Tag: Goa University

EduConnect

Sony Research India and Goa University Launch Advanced AI Lab at GURU Campus

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major boost to India’s academic and technological landscape, Sony Research India and Goa University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 14, 2025, to establish the Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AAI) Laboratory โ€” the first industry-supported AI research lab at Goa University. The lab will be housed at the Goa University Research Park Unit (GURU), a hub for innovation, incubation, and industry-academic collaboration.

The MoU was signed in the presence of representatives from both institutions. Sony Research India was represented by Dr. Pankaj Wasnik (Director โ€“ T&D) and Mr. Arithy MV (Manager โ€“ Strategy & Partnerships), while Goa University was represented by its top academic leadership, including Prof. Harilal Menon (Vice-Chancellor), Prof. Sundar Dhuri (Registrar), Prof. Ramesh Pai, Prof. Sanjeev Ghadi, Prof. Sandeep Garg, and others. Dr. Narayan Vetrekar and Prof. Rajendra Gad will serve as Principal Investigators leading the initiative.

The AAI Laboratory aims to promote cutting-edge research in Advanced Artificial Intelligence, with a special focus on multimodal data โ€” the integration and interpretation of diverse data types such as text, images, and audio. The lab is designed to support a comprehensive research ecosystem that includes:

  • Fellowship programmes for emerging researchers
  • Joint research projects with Sony scientists
  • Guest lectures and workshops
  • Training programmes to build capacity in AI and related domains

Sony Research Indiaโ€™s participation marks a forward-thinking commitment to nurturing innovation at the university level. The lab will provide infrastructure, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities with Sonyโ€™s global AI research teams.

Housed within GURU, the Goa University Research Park Unit, the AAI Lab represents the universityโ€™s growing emphasis on research, industrial engagement, and innovation. GURU, created with support from the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, offering platforms for intellectual and entrepreneurial development.

For Goa University, this partnership with Sony Research India isnโ€™t just about a physical laboratory โ€” itโ€™s about creating a long-term ecosystem of innovation that nurtures talent, drives impactful research, and puts Goa on the map as a hub for AI-driven academic excellence.

As the first-of-its-kind collaboration at the university, the AAI Lab is a blueprint for future university-industry partnerships in India, offering scalable models for joint research, knowledge exchange, and global skill development in the age of artificial intelligence.

Sports

Double Victory: Canacona College Secures Menโ€™s & Womenโ€™s Titles at Goa University Cross Country Championship 2025-26

allycaralgoa

Taleigao witnessed a thrilling display of endurance and determination at the Goa University Cross Country Championship 2025-26, where Shree Mallikarjun & Shri Chetan Manju Desai College, Canacona, achieved a historic double victory by winning both the Menโ€™s and Womenโ€™s titles.

In the Menโ€™s category, Canacona dominated the competition with a total of 26 points, leaving Quepem (55 points) and Pernem (63 points) trailing behind. Their consistent performance ensured top finishes across the lineup.

The Womenโ€™s team of Canacona matched the feat with equal brilliance, securing the title with 31 points. Navelim (41 points) and Quepem (44 points) put up strong performances but could not surpass Canaconaโ€™s depth and stamina.

This twin triumph underlines Canacona Collegeโ€™s excellence in athletics and their ability to nurture sporting talent. It also reflects the rising competitive spirit among student-athletes in Goa, as university-level sports continue to inspire and strengthen the next generation of champions.

The event, hosted in Taleigao, once again highlighted the significance of cross country as a test of endurance, teamwork, and mental strengthโ€”qualities that the Canacona teams showcased in abundance.

๐Ÿ‘ With this double triumph, Canacona College has set a new benchmark in Goa Universityโ€™s sporting history.

