Tag: Innovation

TechPulse

Goa Launches #EmpoweredInGoa Campaign to Celebrate Digital Empowerment and Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered and innovation-driven state has taken another significant leap with the launch of the #EmpoweredInGoa campaign by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C).

As the State evolves beyond its traditional image as a tourist destination, this new campaign celebrates how technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusion are transforming lives and creating opportunities for every Goan.

Speaking about the campaign, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, said, “The biggest strength of Goa lies in its people. With #EmpoweredInGoa, we are not just highlighting the digital advancements the State is undertaking, but we are creating opportunities that allow every citizen to participate in the State’s digital journey. This campaign is about celebrating how people are using technology to build, learn and create, and we want every Goan to be part of this transformation and shape the State’s future together.”

The #EmpoweredInGoa movement showcases how innovation and connectivity are redefining empowerment—through access to public services, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity. From enabling new businesses and startups to expanding e-governance and upskilling citizens, Goa is positioning itself as a state where digital progress meets human potential.

The DITE&C has implemented several initiatives that reflect this vision. The Har Ghar Fibre project is bringing high-speed internet to every household, while the Gramin Mitra program ensures senior citizens can access government schemes conveniently. Free WiFi hotspots and the IT Knowledge Centres are equipping citizens with essential digital skills.

Highlighting the campaign’s inclusive focus, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, said, “Empowerment begins with access to technology, opportunities and knowledge, and our department is committed to delivering this. Through initiatives like the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY), IT Knowledge Centres, and Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for Meritorious SC/ST Students, we are ensuring digital literacy reaches even the remotest corners of Goa.”

Goa’s dynamic startup ecosystem also plays a central role in this empowerment narrative. Guided by the Goa Startup Policy 2025, founders are benefitting from infrastructure, seed funding, and mentoring support. Programs like the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 and the upcoming Goa Startup Accelerator, a five-month program, are further strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.

As Goa continues to embrace digital transformation, the #EmpoweredInGoa campaign captures the essence of this journey—where technology is a bridge to opportunity, and empowerment is both inclusive and participatory. The initiative positions Goa as India’s Creative Capital, a place where progress is driven by people, powered by technology, and shaped by shared purpose.

National

PM Modi Launches ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme at ESTIC 2025 to Power India’s Innovation Revolution

Tanisha Cardozo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking a historic moment for India’s scientific and innovation landscape. Addressing the gathering of over 3,000 participants, including Nobel Laureates, leading scientists, researchers, academics, policymakers, and industry representatives, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for collaboration in the twenty-first century’s fast-changing world of science and technology. “Today is a big day in the world of science and technology,” he said. “There was a great need for experts from around the world to come together to brainstorm on emerging science, technology, and innovation, and to show direction together. This need gave birth to the vision of this conclave.”

As part of the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Modi launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, a ₹1 lakh crore corpus designed to encourage private sector investment in research and development. The fund aims to create capital availability for projects that involve higher risk but carry the potential for large-scale impact. “This ₹1 lakh crore is for you. It is to increase your capabilities. It is to open new opportunities for you,” PM Modi declared, stressing the government’s commitment to promoting research and development within the private sector. He explained that for the first time, India is extending capital support to high-risk, high-impact ventures to accelerate technological breakthroughs.

He also announced the establishment of the *Anusandhan Research Foundation, a new institution that will strengthen research and innovation across universities, creating new pathways for academic and technological advancement. Reflecting on India’s recent scientific milestones, the Prime Minister pointed to the successful launch of *GSAT-7R, India’s heaviest communication satellite, congratulating ISRO scientists for their dedication and vision. He further cited India’s pandemic response, noting how the country developed an indigenous COVID-19 vaccine in record time and executed the world’s largest vaccination drive, enabled by its robust digital public infrastructure.

Alongside the fund launch, PM Modi released a coffee table book showcasing India’s scientific achievements and unveiled a vision document outlining the strategic direction for science and technology in the years ahead. ESTIC 2025 will run as a three-day conclave, featuring discussions across 11 thematic areas including advanced materials and manufacturing, artificial intelligence, bio-manufacturing, digital communications, quantum technologies, energy and climate solutions, and space sciences.

The event embodies India’s resolve to transform from a technology consumer into a global innovation powerhouse. With bold initiatives such as the RDI Fund and the Anusandhan Research Foundation, India is positioning itself to lead the world in deep-tech, research, and innovation — paving the way for a self-reliant, technologically advanced Bharat.

