Tag: Innovation

EduConnect

Goa’s Social Science Faculty Empowered through Advanced Peer-Learning Workshop (Phase IV)

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, organised a two-day advanced-level research workshop aimed at enhancing the research skills and capabilities of social science faculty across the state. Titled ‘Faculty-to-Faculty Peer Learning in Social Sciences (Phase IV)’, the workshop was held on September 18th and 19th, 2025, and brought together academicians to explore modern research methodologies and tools that can shape the future of evidence-based social science research in the region.

The workshop was inaugurated in the presence of Chief Guest Bhushan K. Savaikar, Director of the Directorate of Higher Education, who spoke about the importance of academic research in tackling real-world societal challenges. His address set the tone for a high-impact event that combined intellectual discourse with hands-on learning. The workshop was meticulously co-ordinated by Prof. (Dr.) Niyan Marchon and Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Majik, with the support of Asst. Prof. Devmanoj Medisetty.

Dr. Sunil Kumar from the National Institute of Technology Goa delivered the keynote session, focusing on “Integrating Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Development Policy in Social Science Research.” His presentation emphasized how social sciences can harness innovation and policy frameworks to generate actionable insights that benefit both academia and society at large.

The two-day event featured multiple peer-led learning sessions where faculty members shared their expertise on various research topics. These included statistical expressions and hypothesis formulation, quantitative data analysis using SPSS, qualitative research using QGIS, and techniques for effective data management. Participants were also introduced to practical applications such as the use of SPSS for public policy and election data analysis, and methods for developing impactful research questionnaires.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the introduction to open-source tools that can democratize access to quality research resources, making it easier for faculty to pursue rigorous research regardless of institutional constraints. The emphasis on real-world application and data-driven insights aligned well with the broader goals of academic excellence and informed policy making.

The event concluded on a high note, reaffirming the Directorate of Higher Education’s commitment to nurturing a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation among Goa’s academic community. The fourth phase of the Faculty-to-Faculty Peer Learning initiative has once again demonstrated the power of collective academic engagement in elevating research standards across disciplines.

TechPulse

Goa to Launch Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality with Pacific Link College, Canada

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark move that blends technology, tourism, and education, Goa is all set to launch a Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality in partnership with Pacific Link College, Canada. This pioneering initiative will integrate artificial intelligence into the core of the state’s booming hospitality and tourism sector, enhancing guest experiences while building a skilled workforce equipped for the future.

The project was the focus of high-level meetings held in Goa, where a delegation from Pacific Link College met with Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte. The visiting team, led by Shri Tarun Khullar (CEO and Director-Board Member, BCIBN), included Shri Roshan Worth (Head of South Asia), Shri Rick Pasin (Head of Academics), and Shri Aaron DPenha (Campus Director). They presented a detailed proposal outlining their vision to create a world-class institution focused on AI-driven hospitality innovation.

“This collaboration is not just about imagining the future of tourism – we are building it,” said Shri Rohan Khaunte. “The Centre of Excellence will empower Goan youth with the latest in AI training, and put Goa on the map as a lighthouse state for AI-powered tourism experiences.”

The Government of Goa played a key role in coordinating discussions between the Pacific Link College team and stakeholders from the local industry and academic sectors to ensure that the Centre’s goals are aligned with regional training needs and tourism development strategies. During follow-up meetings on September 8, 2025, two potential locations were identified for the Centre’s physical campus.

The Centre of Excellence will have a multi-pronged mission: to skill youth in AI applications specific to hospitality – from automating services to designing personalized guest experiences, to support startups and entrepreneurs developing AI-based travel tech solutions, to co-develop academic curricula with Goan institutions, and to embed AI tools across tourism services in the state.

This initiative is a strategic pillar of Goa’s AI Mission 2027, an ambitious program aimed at embedding artificial intelligence across governance, industry, education, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging AI, Goa hopes to offer smarter, more seamless tourism experiences, attract longer and more meaningful visits, and create new job and investment opportunities in the process.

The Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality is expected to be operational in the coming months, following the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the completion of necessary infrastructure.

TechPulse

Goa’s First Friday Explores How Location Tech Shapes Our World

Tanisha Cardozo

What do Tesla, Google Maps, and Swiggy have in common? The answer lies in geospatial technology. This was the question that set the stage for the 16th edition of First Friday, a monthly meetup by Goa’s Creative Community, held at FiiRE in Margao. Organised by the Creative Community of Goa in collaboration with the Association of Designers of India – Goa Chapter and supported by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, the session drew creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators into a conversation about the hidden force that powers our everyday world: location.

Architect and entrepreneur Vikrant Karandikar led the session, tracing the journey of geospatial technology from its military origins to its present-day ubiquity in apps and tools that shape modern life. He explained how GPS, healthcare diagnostics, and delivery services all rely on location data to function seamlessly. More than just physical maps, location has become a core driver of decision-making and innovation. Businesses like Airbnb and CouchSurfing have leveraged it to scale, while platforms such as Swiggy and Google Maps thrive on real-time, crowd-sourced updates from their users.

Karandikar also drew examples from urban mobility, pointing to Tesla’s autonomous systems and the ACES model—Autonomous, Connected, Electric, Shared—that is transforming the way we think of transport in cities. On the conservation front, he cited drones monitoring rhino habitats in Karnataka and 3D mapping tools preserving India’s cultural heritage. Even sports are being revolutionised, with smart bats equipped with gyroscopes to analyse swing dynamics and offer instant feedback.

