The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) praised the state's AI Policy 2026, labeling it a progressive move that could broaden the economy beyond tourism and position it as a center for knowledge-based industries, research, and innovation.

GCCI president Pratima Dhond stated that the Goa AI Mission 2026 marked a significant move toward creating a technology-driven economy by utilizing the state's current advantages in tourism, healthcare, environmental systems, and creative sectors.

Dhond expressed support for the suggested Rs 250 crore Innovation Fund spanning five years and the goal of developing 50,000 AI-prepared professionals by 2030, with women representing 20 percent of that target.

She emphasized the four-tier 'Responsible AI' framework proposed in the policy, which includes prohibited, high-, medium-, and low-risk applications, as well as required AI Impact Assessments.

"The strategy highlights the need to balance technological advancements with public safety and the responsible use of artificial intelligence," Dhond stated.

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Dhond remarked that the policy’s emphasis on creating three Centres of Excellence in Coastal and Environmental Systems, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Tourism and Hospitality was especially pertinent to Goa.

These sectors provided chances to utilize AI for local issues while fostering new economic activities, she noted.

She supported initiatives such as developing a Konkani Large Language Model (LLM) with Bhashini, making AI a compulsory subject from Class VI in the 2027-28 academic year, establishing AI labs in 50 schools, and creating a Centre of Excellence in collaboration with BITS Goa.

Dhond mentioned that these efforts may enhance the industry-academia framework, broaden access to AI education, and aid in equipping students and professionals for new job prospects.

She described the policy's slogan 'Build from Goa, Scale from Goa' as highly suitable for the state, noting that Goa could emphasize research and development, design, innovation, and creative activities instead of depending exclusively on land-heavy industries.

The GCCI guaranteed its backing for the policy's implementation and stated it would collaborate with the state government to promote industry sandboxes, foster AI adoption among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance connections between startups and industry.

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The chamber conveyed assurance that successful execution of the policy could aid Goa in developing a robust technology ecosystem, generating skilled job opportunities, and establishing the state as a hub for responsible AI innovation.