Social Media

YouTube Introduces AI ‘Super Resolution’ to Enhance Low-Quality Videos Up to 4K

Tanisha Cardozo

YouTube is bringing artificial intelligence to the heart of its viewing experience with the launch of “Super Resolution”, an advanced AI-powered upscaling feature that enhances low-quality videos automatically.

The new tool, announced through YouTube’s official blog, uses machine learning to generate higher-resolution versions of videos originally uploaded below 1080p. The platform aims to make even older, standard-definition videos appear in HD or up to 4K quality, improving clarity, sharpness, and detail.

When active, viewers will see a “Super Resolution” label in the video settings, allowing them to switch between the AI-enhanced and original versions. Importantly, YouTube confirmed that creators will retain full control over their content—original files and resolutions will remain intact, and opting out of the upscaling feature will be possible.

In its statement, YouTube said:

“We’re starting with videos uploaded below 1080p, upscaling them from SD to HD, with the goal to support resolutions up to 4K in the near future. Creators will retain complete control over their library, as both original files and video resolutions will be kept intact.”

Beyond Super Resolution, YouTube also announced several interface updates: immersive previews on smart TVs, enhanced channel-specific search tools, and new QR code integrations for product-linked videos—making the platform’s ecosystem more interactive and commerce-friendly.

By introducing AI-driven video enhancement, YouTube joins a growing wave of platforms using artificial intelligence to restore and upscale legacy media. The move could redefine how audiences experience older videos while allowing creators to maintain consistent quality across their channels—without the need to reupload or re-edit existing content.

Business

Molbio Diagnostics Wins KOCHON Prize 2024 for TB Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Molbio Diagnostics, an innovative point-of-care diagnostics company, has been awarded the KOCHON Prize 2024 by the Stop TB Partnership, a hosted entity of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

This global recognition celebrates Molbio’s pioneering efforts in expanding access to the latest diagnostic tools and innovations for people affected by tuberculosis (TB), advancing progress toward the UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) targets. With this distinction, Molbio becomes the first private company globally—and only the third Indian entity after the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Dr. L.S. Chauhan—to receive this honour.

The Kochon Prize, established by the Kochon Foundation in memory of its late chairman, Chong-Kun Lee, is the world’s largest award dedicated to tuberculosis. It recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the global fight against TB.

Molbio’s revolutionary Truenat platform, a portable, battery-operated, real-time PCR system, has transformed TB testing by decentralizing diagnostics. Its compact design allows reliable testing without laboratory infrastructure, ensuring accuracy even in remote and resource-limited settings. Beyond TB, Truenat has been adapted for detecting other infectious diseases such as hepatitis, COVID-19, and HPV.

Dr. Chandrashekhar Nair, Chief Technical Officer of Molbio Diagnostics, stated, “It is deeply fulfilling to see India’s indigenous innovation driving better health outcomes across the world. This recognition is a tribute to the unwavering dedication of our teams who have worked relentlessly to translate that vision into reality.”

Molbio’s Executive Director and CEO, Sriram Natarajan, expressed gratitude to the Government of India, ICMR, WHO, and the global TB community for their support and endorsement of the Truenat® platform. As a gesture of appreciation, Molbio is donating its prize money back to the Stop TB Partnership, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening TB programs worldwide.

Endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Indian Council of Medical Research, Truenat devices are now deployed in more than 80 countries, supporting over 10,000 installations globally.

With this recognition, Molbio continues to represent India’s leadership in global health innovation, using science, technology, and compassion to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for all.

EduConnect

Young Innovators of PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Shine at Viksit Bharat Buildathon

Tanisha Cardozo

The students of PM SHRI GHS Morpirla took a bold step into the future with ideas powered by creativity, innovation, and a deep-rooted sense of patriotism. Participating in the nationwide Viksit Bharat Buildathon, launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, they prepared a series of impressive projects and prototypes.

The themes—Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Local for Local, and Samriddh Bharat—were brought to life through working models, thoughtful solutions, and impactful ideas. The buildathon served as a platform for students to channel their curiosity into real-world innovations that support India’s growth journey.

More than just a competition, the event was a celebration of India’s young thinkers and doers—students who understand the importance of self-reliance and are ready to shape a Viksit Bharat with their own hands.

The initiative exemplifies how empowered minds and creative hands can bring about meaningful change. PM SHRI GHS Morpirla stood out as a beacon of this vision, showcasing how schools can nurture innovation and patriotism together to build a stronger India.