Tag: CONVERGE 3.0

EduConnect

Converge 3.0: Goa’s Academia–Industry Summit Showcases Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Young Talent

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji: The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), in collaboration with the Goa State Higher Education Council, successfully organised Converge 3.0 – Shiksha Udyog Sangam, a month-long Academia–Industry Summit held across Goa from January 29 to February 23, 2026. The initiative concluded with a grand finale at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.


Held under the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Impact: Building Goa’s Future-Ready Changemakers,” Converge 3.0 emerged as a dynamic state-level movement aimed at bridging academia and industry, fostering entrepreneurship and preparing students for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Director of Higher Education Bhushan Savoikar welcomed over 3,500 students at the finale, while Dr. Niyan Marchon, Program Director, DHE and Convenor of Converge, outlined the vision and future roadmap of the initiative.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant graced the event as Chief Guest and emphasised the importance of integrating quality education with skill development, innovation in classrooms and entrepreneurship during college years. He highlighted the government’s continued support in shaping Converge into a flagship platform for the state.

Converge 3.0 witnessed participation from more than 15,000 students representing 50 colleges across disciplines including general education, engineering, pharmacy, architecture, nursing, fine arts and music. Over 300 entrepreneurs, startup mentors and industry leaders conducted sessions, workshops and panel discussions during the month-long programme.
33 Young Entrepreneurs from colleges across Goa
Student-led innovation stalls and prototype exhibitions

An AI Hackathon
The Innovative Idea Challenge (IIC), with 122 teams (around 300 students) from 40 colleges

The top three winners of the Innovative Idea Challenge were
1st Place: DMC College, Mapusa
2nd Place: PCCE, Verna
3rd Place: Dhempe College, Panjim
The summit also recognised participants of the Young Innovators Challenge (Poster & Prototype), celebrating projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Santosh Mishra (IG Defence), encouraging students to innovate with national purpose. A panel discussion moderated by Mangirish Salelkar, President of the Goa Technology Association (GTA), featured experts including Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya (EDII), Swetha Susan Elias (Google Mumbai), Vatsal Sheth (Prismix Studios) and Ganesh Chari (Neshaju Envirotech Pvt. Ltd.), focusing on digital innovation, sustainability and strengthening industry–academia partnerships.

Cultural performances added vibrancy to the event, including a traditional Shigmo presentation by Caculo College, a short film by Kala Academy, a mime performance by Government College, Quepem, gymnastics by Government College, Pernem and an acapella performance by St. Xavier’s College.

In January 2026, Converge received the prestigious SKOCH Award for Academic Excellence and Professional Empowerment, recognising its transformative impact.

Building on this success, the Directorate of Higher Education plans to expand Converge 4.0 to 65 colleges and invite premier institutes from across India, aiming to transform it into a nationwide innovation-driven platform.

Converge 3.0 stands not merely as a summit but as a movement reflecting Goa’s commitment to nurturing future-ready changemakers through education, innovation and enterprise.

EduConnect

SVVM College of Commerce Hosts CONVERGE 3.0 Summit on AI for Career Building

Tanisha Cardozo

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce (SVVMCC) organised an Academia–Industry Summit under CONVERGE 3.0 – Shiksha Udyogik Sangam on February 12, 2026, focusing on the theme “AI for Career Building.” The programme was conducted under the aegis of the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, in association with the Goa State Higher Education Council and the Institution’s Innovation Council. The summit aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and evolving industry expectations in the digital era.

The event commenced with an address by Principal Prof. Achut Pednekar, who welcomed the gathering and highlighted the institution’s commitment to nurturing enlightened youth through excellence in higher education. He emphasised the importance of strong academia–industry linkages and aligned the initiative with the Directorate of Higher Education’s efforts to enhance internships, placements and industry exposure for students.

The first technical session, titled “Bridging Academia and Industry Expectations,” was delivered by Damodar Pai Patnekar, CEO and Co-founder of Bodhami. He spoke about the changing demands of industry in the age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing the need for practical skills, adaptability and a strong problem-solving mindset. His session provided students with clarity on aligning academic knowledge with real-world industry requirements.

The second session, “Empowering Students with AI Awareness,” was conducted by Rohir Naik, CEO of Coderix Solutions LLP. He introduced students to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and its applications across sectors, particularly in commerce and business. He encouraged students to develop digital competencies and embrace AI-driven tools to enhance employability.

The final session, “Getting Career AI-Ready through AI Education,” was led by Vishwa Naik Raikar, Assistant Professor (Finance) and Programme Coordinator – PGP Banking and Finance. She highlighted the importance of AI education in career planning, ethical AI usage and continuous upskilling to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.

Students from First, Second and Third Year B.Com actively participated in the summit, engaging in discussions and interactions with the speakers. The sessions collectively offered valuable insights into how Artificial Intelligence is shaping future careers and redefining industry expectations.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Gayatri Behare, TIP Coordinator, who expressed gratitude to the Principal, resource persons, compere Florencia Souza, faculty members, students and the organising team. She noted that the summit strengthened industry ties and advanced AI-centric career strategies, reaffirming SVVMCC’s alignment with the vision of the Directorate of Higher Education for quality, future-ready education.