Business

GCCI & GTA Launch “AI for Career Building” Workshops to Empower Non-Tech Students Across Goa


In a major step toward building a digitally empowered and future-ready Goa, the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Technology Association (GTA), has launched a groundbreaking workshop series titled “AI for Career Building.” The initiative aims to bring Artificial Intelligence awareness and hands-on digital skills to non-technology students across the state.

The program aligns with the vision of Swayampurna Goa, the state’s flagship mission focused on creating a self-reliant and technologically skilled population. Through these workshops, students from diverse academic backgrounds will gain exposure to AI concepts, digital tools, and employability pathways needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven global economy.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of democratizing AI understanding:

“This initiative is designed to ensure that every Goan student, regardless of stream, understands how AI is shaping the future of work. Our goal is to empower youth with the right mindset, tools, and exposure to become industry-ready in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The workshop series, conceptualized jointly by the Education Committee and IT Committee of GCCI, is slated to be conducted across 20–30 colleges in Goa, including those participating under the Swayampurna Goa program. With an expected outreach of 3,500 to 4,000 students, the sessions will offer practical exposure to AI tools, emerging career roles, sector-specific applications, and digital transformation trends impacting industries worldwide.

This structured intervention aims to bridge the academia–industry gap by promoting digital literacy, enhancing career confidence, and inspiring innovation among Goan youth. The workshops will be delivered by industry practitioners and technology experts associated with GCCI and GTA, ensuring real-world relevance.

The initiative is being led by key industry figures, including:

  • Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI
  • Mr. Manguirish Salelkar, President, GTA
  • Dr. Manoj S. Kamat, Chairman, Education Committee, GCCI
  • Mr. Rohan Warty, Chairman, IT Committee, GCCI
  • Ms. Ambika Kamat Dhakankar, Deputy Director, GCCI

With this strategic effort, GCCI and GTA reaffirm their commitment to developing a skilled, innovative, and digitally empowered generation poised to drive Goa’s future economic transformation.

National

Goa’s Young Robot Genius Vedang Anay Kamat Qualifies for International Robotex Championship


In a proud moment for Goa, Vedang Anay Kamat, a student of Std. V from Saraswat Vidyalaya, has emerged as one of India’s youngest and brightest robotics champions. Representing Goa at the prestigious Robotex India National Championship held in Pune on the 20th and 21st of September 2025, Vedang was one of only two students from the state selected to participate in this high-level national competition.

Entirely self-trained, Vedang built his robots from scratch — both in design and code — with unwavering support from his parents and school. His work not only reflected technical prowess but also originality and determination, qualities that impressed judges and audiences alike.

Vedang secured 1st place in the Lego Line Follower challenge and 2nd place in the general Line Follower category. These top performances have earned him a double qualification for the international Robotex Global Championship to be held later this year in Estonia — a rare achievement for someone his age. In addition, he received special recognition in the Drone Aviation Challenge, where he scored an incredible 280 points in just 4 minutes, up against a top score of 340 achieved in 10 minutes — highlighting both his skill and speed.

The Robotex India event featured a diverse set of robotics and innovation-based challenges including Maze Solver, Mini Sumo, Entrepreneurship Challenge, Folk Race, and Girls Firefighter events. Vedang’s participation and success not only showcase the growing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) among young students in Goa but also underline the importance of nurturing talent from an early age.

With a heart full of curiosity and a mind tuned for innovation, Vedang is a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets support. As he prepares to represent India on the international stage in Estonia, all eyes will be on this young genius from Goa — a future engineer, innovator, and inspiration to countless others.