Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) and Director Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Government of Goa, inaugurated the Festival of Innovation: Goa’s Young Innovators hosted by the Department of Chemistry together with the Institution’s Innovation Cell of St. Xavier’s College. The event was organised as part of the Birth Centenary celebrations of Late Rev. Dr. Nicolau Pereira. Chief Guest Shri Shirgaonkar enlightened the participants with valuable insights into the various start-up schemes and opportunities available for young innovators in Goa.
The Officiating Principal Ms Ursula Barreto, in her welcome address, described the event as a celebration of thinkers, creators and budding innovators, whose ideas can promote entrepreneurship and start ups giving rise job creators. Ms. Janesline Fernandes, Head of the Department of Chemistry, noted that the festival is not just a competition, but an opportunity for young minds to innovate and showcase their creativity. Alumnus of the College, Mr. Bhikaji Gawade, STEM enthusiast and Innovator, delivered an inspiring session and encouraged students to realize their inner strengths and emphasized that knowing one’s own attributes is crucial to becoming a great innovator.
28 institutions from across Goa participated in the festival, making the campus an arena vibrant with enthusiastic young innovators and their splendid creations. Floor Cleaning and Fire Fighting Robots, Road safety sensors, Electrosetinel-a smart safety device for ladies, Fire-Fighting Car, Anti-Sleep Goggles, Eco-Ear Model converting sound energy into electricity, Bioplastics, Carbon absorbers, DIY tests, and many other models kept the participants actively engaged throughout the event. This year’s event co-ordinated by Ms. Sheryl D’Cruz marked the 11 edition of the festival.
