Goa State Innovation Council Inspires Student Creativity Through Innovative Programmes

The Goa State Innovation Council (GSIC) has been instrumental in nurturing innovative ideas among students in various colleges. These ideas are transformed into tangible prototypes at their laboratory in Fatorda, located on the Don Bosco College of Engineering campus. Since its establishment in 2010, GSIC has impacted over 50,000 students, with more than 10,000 visiting the lab.

GSIC chairman Jose Manuel Noronha emphasised that innovation allows people to envision the future. "For us at GSIC, a number of programmes are conducted. We visit various colleges and discuss how innovation and technology can be used. We offer different schemes to college students, especially in technology colleges like ITIs and engineering," he stated.

Encouraging Innovation and Patenting

Noronha highlighted that GSIC also supports patenting initiatives, with innovators filing 17 patents. Students from institutions such as Don Bosco College of Engineering, Rayeshwar Institute of Technology, Padre Concessao College of Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Goa Engineering College, and Manovikas English Medium School have contributed to these patents.

Young innovators can develop their ideas into prototypes at the lab before scaling them up. The council has fostered an innovative environment across schools, colleges, and ITIs. However, Noronha noted that creating an innovative product is time-consuming. He pointed out that India files 75,000 patents annually compared to China's 1.6 million and the USA's 600,000.

Supporting Student Creativity

Fr Kinley DCruz, Director of Don Bosco College of Engineering, acknowledged GSIC's crucial role for students with creative ideas. He mentioned that ideas addressing societal issues can be recorded in a virtual innovation register and developed further. Engineering students gain significant benefits from participating in such projects.

The efforts by GSIC have been pivotal in promoting innovation among young minds in Goa. By providing resources and guidance, they have enabled students to transform their creative concepts into practical solutions. This initiative not only enhances educational experiences but also contributes to technological advancement in the region.