Tag: student innovation

TechPulse

Goa Launches Startup Policy 2025 to Boost Innovation, Jobs, and Entrepreneurship

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is rapidly evolving into one of India’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, and the launch of the Goa Startup Policy 2025 marks a significant leap forward in that journey. Introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), this forward-thinking policy aims to foster innovation, generate employment, attract investment, and promote entrepreneurship across the state.

Goa already boasts 696 DPIIT-recognised startups — one of the highest per capita in the country — and the new policy sets even more ambitious goals. By 2028, Goa aims to establish 1,000 startups, create 10,000 jobs for Goans, help 100 startups secure venture funding, and enable partnerships between 50 startups and government departments.

The policy is spearheaded by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, who is actively working to create an innovation-first culture across sectors. It takes a holistic approach — offering support not just to founders, but also to students, educational institutions, women entrepreneurs, and incubators.

The Campus Innovation Scheme is a standout initiative under the policy, offering grants to student innovators for entrepreneurial and research-based projects. These grants will cover costs related to prototype development, encouraging students to become job creators, not just job seekers.

To build a future-ready workforce, the Skill Enhancement Scheme reimburses startups for AI and tech-related upskilling. Additionally, the government will collaborate with private entities to establish IT labs, Maker Labs, and Innovation Centres in educational campuses and industrial parks.

The policy places a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship. Women-led startups working on innovative ideas will be eligible for monthly allowances, mentorship, and funding support through a dedicated program. Another initiative — the Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme — will provide financial support to startups attending government-endorsed exhibitions and trade shows, enabling better visibility and networking opportunities.

Crucially, the policy fosters an ecosystem approach. It encourages partnerships with accelerators, investors, educational institutions, corporates, government bodies, and market platforms, creating a collaborative network that supports startups through every stage of growth.

By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and skill development, the Goa Startup Policy 2025 is building the foundation for a globally competitive, future-facing economy. Goa is not just aspiring to be a startup hub — it is setting itself up to become India’s Creative Capital, where technology meets talent, and ideas become impact.

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

PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla Attends Innovation Council Workshop at Don Bosco College of Engineering

allycaralgoa

Quepem, Goa | 26th June 2025 – In a forward-thinking move to empower students with the tools of modern innovation, the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla participated in an immersive Innovation Council Workshop held at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda. The workshop, conducted on 26th June 2025, brought together young minds and experts for a dynamic day of exploration, learning, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

Igniting Minds with Innovation

The workshop began with an inspiring keynote session by Siddhanth Panjikar, who set the tone for the day with an engaging discussion on Innovation and Creativity. Emphasizing the importance of design thinking, collaboration, and a culture of experimentation, his session motivated students to think outside the box and approach problems with fresh perspectives.

Through interactive discussions, students were encouraged to share ideas and understand how innovation plays a vital role in solving real-world challenges. They learned that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset, curiosity, and the willingness to question, explore, and experiment.

Think, Design, Prototype: A Hands-On Journey

The heart of the workshop was the Think, Design, and Prototyping session, which introduced students to the fundamentals of design thinking—from identifying problems to brainstorming, prototyping, and testing. Students were guided through structured innovation processes and real-life case studies that demonstrated the power of empathy, ideation, and creativity.

This session emphasized the role of collaboration and iterative design in creating effective solutions. Students were given a platform to brainstorm ideas, discuss challenges, and visualize how they could bring their ideas to life.

Exploring Future Technologies: 3D Printing and Laser Cutting

One of the most exciting segments of the day was the technology demonstration on 3D printing and laser cutting. Students witnessed the precision of laser cutting, observing how the technology could effortlessly carve intricate patterns and designs. They gained a deeper appreciation for how laser cutting is used in industries such as manufacturing, architecture, and product design.

The 3D printing demonstration opened a window into the fascinating world of additive manufacturing. Students learned about the step-by-step process of creating physical objects layer by layer from digital models. From prototyping to final production, the applications of 3D printing in various fields such as healthcare, engineering, and education were explored.

Adding to the excitement, students had the unique opportunity to use 3D pens, which allowed them to create physical designs in real-time using handheld tools. This engaging activity boosted their confidence and creativity, showing them that innovation can be both fun and accessible.

Inspiration for the Future

The workshop concluded with a reflection session, where students shared their takeaways and expressed enthusiasm about applying their new skills and knowledge in their school environment. The experience not only broadened their understanding of emerging technologies but also instilled a deeper interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Towards a Culture of Innovation

The Innovation Council Workshop was more than just a one-day event—it was a step forward in building a mindset of innovation among the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla. With the skills and inspiration gained, students are now better equipped to take on creative challenges and contribute meaningfully to the school’s journey toward becoming an innovation-driven learning environment.

EduConnect

GOVERNMENT HIGH SCHOOL MORPIRLA: WHERE INNOVATION KNOWS NO BOUNDS

allycaralgoa

In a heartening tale of triumph, students from Government High School Morpirla have shattered conventional expectations by emerging as frontrunners in innovation. Despite being from a tribal background and facing numerous challenges, these young minds have demonstrated exceptional creativity and ingenuity.

Four project ideas from PM Shri GHS Morpirla have been selected for the Pen2Prototype (P2P) round of the prestigious School Innovation Contest, organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, New Delhi. This feat is all the more remarkable considering that the contest attracted a whopping 1.5 lakh project ideas from students across India.

Overcoming Adversity

What makes this achievement even more special is that these students have overcome significant hurdles to reach this milestone. Hailing from tribal communities, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources and lack of support at home. However, these obstacles have not deterred them from pursuing their passion for innovation.

A Nurturing Environment

So, what sets Government High School Morpirla apart? The answer lies in the school’s emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation. By providing students with access to cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and robotics, the school encourages them to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

Project-Based Learning

The school’s focus on project-based learning has also played a significant role in nurturing the students’ creative potential. By working on real-world projects, students develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.