PANAJI
The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC), in partnership with the World Economic Forum, hosted a workshop titled ‘Empowering SMEs through AI Innovation’ under the AI for India 2030 Initiative. The event aimed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for improved productivity and competitiveness.
Held in Goa, the workshop brought together 30 SMEs and featured key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. Discussions focused on AI readiness, sector-specific solutions, and the challenges SMEs face in adopting new technologies. The event also saw the launch of the ‘AI Playbook for SMEs’, a guide to help businesses integrate AI effectively.
Goa-IDC Managing Director Pravimal Abhishek spoke about the Corporation’s digital transformation efforts, highlighting online platforms like the Ease of Doing Business portal and the new Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS). “We are committed to helping SMEs use AI to scale operations and stay globally competitive,” he said.
Purushottam Kaushik, Head of C4IR India, stressed the need for inclusive AI policies, calling the initiative a “unique opportunity” to empower even the most remote businesses. Specialist Ayushi Sarna led an interactive session on AI in business, with participants engaging through live polls.
Representatives from sectors such as electronics, logistics, and manufacturing attended, with nearly 30% involved in exports. The event underscored the importance of collaborative policymaking and marked a key step in preparing SMEs for an AI-driven future.
