The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) made a significant mark at the Regional AI Impact Conference 2025, held yesterday in Shillong. The prestigious event, organised by the Information Technology & Communication Department, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the India AI Mission, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to shape the future of Artificial Intelligence in the North East.

The conference also saw the launch of two key initiatives: the Bhashini Hackathon, promoting access to public services in Khasi and Garo through AI-driven language interfaces, and MeghDEE, a platform empowering youth to develop AI solutions for real-world governance challenges. Additionally, several MoUs were exchanged, marking transformative collaborations for the region.

USTM’s Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. G. D. Sharma, was invited as a distinguished guest, marking the university’s growing role as a leading institution driving innovation and digital transformation in the region.

Students and faculty members from the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Engineering & Technology, USTM, showcased their innovative AI-based fish detection system using an underwater drone, demonstrating the university’s strong capabilities in AI applications for environmental monitoring, aquatic biodiversity assessment, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Prof. G. D. Sharma highlighted USTM’s dedication to building AI-driven capabilities: “USTM is fully aligned with Meghalaya’s vision of leveraging Artificial Intelligence for citizens’ empowerment. Our objective is to strengthen research, drive capacity building, and forge strong industry–academia partnerships to ensure that the youth of the North East lead the next wave of AI innovation.

In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma emphasised Meghalaya’s fast-growing position in the North East’s digital landscape. He urged all stakeholders to build a robust tech ecosystem and invest in frontier technologies, including AI and quantum computing, underscoring that Meghalaya’s young population and strong institutional partners, such as USTM, are key drivers of this progress.

As Meghalaya accelerates its technological journey, USTM stands at the forefront of nurturing talent, driving research, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, the first State Private University dedicated to science and technology in North East India, received an ‘A’ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its first assessment cycle in 2021. Recognised as the Best Private University in Northeast India, USTM continues to excel on the national stage, being the only private university from the North East to be featured in the NIRF Rankings for four consecutive years, including 2025.