Kohima: From racing Formula 1 cars on simulators to programming robots and flying drones, Kohima on Friday became a showcase of how technology is reshaping the aspirations of Nagaland’s youth. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the two-day Tech X Gaming Expo 2026 at the NBCC Convention Hall, bringing gaming, esports, artificial intelligence and innovation into the spotlight.
Organised by the Nagaland Esports Society (NES), the expo is being held on August 28 and 29 with a focus on emerging career opportunities and the growing role of technology in the lives of Nagaland’s youth.
Speaking at the inauguration, Rio described the expo as a convergence of technology, gaming, innovation, education and the aspirations of young people.
He particularly highlighted the Kohima round of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, noting that it was the first time the national talent-search initiative had come to the Northeast.
Rio said gaming and esports should not be viewed merely as recreational activities, but as potential pathways to careers in fields such as race engineering, game development, data analysis, streaming and digital content creation.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the chief minister 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.
Rio highlighted various government initiatives in geographic information systems (GIS), drone technology, esports, information technology, startups and artificial intelligence.
These include the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre in Kohima, the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups at Chümoukedima and the proposed AI Centre of Excellence.
The chief minister also emphasised the role of the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) in the digital age.
He said communication was no longer limited to disseminating government information but also involved telling Nagaland’s story to audiences beyond the state.
He said modern communication platforms should be used to showcase not only Nagaland’s beauty and heritage but also the talent, innovation and aspirations of its people.
DIPR is among the departments collaborating on the expo with the departments of School Education, Youth Resources & Sports, Information Technology & Communication, and the GIS wing under Planning & Transformation.
Rio said the inter-departmental collaboration demonstrated what could be achieved when government agencies worked towards a shared objective of preparing young people for the future.
He 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 improving learning outcomes and equipping students with 21st-century skills.
Addressing young people, Rio urged them not to limit their ambitions because of where they came from.
He encouraged them to explore opportunities in gaming, coding, artificial intelligence, music, design, robotics, sports and entrepreneurship, while stressing the importance of discipline, hard work and continuous learning.
Nagaland is no longer merely a spectator in the digital transformation. He stressed that the state is ready to participate, innovate, compete and lead.
He expressed hope that TXG Expo 2026 would contribute to establishing Nagaland as a recognised hub for technology, innovation, gaming, esports and digital talent in the Northeast.
One of the major attractions at the expo is the Kohima round of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, organised in collaboration with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited.
Professional-grade Formula 1 racing simulators have been installed at the venue, allowing visitors to experience sim racing and participate in the time trials free of cost.
Participants who wish to continue in the competition can register for the F1 Sim Racing India Open by paying the prescribed registration fee. Those achieving the qualifying time will progress to the regional-level competition, with successful racers moving on to the national championship in junior and senior categories.
The F1 Sim Racing booth drew a large crowd on the opening day, with students, gaming enthusiasts and Formula 1 fans queuing up to test their driving skills on the simulators.
The championship is being organised by Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, an Indian motorsport team that has competed in racing events internationally.
The F1 Sim Racing India Open will continue at the expo on August 29, giving more enthusiasts an opportunity to participate in the time trials and experience competitive sim racing.
The opening day also featured indigenous technologies and innovations, including drones, robotics and creative-learning solutions.
The Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre, under the Department of Planning & Transformation, showcased drones designed and assembled by the centre at its stall.
Among the attractions was a hexacopter drone used for vaccine delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The stall also featured first-person-view (FPV) drones and a replica interceptor drone, alongside live demonstrations of drone operations.
The NagaBots stall also attracted visitors with a range of robotics and technology-based products. Its exhibits included a robotic arm capable of sketching, drones, creative-learning toy kits, 3D-printed keychains and other accessories.
Established in 2021, NagaBots is a technology and research enterprise specialising in robotics and coding. It provides training and education, research and innovation, incubation support through the NagaBots Incubation Centre, and electronics supply solutions, according to its representatives.
The enterprise also organises Techmorphosis, its annual flagship event aimed at promoting innovation and creativity in technology.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
NagaBots said it has trained more than 5,000 students across schools, helping them develop practical skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Beyond sim racing, TXG 2026 features esports tournaments, gaming competitions, cosplay, digital art and AI creative challenges, as well as a 48-hour Game Jam.
The expo also includes workshops, panel discussions, technology exhibitions, live entertainment and food and vendor experiences.
Also Read | Manipur CM calls for collective efforts to restore peace