Tag: Goa innovation

EduConnect

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

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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.

TechPulse

Goa Sets Course to Become India’s First Coastal Aerial Mobility State with MoU Signed Between DITE&C, Tourism Department, and Sarla Aviation

allycaralgoa

Goa has taken a visionary step toward redefining tourism, technology and next-generation mobility with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd.

The agreement, signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, aims to establish an Advanced Design & Development Center in Goa while setting the foundation for integrating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into the State’s future tourism and mobility ecosystem.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, alongside key officials including Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C), Shri Kedar Naik (Director, DOT), Dr. Milind Sakhardande (Joint Director, DITE&C), Shri Shawn Mendes (OSD, Tourism), Shri Neville Noronha (OSD, IT), Shri D.S. Prashant (CEO, SITPC) and Mr. Adrian Schmidt (Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation).

Goa’s Vision for Next-Gen Mobility

Minister Khaunte highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration, stating that VTOL technology and aerospace design will unlock new opportunities for innovation, tourism enhancement and high-value employment for Goan youth.
He noted, “Our focus is to ensure that every new technology introduced in Goa strengthens the State’s economy and benefits our people first.”

Sarla Aviation’s Long-Term Base in Goa

Sarla Aviation, backed by prominent investors including Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety, will establish a dedicated centre focusing on:

  • Advanced aerospace design
  • System engineering
  • Prototype development
  • Testing and R&D

The company is developing a six-seater electric VTOL aircraft designed to reduce congestion by introducing clean and efficient aerial mobility.

Roadmap for VTOL-Based Aerial Tourism and Transport

The MoU outlines a comprehensive action plan that includes:

  • Collaboration with hotel and hospitality partners for premium aerial tourism routes
  • Development of a Goa-specific UAM (Urban Air Mobility) Policy
  • Exploring airport-to-resort aerial connectivity
  • Identifying and supporting a local VTOL service operator

These initiatives aim to make Goa the first Coastal Aerial Mobility State in India, combining innovation with sustainable tourism.

Voices from the Collaboration

Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C) emphasised that the partnership aligns with Goa’s long-term technology vision, enabling the State to become a platform for designing and scaling next-generation mobility solutions.

Shri Kedar Naik (Director, Tourism) highlighted the potential for VTOL services to redefine connectivity across beaches, hinterland and resorts, promoting eco-conscious travel and elevating the tourist experience.

Sarla Aviation’s CEO, Mr. Adrian Schmidt, expressed gratitude to the Government of Goa, noting the potential to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Goans as early as 2029 and build a talent-rich satellite studio in the State.

A Unified Vision for Goa’s Future

The collaboration strengthens Goa’s commitment to innovation, advanced technology and future-ready tourism. It also opens pathways for high-value skilling, aerospace design careers and cutting-edge mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike.

TechPulse

Goa Launches Startup Policy 2025 to Boost Innovation, Jobs, and Entrepreneurship

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is rapidly evolving into one of India’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, and the launch of the Goa Startup Policy 2025 marks a significant leap forward in that journey. Introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), this forward-thinking policy aims to foster innovation, generate employment, attract investment, and promote entrepreneurship across the state.

Goa already boasts 696 DPIIT-recognised startups — one of the highest per capita in the country — and the new policy sets even more ambitious goals. By 2028, Goa aims to establish 1,000 startups, create 10,000 jobs for Goans, help 100 startups secure venture funding, and enable partnerships between 50 startups and government departments.

The policy is spearheaded by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, who is actively working to create an innovation-first culture across sectors. It takes a holistic approach — offering support not just to founders, but also to students, educational institutions, women entrepreneurs, and incubators.

The Campus Innovation Scheme is a standout initiative under the policy, offering grants to student innovators for entrepreneurial and research-based projects. These grants will cover costs related to prototype development, encouraging students to become job creators, not just job seekers.

To build a future-ready workforce, the Skill Enhancement Scheme reimburses startups for AI and tech-related upskilling. Additionally, the government will collaborate with private entities to establish IT labs, Maker Labs, and Innovation Centres in educational campuses and industrial parks.

The policy places a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship. Women-led startups working on innovative ideas will be eligible for monthly allowances, mentorship, and funding support through a dedicated program. Another initiative — the Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme — will provide financial support to startups attending government-endorsed exhibitions and trade shows, enabling better visibility and networking opportunities.

Crucially, the policy fosters an ecosystem approach. It encourages partnerships with accelerators, investors, educational institutions, corporates, government bodies, and market platforms, creating a collaborative network that supports startups through every stage of growth.

By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and skill development, the Goa Startup Policy 2025 is building the foundation for a globally competitive, future-facing economy. Goa is not just aspiring to be a startup hub — it is setting itself up to become India’s Creative Capital, where technology meets talent, and ideas become impact.