EduConnect

Goa University & 1 Goa Battalion NCC Celebrate Rakshabandhan with Poetic Tribute and Leadership Felicitation

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, Goa | August, 2025
In a heartfelt and culturally rich celebration of Rakshabandhan, the Discipline of Marathi under the School of Languages and Literature (SGSLL) at Goa University, in collaboration with the 1 Goa Battalion of the NCC, hosted a special event titled:

๐ŸŽ—๏ธ “เคฐเค•เฅเคทเคพเคฌเค‚เคงเคจ: เคญเคพเคฐเคคเฅ€เคฏ เคตเฅ€เคฐเคพเค‚เคจเคพ เค•เคพเคตเฅเคฏเคพเคคเฅเคฎ เค…เคญเคฟเคตเคพเคฆเคจ เคต เคจเฅ‡เคคเฅƒเคคเฅเคตเคพเคšเคพ เคธเคจเฅเคฎเคพเคจ”
(Rakshabandhan: A Poetic Salute to Indian Warriors and Honour of Leadership)

Held on Independence Day, the event created a confluence of language, emotion, and patriotism, serving both as a celebration of sibling bonds and a tribute to those who protect the nation.

A Unique Tribute Through Words

This programme stood apart by blending Kavya (poetry) with Samman (honour). Eminent Marathi poets, students, and NCC cadets recited verses dedicated to the sacrifices and strength of Indiaโ€™s armed forces. It was a literary salute wrapped in emotion and pride.

Honouring Leadership & Bravery

Besides poetic performances, the event featured felicitations for leaders in the armed forces and within the university/NCC ecosystem who exemplify commitment, discipline, and service to the nation.

Bringing Together Campus & Corps

The collaboration between Goa University and the 1 Goa Battalion NCC is part of a broader vision to embed civic and cultural values in academic life. By involving students in such meaningful programmes, it fosters deeper understanding and respect for national service.

Moving Forward

Both institutions aim to make this celebration an annual tradition, where poetry becomes a medium to express gratitude, pride, and patriotism โ€” and Rakshabandhan becomes more than a festival, but a day of national appreciation.

EduConnect

Goa University Signs Historic MoU with Chanakya Mandal Pariwar

allycaralgoa

In a proud moment for Goaโ€™s academic landscape, Goa University has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, a pioneering institution established in 1996 known for its excellence in competitive exam training, leadership development, and public service preparation.

This historic agreement marks the first collaboration of its kind in Goa, opening doors to specialized programs, workshops, and research opportunities for students and faculty. Through this partnership, Goa University aims to equip its students with skills that go beyond conventional academics โ€” nurturing leadership, analytical thinking, and a deeper understanding of governance and administration.

Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, with its decades of expertise, will bring valuable mentorship, training modules, and a wealth of knowledge to Goa Universityโ€™s ecosystem. This collaboration also reflects Goa Universityโ€™s commitment to building national and global competencies among its students.

The MoU was signed in the presence of dignitaries from both institutions, marking the beginning of a long-term vision to enhance education, professional readiness, and leadership capacity in the state.

EduConnect

Yousuf Shaikh Crowned Best Player as St. Xavierโ€™s Wins Badminton Title at Goa University Badminton Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

Mapusa, Goa โ€“ The court was electric, the stakes high, and the performance? Simply unforgettable. Yousuf Shaikh, representing St. Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa, was officially crowned the Best Player of the Tournament at the Goa University Intercollegiate Badminton Championship 2025โ€“2026, held at the prestigious SAG Indoor Stadium, Campal.

St. Xavierโ€™s College dominated the menโ€™s competition, culminating in a 3-0 clean sweep in the finals against Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda.

In the first singles, Ashmeet Parsekar set the tone with a commanding 21-11, 21-6 win. Then came Yousuf Shaikh, who took center stage and delivered a tactical masterclass, defeating Sohan Kavlekar 21-14, 21-8. He returned to the court alongside Ashmeet for the doubles, sealing the victory 21-7, 21-7.

“Yousufโ€™s dominance on the court, his composure under pressure, and sharp shot selection were simply world-class,” said the team coach.

St. Xavierโ€™s had earlier defeated Padre Conceicao College of Engineering in the semi-finals 3-1, while Don Bosco College Engineering had scraped past Don Bosco College, Panjim in a tight 3-2 battle. Both PCCE and Don Bosco, Panjim were awarded joint third place.

Meanwhile, in the womenโ€™s category, S.S. Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Cujira lifted the title, defeating PG Goa University 2-0. Riya Haldankar, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, was named Best Player (Women).

But the tournament spotlight, without question, belonged to Yousuf Shaikh. His energy, skill, and leadership turned him into the standout athlete of the championship and a name to remember in Goaโ€™s college sports circuit.

๐ŸŽ‰ Congratulations, Yousuf! Your Xavier family is proud.