolf Mawlieh and Ashish Saha – Design and Product Prototyping, Pragna Intelligence, founded by Avik Chakraborty – India’s Unified Compound Risk Intelligence Platform
Dr. Marbaniang thanked PRIME Meghalaya for continuous mentorship, describing the journey as a “transformation spanning four to five years.”
Adding to the State’s digital momentum, Jyoti Smita Devi, Engagement Manager, Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD), announced a Khasi and Garo Language Model Training Hackathon to be held in December. Under a formal MoU between the Government of Meghalaya and MeitY’s DIBD Division, the initiative aims to integrate Khasi and Garo into the Digital India Bhashini platform, ensuring linguistic inclusivity in India’s AI ecosystem.
The workshop concluded with one-on-one strategy discussions between MATH officials, startup founders, and students, setting the stage for long-term partnerships. The initiative reinforces Meghalaya’s ambition to emerge as a regional hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Dignitaries present included Pravin Bakshi, IAS; K.L. Nongbri, MCS; Rahul Paith, CEO, MATH; Suresh Kumarasubramanian, CTO, MATH; Jyoti Smita Devi, DIBD; and officers from allied departments.
