2,550 innovative ideas registered on virtual register till date

Panaji: The Goa State Innovation Council’s virtual innovation register (VIR), has registered 2,550 innovative ideas and 150 startups till date, reflecting both the growing engagement of the innovation community and early-stage innovation, said the council on Thursday.The VIR registered 150 new ideas in 2025-26, indicating the increasing participation from innovators, entrepreneurs, and students. The Goa State Innovation Council said that the VIR acts as an accessible entry point into the state’s innovation ecosystem.“The council also continued to strengthen the VIR as a platform for identifying, documenting, mentoring, and supporting innovative ideas from across Goa. Support was further extended through prototyping assistance, patent facilitation, student innovation schemes, and innovation recognition programmes,” said chairperson of the Goa State Innovation Council Jose Manuel Noronha.The increase in the number of ideas reinforces the role of the Goa State Innovation Council in identifying and supporting early-stage innovations by providing a platform for testing ideas and business development.Data released by the council also shows that in 2025-26, the council’s prototyping lab helped student innovators to convert their ideas into 11 new prototypes.Equipped with tools, including a range of 3D printing systems with varied capabilities, the lab supports the development of intricate designs, components, and functional models. Noronha said that the lab helps innovators accelerate their journey from concept to real-world uses.The council also conferred the Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar to BITS Pilani - Goa professor Judith Braganza in the environment category in recognition of her significant contribution to environmental science, research, and innovation. The award was presented by science and technology minister Atanasio Monserrate.