Tag: Skill Development

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 — 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 – T&D) and Mr. Arithy MV (Manager – 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 — 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 India’s participation marks a forward-thinking commitment to nurturing innovation at the university level. The lab will provide infrastructure, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities with Sony’s global AI research teams.

Housed within GURU, the Goa University Research Park Unit, the AAI Lab represents the university’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 isn’t just about a physical laboratory — it’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.

EduConnect

Narayan Zantye College & Vedanta Sesa Goa Unite to Empower Youth on International Youth Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Bicholim, August 16, 2025 — Marking International Youth Day 2025, Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, in strategic collaboration with Vedanta Sesa Goa, organized a compelling day of dialogue, inspiration, and celebration under the theme: “Local Youth Action for the SDGs & Beyond.”

As part of the ‘YouThePower, YouTheChange’ initiative, the day’s activities included a vibrant panel discussion, interactive student sessions, and the inauguration of new educational facilities aimed at empowering youth through knowledge and innovation.

The event’s highlight was the expert panel discussion on “The Power of Youth in Creating Jobs, Solving Problems, and Shaping the Future.” Moderated by Ms. Sadiya Choudhary, a Third Year B.Com student, the panel brought together esteemed voices from industry and academia:

  • Mr. Santosh Mandrekar – Head, North & Central Cluster, Vedanta IOG
  • Mr. Deepak Nawathe – Senior Training Officer, Sesa Technical School (STS)
  • Mr. Chetan Salelkar – Entrepreneur
  • Prof. Dr. Praveen Sawant – Associate Professor, Narayan Zantye College

The discussion highlighted the importance of skill-building, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven innovation in today’s fast-evolving economy. Panelists emphasized that with the right mindset and resources, young people can be powerful changemakers—creating employment, innovating for the future, and addressing societal challenges with creativity and compassion.

Principal Prof. Dr. Rajendra Khorjuvekar reflected on the significance of the occasion, stating:

“International Youth Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to empowering youth. This panel has enabled our students to gain valuable insights into how they can maximize their potential and contribute to the greater good.”

In recognition of student excellence, Ms. Siddhi Chopdekar, Mr. Vishwanath S. Illakallmatty, and Ms. Shruti Gaddi were felicitated for their outstanding achievements.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students posed thought-provoking questions, further enriching the day’s learning experience.

With its focus on leadership, community impact, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the event was not just a celebration—it was a call to action for youth to lead with vision and responsibility.

EduConnect

Despite 90% Placements, Goa’s Graduates Are Choosing Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Tanisha Cardozo

While Goa’s engineering and diploma colleges boast an impressive 90%+ placement rate, a more meaningful transformation is happening beneath the surface. A new generation of graduates is stepping beyond the boundaries of traditional employment — choosing entrepreneurship, self-employment, and reskilling as their path forward.

This isn’t about rejecting jobs — it’s about redefining success. With over 500 students placed in on- and off-campus drives, Goa’s talent is clearly industry-ready. But over 300 others are intentionally opting for higher education, entrepreneurial ventures, or skill-building initiatives. This points to a growing mindset shift: one where skills, not just degrees, are viewed as the currency of the future.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight.

At the heart of this change is the Startup and IT Promotion Cell and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, led by Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. Their strategic focus has been to reimagine education not just as a route to employment, but as a platform for lifelong learning and innovation.

Under this vision, Goa is building a holistic skilling ecosystem that evolves in real time with industry trends. Through initiatives like:

  • BridgeAura ’25: a forward-looking industry-academia partnership program
  • Goa AI Mission: introducing AI-driven learning and problem-solving in institutions
  • Startup Yatra Bootcamp and Masterclasses: that give students direct exposure to entrepreneurial tools
  • Hackathons and real-world project challenges

Goa is not just producing graduates — it’s nurturing founders, builders, and future leaders.

Institutions across the state are playing their part. From TORQUE 2025 at Goa College of Engineering (GEC), led by the Mechanical Engineering Students’ Association (MESA), to IDEAS 3.0 at Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), students are being given platforms to innovate, present ideas, collaborate in teams, and build solutions to real problems.

