The Department of Higher Education (DHE), in collaboration with the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, successfully organized the Innovative Idea Challenge 2025 as part of Converge 2.0, a premier platform aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students across the state of Goa.
The challenge witnessed an overwhelming response from students, reinforcing Goa’s commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurial talent. Dr. Niyan Marchon, DHE, Convenor of Converge and the Innovative Idea Challenge, along with Mr. Prashant S. Bhomkar, Assistant Professor, DHE, coordinated the contest. Mr. D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell of Goa, supported and mentored the Idea Challenge contest.
The Innovative Idea Challenge 2025 was launched in February 2025, with the objective of promoting problem-solving, creative thinking, and market-ready startup ideas among students. The challenge saw enthusiastic participation from 97 student teams from over 50 educational institutes, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship within the student community.
A panel of eminent experts from the startup ecosystem evaluated the submissions at various stages. The initial round was judged by Varsha Adusumilli, Author, Investor, and Trainer; Abhishek Singh, Incubation Manager at AIC-GIM; and Amey Karmali, CEO, Center for Incubation and Business Acceleration (CIBA).
The top 10 startup ideas advanced to the grand finale, scheduled for March 13, 2025, at Converge 2.0. In preparation for the final round, a specialized pitch training program was conducted on March 10, 2025, by Varsha Adusumilli.
The final pitching round took place on March 13, 2025, during Converge 2.0. The distinguished panel of judges for the grand finale included Varsha Adusumilli, Rohini Gonsalves, and Rafina Shaikh (Siya).
The top 10 teams selected for the Innovative Idea Challenge were:
- Anukool
- SISF-RTMS (Solar-Powered IoT-Based Smart Farming Device with Real-Time Monitoring System)
- Harnessing the Potential of Khazan Lands: Sustainable Farming and Agrivoltaics
- No Dust
- Decentralized Carbon Credit Marketplace
- Radiant Roshni
- Autonomous Swimming Pool Cleaner
- Neural Kissan
- Nova Hustlers
- Needy Paws
The first place was won by Team Autonomous Swimming Pool Cleaner (Rahul Patil, Rochelle D’souza, Abhishca Tauro, and Gajendra Chaubey) from Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar.
The second place was won by Team Nova Hustlers (Yash Pednekar & Gautham Krishna), students from PCCE and AITD.
The third place was won by Team Anukool (Gayatri Naik, Sejal Popkar, Govardhan Naik, & Shweta Gaude) from PES’s College of Arts and Science, Farmagudi.
The Department of Higher Education, with the support of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Government of Goa, reaffirmed its dedication to fostering student-driven innovation and creating a robust startup ecosystem in the state.
By providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, the initiative aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive business landscape.
The success of the Innovative Idea Challenge 2025 is a testament to Goa’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the state’s proactive approach to promoting innovation-led economic growth.
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