Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC)

Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC) is an autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology & Waste Management, Government of Goa, established to foster a culture of innovation, science, and entrepreneurship across the state. While the Goa Startup Mission handles policy implementation for registered startups, GSInC focuses on the upstream innovation pipeline — identifying ideas, nurturing early innovators, and awarding scientists and entrepreneurs who translate research into real-world impact.

Programs & Initiatives

Virtual Innovation Register (VIR): A public platform where innovators of all ages and backgrounds can register their ideas and connect with mentors, investors, and support services. The VIR has logged thousands of ideas since its launch and serves as Goa's central hub for early-stage innovation discovery.

Think Design Prototyping Workshops: Hands-on sessions at GSInC's Rapid Prototyping Lab giving students and early innovators access to 3D printers, laser cutters, drones, AR/VR equipment, IoT platforms, and other advanced fabrication tools. These workshops bridge the gap between concept and prototype.

Innovation Bootcamps: Conducted in partnership with educational institutions across Goa (e.g., Don Bosco College of Engineering via SEEDS), these bootcamps train participants in structured design thinking, problem identification, and rapid prototyping methodology.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Toolkit: GSInC has launched a dedicated IPR awareness toolkit for students, startups, and researchers — covering trademarks, patents, copyrights, and geographical indications — to help innovators protect their work early.

Awards & Recognition

Goa Young Innovators Award: Recognizes outstanding innovative projects by young Goans, providing visibility, mentorship connections, and motivation to pursue deep-tech and social-impact ventures.

Goa Rajya Vidnyanik Puraskar (GRVP): Annual state science award presented in three categories — Innovation, Environment, and Societal Impact — each carrying a cash prize of ₹2 lakh. It is awarded to innovators and scientists who have successfully implemented ideas into adopted products or processes.

Financial Support

GSInC implements government-backed funding support schemes for innovators, researchers, and startups at the pre-commercialization stage, covering prototyping costs, patent filing expenses, and early-stage development grants. Specific quantum varies by program cycle and DST budget allocation.

Eligibility

GSInC programs are primarily targeted at students, researchers, and early-stage innovators in Goa. Awards like GRVP are open to all Goan innovators and scientists. The VIR is open to anyone with an innovation concept connected to Goa.

Who Should Apply

Student innovators, researchers, faculty, and very early-stage founders (pre-company formation) who want recognition, prototyping access, and introductions to Goa's wider innovation ecosystem. Also relevant for established entrepreneurs seeking state-level awards and visibility.