Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa has launched the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026, a statewide technology and innovation programme involving students from 71 educational institutions across the state. The initiative is being led by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications in collaboration with the Directorate of Higher Education.
The programme aims to give students practical experience in using technology and innovative ideas to address real-world challenges, including public service delivery. It also seeks to strengthen skills linked to Goa’s growing digital economy and encourage students to explore entrepreneurship.
Launching the campaign, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant urged young people to take an active role in developing solutions for sectors such as health, education, environment, agriculture, tourism and disaster management. He also encouraged students to consider entrepreneurship and become job creators.
Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted the role of innovation in education and said the state’s Startup Policy 2025 includes 12 schemes designed to support startups and students. He also pointed to the Goa AI Policy and its target of creating 50,000 AI-certified resources by 2030.
The month-long campaign has been divided into three major programmes. Sankalp Setu, a statewide hackathon running from September 30 to October 23, will focus on developing technology-based solutions under the theme ‘Bridging Ideas to Impact’. Winning teams will get an opportunity to present their ideas to government departments for possible implementation.
Sankalp Manthan, scheduled from October 5 to 12, will bring students together at six regional hubs for keynote sessions, panel discussions and solution showcases.
The third component, Sankalp Nirdhar, will run from October 26 to November 6 across 10 engineering and polytechnic colleges. It will focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and industry readiness through bootcamps involving industry experts and alumni.
The launch also featured discussions on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and sustainable startups, along with the launch of the Ayur Hackathon aimed at promoting technology-driven healthcare solutions.
Through Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, Goa aims to connect student ideas with government, industry and the startup ecosystem, helping young innovators turn concepts into practical solutions.
