9th eNorth East Award 2026 — Nominations OpenOctober 23–24 · NEHU Campus, ShillongSustainable & Resilient Internet Governance in the Himalayan RegionNEIG State Series — All 8 States of Northeast IndiaSubmit Papers & Case Studies by 30 September 2026Community Network Exchange (CNX) — 8th Edition9th eNorth East Award 2026 — Nominations OpenOctober 23–24 · NEHU Campus, ShillongSustainable & Resilient Internet Governance in the Himalayan RegionNEIG State Series — All 8 States of Northeast IndiaSubmit Papers & Case Studies by 30 September 2026Community Network Exchange (CNX) — 8th Edition
9thEdition Since 2010
8Northeast States Covered
200+Digital Innovations Documented
15UN SDG-Aligned Award Categories
About eNorth East
eNE
India's Largest Tech for Society Forum for Northeast India
Since 20108 NE States200+ InnovationsMulti-stakeholderUN SDGs
The eNorth East Forum is a deliberation, networking, advocacy, and knowledge exchange platform connecting stakeholders on issues critical to inclusive, last-mile, sustainable ICT and Internet Governance across Northeast India.
Spanning all eight strategic, landlocked states of the Eastern Himalayas, the Forum bridges government, industry, civil society, academia, and practitioners in open dialogue — shaping digital policy for one of India's most digitally significant frontier regions.
Since its founding in Guwahati in 2010, eNorth East has documented over 200 digital innovations and convened dialogues that have influenced ICT policy at state and national levels.
Sustainable & Resilient Internet Governance in the Himalayan Region
The 9th eNorth East Forum examines how the Himalayan Northeast can build internet infrastructure and governance frameworks that are environmentally sustainable, geographically resilient, and socially inclusive — for a future where connectivity is a right, not a privilege.
Track 01
Sustainable Last-Mile Connectivity & Internet Reach
Climate-resilient infrastructure, community networks, affordability, and green digital pathways for remote Himalayan communities.
Track 02
E-Services & Digital Governance
Expanding e-governance access, delivery challenges, and a digital charter for Northeast India.
Track 03
Internet, Culture & Identity
How internet shapes communities, indigenous knowledge, gender dynamics, and cultural expression across NER.
Track 04
Adopting Emerging Technologies
AI, ML, Blockchain — readiness, opportunity, and risk for Northeast India in a rapidly changing tech landscape.
Track 05
Cyber Safety, Security & Accountability
Cyber threats, citizen safety, constitutional rights protection, and infrastructure safeguarding in the NE states.
Track 06
Internet Freedom & Digital Rights
Internet shutdowns, freedom of expression, privacy rights, and accountability of digital platforms in NER.
9th eNorth East Award 2026
Recognising Digital Innovation for Development
Since 2010, the eNorth East Award has identified, recognised, and published over 200 digital innovations driving sustainable development across Northeast India.
Open to government bodies, private organisations, civil society, academic institutions, and startups — across 15 categories aligned with the UN SDGs 2030 framework.
NEIG engages all stakeholder groups in equal-footing dialogue on internet-related public policy — from connectivity to digital rights — with no predetermined outcomes. The 2026 edition runs a State Series across all 8 NE states before converging in Shillong.
Discuss internet governance challenges specific to NER's distinct landlocked topography
Promote multi-stakeholder discourse on cross-cutting internet policy themes
Accelerate availability and affordability of internet across the region
Build capacity for internet governance in each of the eight states
Engage youth and experts in knowledge production on internet culture in NER
The EAG brings together experts from technology policy, academic research, digital rights, and internet governance to provide strategic direction to the Forum.
AS
Amitabh Singhal
Former CEO, NIXI Board Member, Public Interest Registry (PIR)
OM
Osama Manzar
Founder & Director Digital Empowerment Foundation, New Delhi
MG
Prof. M.P. Gupta
Department of Management Studies IIT Delhi
BR
Basav Roy Choudhury
Associate Professor, Computer Science IIM Shillong
Venue
NEHU Campus, Shillong
The 9th eNorth East Forum will be held at North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong — capital of Meghalaya and the natural convergence point for delegates from all eight states of the Himalayan Northeast.
Date
October 23–24, 2026
Venue
NEHU Campus, UmshingShillong 793022, Meghalaya, India
Format
In-person with hybrid options
Nearest
Shillong Airport (SHL) ~30 minAlso via Guwahati (GAU) ~2.5 hrs via NH 6
Submit a digital innovation for the 9th eNorth East Award, contribute a paper or case study to NEIG 2026, register to attend, or explore partnership opportunities with the Forum.