Goa emerges as new tech hub of country: Suresh Prabhu

CM Pramod Sawant at the inauguration of Global Tech Summit in Panaji on Friday.

PANAJI

Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu heralded Goa as a fertile ground for innovation and technology during his keynote address at the inaugural Global Tech Summit 2024, held at Kala Academy on Friday.

Organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation, the two-day summit aims to equip businesses with the transformative potential of technology, ensuring their readiness for the future and ability to seize new opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

In his address, Prabhu underscored the opportune moment for venturing into the technology sector, given its global momentum. “Goa is a fertile ground for new ideas and technologies, supported wholeheartedly by the Goa government. Goa is a new tech hub of India and also the world. Technology is the creator of unimaginable job opportunities,” he said.

Welcoming the attendees, Rajkumar Kamat, chairman of Vibrant Goa Foundation, reflected on the organisation’s journey and expressed gratitude to Suresh Prabhu for his invaluable contributions and ideas. Among the dignitaries present were Milind Anvekar, Manguirish Pai Raiker, CM Pramod Sawant, Swetika Sachan, IAS, Arman Bankley (president, Vibrant Goa Foundation), and Sujit Shetty.

Milind Anvekar emphasised the importance of technology and cybersecurity, particularly in educating the youth. Technological experience booths were set up to provide attendees with hands-on engagement with the latest innovations, offering valuable insights and inspiration. The inaugural session concluded with closing remarks by Vinay Verma, secretary of Vibrant Goa Foundation.

The two-day summit will feature a series of discussions on various topics, including ‘Changes and Opportunities in Travel Post Pandemic’, led by Parveen Kumar Jiterwal, chief AI and Marketing Officer at VFS Global Group, and ‘Bridging the Gap - Fostering Sustainability and Inclusivity in the Technological Era’ by Sudhir Kanvinde, CIO at Supreme Industries Ltd. Additionally, sessions on ‘Start-Up Ka Mahakumbh’ by Raj Sharma, chairman AICRA and NADDSO, and ‘Safeguarding Tomorrow - The Intersection of AI and Cybersecurity’ by Balaji Venkateshwar, chief mentor at Cyber Vidyapeeth, are scheduled.

Other discussions include ‘Navigating Business Expansion in Great Britain’ facilitated by the British High Commission, a start-up program hosted by BITS Goa, and a discussion on integrating robotics in schools and STEM labs to promote innovation and awareness, led by Raj Sharma, chairman AICRA and NADDSO.

The Amazing Goa Global Expo and Summit is slated to be held from November 8-10, with booth bookings already underway.