Data and AI Conclave 2026: Advancing Responsible AI for the Northeast

The inaugural Data and AI Conclave 2026, jointly organised by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Assam Don Bosco University, Data8X and the AI Research Centre, was held on 1 August 2026 at NEDFi, Guwahati, bringing together distinguished guests, academicians, industry leaders, researchers, government representatives and students to explore the transformative potential of Data and AI in Assam and the Northeast. The conclave was inaugurated by Hon’ble MLA Shri Pradyut Bordoloi, Constituency 33 – Dispur, following the ceremonial lamp lighting, felicitation of dignitaries and inaugural address. The programme featured Prof. Amarendra Kumar Das, Pro Vice Chancellor, Tezpur University; Fr. Joseph Nellanatt, Pro Vice Chancellor, Assam Don Bosco University; Anirban Sharma, CEO, Data8X; Pratiksha Bhattacharyya, CTO, Data8X; and Nagendra Singh, Scientist, Quantum AI Group, C-DAC Northeast, among the distinguished speakers.

The technical programme featured seven sessions covering a broad spectrum of emerging technologies and their societal applications. Sessions explored AI and Design; Generative AI and its impact on learning, work and life; Responsible AI, governance, compliance, privacy and trust; Quantum Computing and real-world applications; AI and data-driven science for robotic neurorehabilitation; and intelligent healthcare through brain and body signal analysis. The afternoon sessions featured Prof. Shyamanta M. Hazarika, IIT Guwahati, and Prof. Ritika Jain, Biomedical AI & Signal Intelligence Lab (BASIL), IIT Guwahati. The programme also included dedicated opportunities for lunch and networking and afternoon refreshments, enabling participants, speakers and dignitaries to interact beyond the formal sessions.

The concluding “Brahmaputra AI: Shaping Northeast’s Future” Government, Academics & Industry Panel was moderated by Dr. Nupur Choudhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Assam Don Bosco University. The panel brought together Dr. Nayan Basumatary, Founder, Xantra AI; Mr. Abhijeet Sharma, Founder, SketchFactory Studio; Prof. Ferdous Ahmed, IIIT Guwahati; Prof. Bobby Sharma, Assam Don Bosco University; Shri Dhrubajyoti Borah, ACS, Director of Technical Education, Assam; and Mr. Bhudev Das, CISO, Numaligarh Refineries Limited, with the theme “Careers in AI – Education, Skills, Tools & AI Opportunities for Northeast India.” The conclave concluded with closing remarks by Anirban Sharma, CEO, Data8X, followed by an after-event networking gathering and dinner at Mosaic, providing speakers, guests, organisers and participants an informal platform to continue conversations, exchange ideas and build professional collaborations. The organisers expressed their intention to continue the conclave as an annual event, with an expanded format being considered for 2027.