Goa Young Innovators’ Awards Announced, Encouraging School Students To Think Creatively

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Margao: The Goa government on Wednesday announced the “Goa Young Innovators’ Award 2024-25” for school students to instill the spirit of creativity at an early age.

Director of Science, Technology, and Waste Management, Ankit Yadav, told reporters that the awards would be given in two categories — students of Class 8 to 9 and Class 5 to 7. He said that the awards are instituted by the Goa State Innovation Council under the Department of Science, Technology, and Waste Management.

Yadav said that the awards aim to foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving among young minds.

Innovation is the backbone of progress, and it is crucial that we instill the spirit of creativity in our students at an early age, he said, adding that young minds are brimming with ideas that, with the right guidance and platform, can evolve into transformative solutions addressing real-world challenges.

Chairman of the Goa State Innovation Council, Jose Manuel Noronha, and Director of Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, were also present at the press conference held in Margao.

Yadav said that the best projects will receive mentorship and access to facilities to further refine and develop their ideas. This initiative aims to provide students with an opportunity to engage with experts, gain hands-on experience, and encourage schools to ensure maximum participation, he added.

The last date for online submission of ideas is February 28, 2025, he said.

Chairman of the Goa State Innovation Council, Jose Manuel Noronha, said that the low number of patents filed in India is a cause for concern. He noted that a country like China files 1.6 million patents annually, while in India, the number is hardly 50,000.

To increase the number of patent filings and innovation, we have to strengthen the education system, he said, adding that when students have better knowledge of science and technology, their ability to file patents will also increase.

Director of Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, said that students are encouraged to innovate during their education at the engineering college. He said that students come up with workable solutions by the end of their engineering degree education.

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