Panaji, Goa | June 30, 2025 — In a strategic initiative to align academic learning with real-world industry demands, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Goa College of Engineering (GEC), Farmagudi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 30, 2025. The MoU marks a milestone in strengthening Goa’s innovation ecosystem through deeper collaboration between education and enterprise.
The formal signing ceremony took place in the presence of key dignitaries from both institutions. Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo, President of GCCI, and Dr. Krupashankara M. S., Principal of GEC, signed the MoU. Other dignitaries present included Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI; Dr. Suraj S. Rane, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, GEC; Ms. Pratima Dhond, President-Elect, GCCI; Mr. Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Treasurer, GCCI; and Ms. Ambika Dhakhenkar, Deputy Director, GCCI.
Key Objectives of the MoU Include:
Curriculum Modernization: Aligning GEC’s academic curriculum with evolving industry needs to enhance employability.
Skill Development & Training: Facilitating training programs, internships, and industry-specific workshops.
Innovation & Research: Supporting student-led innovation, entrepreneurship initiatives, and collaborative research projects.
Expert Engagement: Organizing industry talks, field visits, seminars, and placement-focused sessions.
Infrastructure Support: Setting up industry-sponsored labs to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Consultancy & Projects: Offering technical consultancy and enabling real-world project exposure for students.
Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, emphasized the vision behind the initiative:
“This partnership is a forward-looking step that reflects GCCI’s commitment to nurturing talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Goa. We are delighted to collaborate with one of Goa’s premier engineering institutions.”
Dr. Krupashankara M. S., Principal of GEC, expressed his enthusiasm:
“This MoU allows our students to gain enhanced exposure to real-world industry challenges. We aim to bridge the divide between theoretical learning and practical application.”
The MoU will remain in effect for a period of five years, during which both institutions will jointly undertake strategic initiatives to drive innovation, research, and skill development across Goa.
With this collaboration, GCCI and GEC reaffirm their shared vision of creating a future-ready workforce, empowered by knowledge, practical experience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Panjim, June 19, 2025: As part of its ongoing efforts to advance the startup ecosystem, the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITEC), Government of Goa, is organising the Goa Market Access Expo on June 20, 2025, from 3:30 PM onwards at the Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim as part of the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025.
Positioned as an opportunity to pilot solutions in Goa, the Expo is a game changer—bringing together 100+ shortlisted startups with tech-driven solutions across key sectors—Tourism, Waste Management, Agriculture, Public Services, NABARD, ITE&C, and Industry. The event also extends an open invitation to Goa’s startup ecosystem—entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, and enablers to engage, connect, and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The event will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, and Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of InfoTech Corporation of Goa Ltd., Dr. Chandrakant Shetye.
The Expo aims to create tangible outcomes by facilitating pilot projects, strengthening government-industry collaboration, and connecting startups with investors. One-on-one meetings tailored to each startup’s needs will ensure focused engagement with relevant government departments and industry stakeholders.
The Market Access Expo 2025 is a step forward in shaping Goa into a preferred innovation hub—where promising ideas connect with real opportunities for market access, growth, and impact.
The 6th Edition of The Business Diva competition, organized by the Women’s Wing of GCCI (Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry), recently concluded with a grand celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship among women in Goa. The event, aimed at supporting and spotlighting women entrepreneurs, successfully brought together aspiring and established women business owners from all corners of the state.
The Business Diva competition is more than just an event—it’s a platform created with the vision to celebrate and uplift women entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, and leadership. The event was held in collaboration with FiiRE (Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research, and Entrepreneurship), a renowned organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs, and received invaluable support from Mr. Tushar Sawant, Enterprise Development Manager at FiiRE.
The competition spanned over three months, starting with the announcement and culminating in an intense day-long finale. The entire process was meticulously organized, and the program saw a whopping 100+ nominations from women entrepreneurs across Goa. This overwhelming response showcased the growing entrepreneurial spirit among women in the state and the need for such platforms.
Categories and Rounds: Startup, Scaleup, and Rural Woman Enterprise
The competition was divided into three key categories:
Startup: For new ventures that have innovative ideas and the potential to scale.
Scaleup: For businesses that have already started and are looking to expand.
Rural Woman Enterprise: Specifically for women entrepreneurs in rural areas who are making a significant impact with their businesses.
After a careful review of the nominations, the first round of selection narrowed down the entries to 30 nominations. These candidates were then invited for the second round, a pitching session where they presented their business models, strategies, and visions. Ultimately, 5 finalists in each category were chosen to proceed to the finale.
The Business Diva platform was created by the Women’s Wing of GCCI with the aim of bringing forward the untold stories of innovation and impact by women entrepreneurs. It also serves as a space to create a supportive community of like-minded women, offering them opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. This platform is not just about competition but also about celebrating the achievements and challenges of women in business, promoting an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
The competition was open to all women entrepreneurs across Goa, both aspiring and established, providing them with an opportunity to pitch their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and receive recognition for their entrepreneurial journey.
