On February 27, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced the development of an artificial intelligence policy for the state, marking a significant milestone as the first initiative of its kind in India. This announcement occurred during the inauguration of the State Innovation Mission at the International Exhibition Centre in Hapania, Agartala, attended by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh.

Focus on Smart Urban Management

During his address, Saha highlighted Agartala’s designation as a smart city and outlined plans for incorporating AI-based solutions to enhance city management, particularly in traffic regulation and other public services. He emphasized the comprehensive nature of the State Innovation Mission, which aims to foster an innovative ecosystem across Tripura, leveraging local strengths and addressing various administrative challenges.

Groundbreaking Governance Initiatives

CM Saha explained that the initiative aims to facilitate government reforms and digital governance, promoting an environment conducive to business development and entrepreneurial ventures. Tripura distinguishes itself as the only state where governance, from Cabinet operations to village councils, is entirely paperless. This governance model aspires to create economic opportunities and harness the initiative’s potential for youth empowerment through enterprise.

Collaboration with Renowned Institutions

The Chief Minister outlined partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, and T-Hub. These collaborations aim to establish and operationalize the Tripura State Innovation Mission and T-NEST (Tripura Network of Entrepreneur Support and Technology).

Targeting Key Sectors for Innovation

As part of the mission, Saha stated that T-NEST would focus on nurturing enterprises that address challenges in agriculture, green technology, digital services, tourism, and healthcare. Positioned strategically in Northeast India, Tripura is positioned to become a regional innovation hub, linking India’s expansion with the developing Southeast Asian economic framework.

Establishment of T-NEST and Innovation Centers

According to Saha, T-NEST will function as the operational arm of the State Innovation Mission, facilitating connections between innovative ideas, investment opportunities, and market needs. Plans are underway to create a state-of-the-art incubation innovation park at Chandmari, alongside the establishment of innovation centers across the eight districts, all integrated with T-NEST.

District Innovator Fellowships and AI Initiatives

In a notable move, Tripura is set to launch the first District Innovator Fellowships in India, aimed at promoting grassroots innovation. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the commitment to introducing the state’s AI policy with support from the Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog, targeting various urban challenges, including traffic congestion and waste management.

Emerging IT Ecosystem in Tripura

Additionally, the state plans to establish the Tripura AI Centre of Excellence with backing from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This initiative will complement efforts to create a Tripura IT and Data Economic Zone, which seeks to foster the growth of IT, IT-enabled services, and data centers, addressing the rising demand for software industries. Saha also mentioned plans to create an IT park for collaborative work environments.

Notable Attendees at the Launch Event

The launch event was attended by prominent figures, including the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, Member V.K. Saraswat, and Tripura’s IT and Finance Minister, Pranajit Singha Roy, along with Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha and Secretary Kiran Gitte, indicating strong governmental support for the initiative.

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