Through vivid examples, he showed how location-aware strategies have been shaping industries for decades, recalling how consumer goods companies once adapted packaging sizes to local markets based on purchasing power. Today, location intelligence goes even deeper, from flood warning systems to GIS-driven architectural design.

The session was not just about technology but also about Goa’s place in this emerging landscape. Addressing the gathering, Shri DS Prashant, CEO of Startup and IT Promotion Cell, reminded the audience that Goa is evolving beyond its reputation as a beach destination into a hub for creativity and premium tech innovation. “Goa is where talent comes together to build products, because it nourishes creativity and offers ample space and freedom one needs to innovate,” he said, urging the community to work towards making Goa India’s Creative Capital.

By the end of the evening, the audience was left with a deeper appreciation for the unseen role of geospatial data in everyday life. From the delivery on your doorstep to the car you choose to ride, from protecting wildlife to responding to natural disasters, location remains the quiet constant behind innovation. First Friday once again lived up to its reputation as a hub where design, technology, and creativity meet to spark new ideas and possibilities for the future.

Events in Goa

Goa Police Hackathon 2025 to Launch with 36 Teams Tackling 9 Real-World Policing Challenges

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Police will officially launch the third edition of its Hackathon on 1st September 2025, inviting students from across the state to craft innovative tech solutions to real-world policing challenges. The event is expected to witness the enthusiastic participation of 36 teams, each taking on one of 9 carefully crafted problem statements related to law enforcement, crime detection, and civic safety.

As the role of technology in policing continues to expand—from data analytics to surveillance and cybercrime response—Goa Police aims to forge meaningful collaborations between young innovators and the law enforcement ecosystem. This Hackathon will not just target students from IT backgrounds; it will remain open to all disciplines, encouraging cross-functional approaches to problem-solving in public safety.

The process will begin with online registration and abstract submission, with a deadline set for 8th September 2025 at 11:59 PM. Each team, consisting of 2 to 4 members, will be required to submit a two-page abstract outlining their selected problem statement, proposed tech solution, core features, rationale for selection, and any relevant experience. Teams shortlisted based on this abstract will be announced by 14th September 2025.

These finalists will then participate in an intense, round-the-clock Hackathon session scheduled from 7:00 PM on 19th September to 7:00 PM on 21st September 2025. Over the 48-hour sprint, teams will develop working prototypes and present their solutions to a jury comprising police officials, tech experts, and civic leaders.

Each of the 9 problem statements will carry a cash prize of ₹50,000. More importantly, winning ideas may stand a chance to be developed further and implemented in real policing workflows, making this not just a competition but a potential gateway to real-world impact.

Through this initiative, Goa Police reaffirms its commitment to building smarter, tech-enabled law enforcement practices. From tackling cybercrime and digital forensics to enabling predictive policing and intelligent surveillance, the Hackathon will serve as a testing ground for tomorrow’s policing solutions.

By engaging students directly, Goa Police hopes to inspire a culture of civic-tech collaboration, where the next generation of coders, analysts, and innovators take part in shaping safer communities.

Final presentation and award ceremony details will be announced soon. Goa Police invites all eligible students to participate in this mission-driven opportunity to use their skills for public good and contribute to the future of law enforcement in India.

Entertainment

American Inventor Turned YouTuber Mark Rober Signs Official Netflix Deal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Los Angeles, August 23 – Acclaimed YouTuber and former NASA engineer Mark Rober has officially inked a deal with Netflix, marking another major leap in his unique journey from rocket science to online fame to now mainstream entertainment.

At 45, Rober is already a household name in the world of DIY gadgets, science communication, and fun educational content. Known for building squirrel obstacle courses, glitter bomb traps, and engineering marvels that blend fun with functionality, Rober has amassed millions of followers on YouTube and social media.

The deal with Netflix aims to leverage Rober’s inventive skills and passion for science education to create a show targeted at young audiences. His upcoming series will blend hands-on engineering with interactive storytelling, similar to the engaging tone seen on his popular YouTube channel.

“We are highly surprised with the creativity of Mark and his skilled work,” said Jimmy Kimmel during a recent segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “He’s introduced to Netflix as a smart and creative inventor, and his inclusion is a big win for the platform.”

This marks a significant trend among streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+—where platforms are increasingly recognizing the educational and inspirational value of creators like Rober, who bridge the gap between science and entertainment.

Jo Redferns, a media consultant who spoke to the BBC, said, “These YouTubers are not overnight sensations but are building a new trend in science and innovation. Mark Rober represents the modern inventor—engaging, creative, and incredibly educational.”

Rober, a University of Southern California alumnus with dual degrees in mechanical engineering, spent 9 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) before transitioning into full-time content creation. His mission has remained consistent: to make science fun, accessible, and inspiring for all—especially the younger generation.

Rober’s new Netflix show is expected to launch sometime in 2026 and is being positioned alongside other creative endeavors, such as a U.S. version of The Sidemen and new original content by Ms Rachel. Meanwhile, shows like Cocomelon may see shifts to other platforms, signaling a broader transformation in streaming content strategies.

As Rober steps into the Netflix spotlight, his fans—and budding young inventors—are eagerly waiting to see what fascinating ideas he brings to the screen next.