EduConnect

Vibrant Goa Foundation Hosts High-Level Zimbabwe Delegation for Education and Innovation Exchange

Tanisha Cardozo

Vibrant Goa Foundation, as part of its flagship Global Knowledge Outreach initiative, played host to a high-level educational delegation from Zimbabwe on the 8th of September, marking a significant milestone in fostering global collaborations in the fields of education, technology, and innovation. The visiting delegation was led by Mr. Moses Mhike, Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, accompanied by Mrs. Olicah Kaira, Chief Director – Primary, Secondary and Non-Formal Education, and Mrs. Ashell Ruswa, CEO of Errymaple Group of Schools in Zvishavane. The visit was coordinated by Mr. Yogesh Kerkar, Managing Director of Qurious Minds, an emerging force in global educational exchange and innovation consulting.

The event, held as an Educational Round Table, brought together an array of influential voices from Goa’s academic and innovation ecosystem. Representing the Vibrant Goa Foundation were trustees Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Mr. Arman Bankley, Mr. Manoj Patil, Mr. Vinay Verma, Mr. Rasik Naik, Mr. Dinesh Dhulapkar, Mr. Ajay Gramopadhya, Mr. Gautam Kharangate, and Mr. Milind Anvekar. Also participating were eminent representatives from Goa University, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Dhempo College, MES College, Directorate of Higher Education, Goa Institute of Management, Government Polytechnic and other leading institutions, making this gathering a truly collaborative one.

The discussions were vibrant and focused on a broad range of educational themes including the adoption of EdTech tools, STEM learning, GIS, Robotics, Drones, Learning Management Systems, and ICT solutions. The Zimbabwean delegation expressed deep appreciation for Goa’s forward-looking efforts in integrating technology at the school and university levels. The event served as a dynamic platform to explore synergies and initiate meaningful collaborations between Zimbabwe’s education system and Goa’s innovation-driven institutions.

A highlight of the discussion was the mutual recognition of the potential for long-term partnership, with Mr. Moses Mhike acknowledging the practical and strategic value of the knowledge shared during the visit. He emphasized that Zimbabwe sees Goa as a potential partner in transforming its own educational landscape. Adding to the momentum, Mr. Yogesh Kerkar noted that Qurious Minds has already embarked on a collaborative project with a Zimbabwean entity—evidence of how dialogues are translating into action.

The delegation also took note of the recent success of the Amazing Goa Summit, which further cemented Goa’s image as a global hub for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Rajkumar Kamat concluded the session with a forward-looking invitation to the delegates to participate in the forthcoming Global Tech Summit and Global Business Expo & Summit 2026.

This initiative reflects Vibrant Goa Foundation’s vision of driving Goa’s global engagement, supporting startups and educational institutions to expand internationally, and creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation-led growth. The collaboration with Zimbabwe stands as a model for future partnerships, enabling the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and innovation that transcends borders.

TechPulse

Goa to Launch Drone Design and Aero Centre at Quitol as Part of Innovation Sandbox

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, August 11, 2025 — Goa is preparing to soar into a new era of technological innovation with the announcement of a Drone Design and Aero Centre at Quitol, a unique facility where drones can be designed, tested, and launched in a regulated sandbox environment. This initiative is a key component of the state’s progressive Drone Policy 2022, announced by Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.

🔹 A Unique Aero Hub for Drone Innovation

Set to be part of the proposed Tourism Aero Hub, the new centre will make Goa a national beacon for drone design, development, and deployment. “The Centre will be uniquely positioned in India and support next-generation innovation in drone technology,” said Minister Khaunte during the announcement.

🔹 Deep Local Roots and Global Vision

Goa’s drone policy, launched in December 2022, aims to create a full-fledged ecosystem supporting design, manufacturing, testing, and training. A shining example of local talent driving global innovation is Deepak Pathania, who is currently designing the world’s first amphibian drone — right here in Goa.

🔹 Certified Training & Women Empowerment

The Goa IT Department has initiated the empanelment of DGCA-approved agencies to offer certified drone pilot and technician training, opening career pathways for Goan youth.

Additionally, aligned with the national Drone Didi scheme, Goa plans to equip women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) with drone technology and entrepreneurial skills. These groups will be empowered to offer services across agriculture, mining, healthcare, and tourism.

🔹 Citizen-Centric Applications and ‘Make in India’

The drone policy is not just about tech—it’s about impact. The government encourages the use of drones for services that touch everyday lives:

  • Precision agriculture
  • Land mapping in mining and forestry
  • Medical delivery in remote areas
  • Tourism videography and promotion

All these initiatives contribute to the ‘Make in India’ agenda, focusing on self-reliance and indigenous technology development.

🛠️ What’s Next?

Goa’s Drone Design and Aero Centre is poised to become a national innovation sandbox, supporting startups, researchers, government services, and entrepreneurs with infrastructure and training.With its rich talent pool, cutting-edge policy, and government support, Goa is cementing its place as a rising star in India’s drone ecosystem.