Press Release
Press Release from the Department of Information Technology
Information & Public Relations Department
MoU Signed Between the Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim and NIELIT Gangtok for the Establishment of the AI Centre of Excellence
Gangtok, 08 May 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Sikkim, the Department of Information Technology (DIT), Government of Sikkim and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Gangtok, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration towards the establishment and operational support of an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI-CoE) in the State under the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
The proposed AI-CoE aims to promote AI-driven innovation, capacity building, skilling, training, and ecosystem development in Sikkim, with a focus on creating opportunities for students, professionals, start-ups, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Under the collaboration, NIELIT Gangtok will extend its expertise in emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science and related domains, with primary emphasis on structured capacity building and skilling initiatives aligned with national frameworks and industry requirements.
The partnership also envisages phased collaboration in identified areas of the AI-CoE based on mutual discussions and evolving requirements, thereby enabling the creation of a robust AI innovation and skilling ecosystem in Sikkim.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prem Vijay Basnet, Director, Department of IT, Government of Sikkim highlighted that the initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment towards leveraging emerging technologies for inclusive growth, digital transformation and future-ready
workforce development.
Shri Khagendra Sharma, Director, NIELIT Gangtok, expressed enthusiasm in partnering with the Government of Sikkim for this prestigious initiative and reiterated the institute’s commitment to supporting the State in positioning itself as a leading hub for AI innovation and skilling in the region.
The collaboration is expected to pave the way for enhanced research, innovation, skill development and adoption of AI technologies across sectors in Sikkim, while contributing to the broader vision of Digital India and the IndiaAI Mission.
Gangtok, 08 May 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Sikkim, the Department of Information Technology (DIT), Government of Sikkim and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Gangtok, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration towards the establishment and operational support of an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI-CoE) in the State under the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
The proposed AI-CoE aims to promote AI-driven innovation, capacity building, skilling, training, and ecosystem development in Sikkim, with a focus on creating opportunities for students, professionals, start-ups, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Under the collaboration, NIELIT Gangtok will extend its expertise in emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science and related domains, with primary emphasis on structured capacity building and skilling initiatives aligned with national frameworks and industry requirements.
The partnership also envisages phased collaboration in identified areas of the AI-CoE based on mutual discussions and evolving requirements, thereby enabling the creation of a robust AI innovation and skilling ecosystem in Sikkim.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prem Vijay Basnet, Director, Department of IT, Government of Sikkim highlighted that the initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment towards leveraging emerging technologies for inclusive growth, digital transformation and future-ready
workforce development.
Shri Khagendra Sharma, Director, NIELIT Gangtok, expressed enthusiasm in partnering with the Government of Sikkim for this prestigious initiative and reiterated the institute’s commitment to supporting the State in positioning itself as a leading hub for AI innovation and skilling in the region.
The collaboration is expected to pave the way for enhanced research, innovation, skill development and adoption of AI technologies across sectors in Sikkim, while contributing to the broader vision of Digital India and the IndiaAI Mission.