The finale of the Business Diva competition took place on 27th May 2025 at the GCCI Hall in Panjim. The event was a celebration of entrepreneurship, with each finalist presenting her business and journey to a panel of esteemed judges. The panel of judges included:
Dr. R. Nirmala, Professor at Goa Business School, Goa University
Mr. Yogesh Mittal, CFO at Hughes Precision Ltd, Verna
Mrs. Ekta Agarwal, CEO of SS Technologies, Margao
The day-long program was packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and a deep dive into the businesses and ideas that the women brought forward. The grand award ceremony took place later in the evening and was graced by several dignitaries, including:
Padma Shri Smt. Shashi Soni, the Chief Guest
Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, as the Guest of Honour
Smt. Pratima Dhond, Vice President of GCCI, also as the Guest of Honour
The winners of the 6th edition of The Business Diva competition were as follows:
Category: Startup
Winner: Yasha Jain – Charmify
Runner Up: Isha Kher – Meraki Enterprises
Category: Scaleup
Winner: Shruti Mascarenhas – Ceracotta
Runner Up: Sunetra Pai Fondekar – Kalanetra
Category: Rural Woman Enterprise
Winner: Dr. Chetna Parab – Soulart Gift Store
Runner Up: Poonam Naik – Super Taste Papad
Each winner and runner-up was awarded a prestigious title that recognized their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The awards were a testament to their hard work and resilience in the competitive world of business.
The event was efficiently hosted by Rahila Khan and Gauri Borkar, both committee members of the Women’s Wing, whose efforts ensured the smooth execution of the program. The Women’s Wing also expressed their gratitude to FiiRE for offering mentoring, funding, and growth opportunities to all the participants, enabling them to enhance their businesses and take them to the next level.
A heartfelt congratulations was extended to all the winners, finalists, and participants for their courage and determination to come forward and showcase their entrepreneurial journeys. The Women’s Wing is proud to have hosted such an impactful event and is committed to continuing its mission to inspire and support women entrepreneurs across Goa.
With the success of the 6th edition of The Business Diva, the Women’s Wing of GCCI is already looking forward to the next edition of the competition in 2025. The event serves as a stepping stone for more women to venture into the world of entrepreneurship without limitations, and it is hoped that the winners will inspire other women to chase their dreams fearlessly.
May 11 marks a significant milestone in India’s scientific history – National Technology Day. This day commemorates the successful nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in 1998, establishing India as the sixth nuclear nation in the world. The tests, codenamed Operation Shakti, were conducted under the direction of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and marked a major breakthrough in India’s nuclear program.
India’s journey of innovation has been remarkable. From pathbreaking space missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan to cutting-edge defence systems like the Tejas fighter plane and INS Arihant, our nation has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. In the health and digital spaces, initiatives like Aadhaar, UPI, and homemade vaccines like Covaxin have transformed lives, making technology accessible and effective.
Science and technology have the power to transform societies and empower nations. India’s achievements in these fields are not just indicators of progress but also a testament to the nation’s commitment to harnessing technology for the benefit of society. As we celebrate National Technology Day, we recognize the importance of innovation in shaping our future.
The theme “Empowering Tomorrow, One Innovation at a Time” reminds us that every breakthrough, no matter how small, contributes to building a stronger and smarter nation. It emphasizes the need for continuous innovation and progress in science and technology to address the challenges of tomorrow.
As we mark National Technology Day, we call upon young minds to take up the mantle of innovation and research. We urge policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to work together to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, we can build a future powered by innovation, self-sufficiency, and sustainable development.
As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities that science and technology hold. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to biotechnology and renewable energy, the opportunities for innovation are endless. Let us work together to empower tomorrow, one innovation at a time.
On this National Technology Day, we celebrate India’s scientific prowess and commitment to innovation. We honor the scientists, engineers, and innovators who have made significant contributions to our nation’s progress. We also recognize the importance of science and technology in shaping our future and pledge to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Key Highlights
National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 to commemorate India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
India’s achievements in science and technology have transformed lives and empowered the nation.
The theme “Empowering Tomorrow, One Innovation at a Time” emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation.
The day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of science and technology in shaping our future.
It is a call to action for young minds, policymakers, and industry leaders to work together to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Maria Murena Miranda, Headmistress of Government High School Morpirla, has spent 36 years dedicating her life to education. Her passion for teaching and commitment to her students has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Award for Teachers.
The National Award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, is a testament to Miranda’s innovative approaches to teaching and her tireless efforts to provide quality education to her students. This recognition has not only honored her but also motivated her to continue striving for excellence.
Miranda’s teaching methods are centered around making learning engaging and interactive. Some of her notable initiatives include:
Project-Based Learning: Encouraging students to explore real-world problems and develop practical solutions.
Experiential Learning: Fostering hands-on experiences that help students learn by doing.
3D Printing: Introducing students to cutting-edge technology that enhances their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Miranda’s efforts have had a profound impact on her students and the community. Some notable achievements include:
100% SSC Results: Her school has achieved 100% SSC results ten times, a remarkable feat for a tribal government school.
National-Level Competitions: Her students have excelled in national-level competitions, showcasing their talents and skills.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025: One of her students was selected for Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, a prestigious program that recognizes outstanding students.
Miranda’s National Award has positioned her as a leader and mentor in education. She is now selected as a mentor to train teachers, sharing her expertise and experience with others. Her leadership and mentorship have inspired a new generation of educators.
Miranda’s approach to education is centered around understanding each child’s unique needs and abilities. She believes in being a supportive and caring teacher who can mold any student. Her legacy is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and passion in education.
Maria Murena Miranda’s story is an inspiration to educators and students alike. Her commitment to education and her students has made a lasting impact on her community. As a leader and mentor, she continues to shape the future of education, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Happy Birthday, Maria Murena Miranda!
On this special day, we celebrate your life, dedication, and passion for education. Your tireless efforts to provide quality education to your students, especially those from tribal backgrounds, have made a profound impact.
May your birthday be filled with joy, love, and appreciation from your students, colleagues, and community. May your legacy continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Here’s to another year of making a difference in the lives of your students and beyond!