These events are more than academic exercises — they are incubators for startup culture and entrepreneurial confidence.

Goa is now emerging as a model for how a state can equip its youth not just for the jobs of today, but to create the opportunities of tomorrow.

This generation of students isn’t just getting hired — they’re getting ready to hire others.

EduConnect

Goa Expands ITKC Network to Empower Youth with Future-Ready Digital Skills

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, August 07, 2025 – In a progressive move toward digital equity and future-readiness, the Government of Goa has announced the empanelment of new Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) under the ST/SC Empowerment through ICT Scheme.

The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Minister for ITE&C Rohan A. Khaunte at PAC Hall Secretariat, Porvorim, in the presence of top officials from the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG).

💡 Aimed at Building Careers, Not Just Skills

The newly empanelled ITKCs will now operate in six additional talukas: Bardez, Ponda, Salcete, Sanguem, Quepem, and Canacona.

These centres will offer over 33 foundational and advanced courses in high-demand domains such as:

  • Ethical Hacking
  • 3D Design
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Cyber Safety for Women
  • Robotics
  • Project Management
  • Basic Computer Literacy

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said,

“We aim to deepen digital access and provide structured skilling to empower SC and ST youth, helping them become self-reliant and career-ready.”

💻 Free Laptops and Drone Didi Initiative

The scheme goes further than training.

  • Free laptops will be provided to eligible EWS and OBC students pursuing engineering in Goa.
  • Goa also becomes the first state to focus on drone pilot training for women SHGs, aligned with the national Drone Didi scheme, promoting rural micro-entrepreneurship.

🌐 Building a Future-Ready Goa

Minister Rohan A. Khaunte stated,

“This is about inclusive tech. We’re not only creating jobs—we’re creating digital citizens who can lead innovation in their communities.”

The ITKCs are part of Goa’s broader citizen-first digital policy, aiming to build inclusive growth, equal opportunity, and a future-ready workforce.

EduConnect

LeapUp-Dempo Initiative Set to Revolutionize Skill-Based Learning at Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College

Tanisha Cardozo

July 28, 2025 | Panaji, Goa: Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, an esteemed educational institution recently granted autonomous status, has taken a bold leap into the future of education. Through a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai-based edtech firm LeapUp, the college has launched an initiative designed to seamlessly integrate 30-hour online certification courses into the existing academic curriculum.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in reshaping the educational landscape of Goa. “This is more than just an upgrade — it’s a transformational move toward future-ready education,” said Prof. Dr. Manoj Kamat, Principal of Dempo College. The primary goal? To ensure students graduate with both academic knowledge and job-market-ready skills.

Courses — all offered at no additional cost — span high-demand domains like Artificial Intelligence, Equity Research, Stock Trading, Six Sigma, Financial Modelling, Lateral Thinking, and Retail Business. Students will benefit from a flexible curriculum structure that includes both compulsory and optional modules, with audit options for extra learning.

LeapUp, co-founded by CA Harshit Shah and Ronak Gala, brings to the table a powerful LMS platform, a curated lineup of industry veterans as mentors, and rigorous assessments to monitor attendance and progress. This structure ensures a high standard of engagement and skill acquisition for every student.

“This collaboration is a blend of vision and execution. We’re not just talking about future-readiness — we’re building it into the system,” said co-founder Ronak Gala. Harshit Shah added that the entire program is exclusively available for Dempo College students in Goa, with self-paced learning, live sessions, and practical assignments.

The launch event was graced by college dignitaries including Vice Principal Dr. Sangeeta Chakravorty, Dean Prof. Deepali Churi, HoD Commerce Derina Rodrigues, and faculty members Asst Prof. Amit Naik, Gilbert Mendes, Shashi Yadav, and Vishwa Pai Raikar.

The LeapUp-Dempo initiative stands as a testament to what modern education can achieve when innovation meets intent — and sets a benchmark for institutions across India to follow.