TechPulse

Goa Tunes In to HamFest India 2025


A global celebration of communication, innovation, and community spirit

Ponda, October 13, 2025: Riding a wave of innovation and connectivity, HamFest India 2025 took place on October 11–12 at the Goa College of Engineering (GEC), Farmagudi, uniting radio enthusiasts, technology innovators, and experts from across the globe.

Organised by the Goa Radio Amateur Society (GRAS) in association with Goa College of Engineering and supported by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, the event marked the 32nd edition of HamFest India — and Goa’s first time hosting it.

More than 700 delegates from India and abroad attended the event, including representatives from Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, AMSAT-India, and Upagrah Amateur Radio Club.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, along with Group Captain & Astronaut Subhanshu Shukla (VU2TNI), Shri Nitin Raiker, Dr. M.S. Krupashankara (Principal, GEC), and Shri Sandesh Bhat (VU22DX), Convenor of HamFest India Goa.

In his inaugural address, Minister Rohan Khaunte stated,

“This year’s HamFest holds special significance as Goa proudly hosts the 32nd edition for the very first time. Known for its cultural heritage and educational vibrancy, Goa provides the perfect backdrop for an event that beautifully blends technology, learning, and community spirit. The Government of Goa remains committed to supporting such initiatives that promote technical excellence, innovation, and social responsibility.”

Across two dynamic days, HamFest India 2025 featured:

  • 40+ technical sessions and 8 live demos on radio technologies and innovation
  • 37 exhibitors showcasing antennas, transceivers, and communication equipment
  • Hands-on workshops exploring the practical applications of amateur radio
  • Interactive discussions with renowned operators involved in disaster response and emergency communications

For the first time ever, Goa became the heart of India’s amateur radio movement — a space where technology met passion, and where the hum of innovation resonated across communities.

As the curtains came down on HamFest India 2025, participants left inspired, connected, and energized — a true reflection of how technology continues to unite people across borders and frequencies.

Business

GCCI and Goa College of Engineering Sign MoU to Foster Industry-Academia Collaboration


Panaji, Goa | June 30, 2025 — In a strategic initiative to align academic learning with real-world industry demands, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Goa College of Engineering (GEC), Farmagudi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 30, 2025. The MoU marks a milestone in strengthening Goa’s innovation ecosystem through deeper collaboration between education and enterprise.

The formal signing ceremony took place in the presence of key dignitaries from both institutions. Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo, President of GCCI, and Dr. Krupashankara M. S., Principal of GEC, signed the MoU. Other dignitaries present included Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI; Dr. Suraj S. Rane, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, GEC; Ms. Pratima Dhond, President-Elect, GCCI; Mr. Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Treasurer, GCCI; and Ms. Ambika Dhakhenkar, Deputy Director, GCCI.


Key Objectives of the MoU Include:

  • Curriculum Modernization: Aligning GEC’s academic curriculum with evolving industry needs to enhance employability.
  • Skill Development & Training: Facilitating training programs, internships, and industry-specific workshops.
  • Innovation & Research: Supporting student-led innovation, entrepreneurship initiatives, and collaborative research projects.
  • Expert Engagement: Organizing industry talks, field visits, seminars, and placement-focused sessions.
  • Infrastructure Support: Setting up industry-sponsored labs to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
  • Consultancy & Projects: Offering technical consultancy and enabling real-world project exposure for students.

Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, emphasized the vision behind the initiative:

“This partnership is a forward-looking step that reflects GCCI’s commitment to nurturing talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Goa. We are delighted to collaborate with one of Goa’s premier engineering institutions.”

Dr. Krupashankara M. S., Principal of GEC, expressed his enthusiasm:

“This MoU allows our students to gain enhanced exposure to real-world industry challenges. We aim to bridge the divide between theoretical learning and practical application.”

The MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years, during which both institutions will jointly undertake strategic initiatives to drive innovation, research, and skill development across Goa.

With this collaboration, GCCI and GEC reaffirm their shared vision of creating a future-ready workforce, empowered by knowledge, practical experience, and entrepreneurial spirit.