Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said gaming and technology can open new career opportunities for the state’s youth and help connect their talent with national and global opportunities.
Inaugurating the two-day Tech X Gaming Expo 2026 in Kohima, Rio said gaming and e-sports should not be seen only as recreation, but as potential career pathways in race engineering, game development, data analysis, streaming and digital content.
He said technology could help Nagaland overcome geographical constraints and give young people access to opportunities without having to leave the state.
Rio said the expo marked the convergence of technology, gaming, innovation, education and the aspirations of Nagaland’s youth.
He particularly highlighted the Kohima Time Trials of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, saying it was the first time the national talent search had come to the Northeast.
Rio highlighted several government initiatives in GIS, drone technology, e-sports, IT, start-ups and artificial intelligence, including the STPI centre in Kohima, the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups at Chumoukedima and the proposed AI Centre of Excellence.
Rio urged the youth not to limit their dreams because of where they come from and encouraged them to explore fields such as gaming, coding, AI, music, design, robotics, sports and entrepreneurship, backed by discipline, hard work and continuous learning.
“Nagaland is no longer merely a spectator in the digital transformation. We are ready to participate. We are ready to innovate. We are ready to compete. And we are ready to lead,” Rio said.
He expressed hope that TXG Expo 2026 would contribute to establishing Nagaland as a recognised hub for technology, innovation, gaming, e-sports and digital talent in the Northeast.
The Tech X Gaming Expo (TXG) 2026, organised by the Nagaland Esports Society (NES), is being held at the NBCC Convention Hall, bringing gaming, technology, artificial intelligence, esports, digital creativity and entertainment under one roof.
The two-day expo features e-sports tournaments, gaming competitions, cosplay, digital art and AI creative challenges, a 48-hour Game Jam, workshops, panel discussions, technology exhibitions, live entertainment and food and vendor experiences.