'Everyone Talks About AI, But Very Few Understand It's Potential': STPI Jurisdictional Director Highlights NE's IT Future

Guwahati: The Information Technology (IT) sector in the Northeast is experiencing a transformative shift, with growing startups, rising corporate interest and increased investment. At the recently held Northeast Business Conclave 2.0 conducted by Business North East (BNE), industry leaders discussed the expanding digital landscape in the region, the importance of bridging skill gaps and the role of early technological exposure in fostering innovation.

Speaking of the developing Information Technology (IT) scenery in Northeast India, the Jurisdictional Director of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Vandana Srivastava said, "IT is coming up in the Northeast. We can see growth in IT companies and startups," said Srivastava while emphasising recent growths, including the start of Infosys operations in Guwahati and the anticipated entry of Tata Group for founding a semiconductor manufacturing ability.

Speaking on the skill gap in the region's IT sector, Srivastava stressed the crucial need to bridge technical information deficiencies. "The skill gap in technology needs to be addressed. Everyone talks about emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and others, but very few truly understand their potential," stated Srivastava, stressing the reputation of early exposure to technology at the school level to foster innovation and free enterprise. 

"The government should inspire students by providing infrastructural facilities and endorsing hands-on learning. This will enable students to understand technology and eventually start their own ventures gradually," said Srivastava.

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She added that providing early contact can unlock creative ideas and equip young minds with the essential skills to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. "First exposure should be provided at the school level to bridge the skill gap," said the STPI Director.

The BNE Conclave helped as a platform to discuss the future trajectory of the IT sector in Northeast India, concentrating on industry growth, skill growth, and the role of main corporations in shaping the region's technological ecosystem.

The Software Technology Park of India (STPI) in Guwahati, Assam, was established in 2000 to boost software exports and IT/ITES development in the North East. The park provides infrastructure such as built-up space, centralised computing amenities, and high-speed data messages.

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It also endorses entrepreneurship by creating a conducive environment for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs. The park offers technology assessment and consultancy services and has sub-centres in various regions, including Agartala, Aizawl, Gangtok, Imphal, Kohima, and Shillong.

STPI also drives innovation through OctaNE, a network of Centres of Excellence and Startup Innovation Zones, and provides startup support, mentorship, seed capital assistance, and marketing support. It plans to foster startups in areas like IoT in agriculture, Emerging Tech (AR/VR), Gaming and Animation, Data Analytics and AI, IT Applications in Graphics Design, Healthcare and AgriTech, Gaming and Entertainment and GIS Applications (including Drone Technology).