With the objective to drive the innovation agenda in the state and to harness the core competencies, local talent, resources and capabilities to create new opportunities, Honourable Minister for Waste Management, Science and Technology, Port and Rural Development of Goa, Government of Goa, Shri Michael Lobo on 27^th January 2020 launched the competition “Goa's Young Innovator Award 2019-20” as instituted by Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC).

GSInC chairman Shri Jose Manuel Noronha and Director, Department of Science & Technology Shri Levinson Martins were present for the program.

GSInC encourages submissions from the participants for this award based on their Creative Ideas. Parents and teachers may propose a problem to the child to identify a potential solution and help them convert the idea into a prototype/model, but not suggest the idea themselves” the council states. The teachers are to ensure that projects submitted to competition are original Ideas so that the competition maintains a high standard.

The competition is open in two categories, Category 1: Students studying in classes VIII to X and Category 2: Students studying in classes V to VII. In each category, there are three cash prize awards of Rs 20,000/-, Rs 10,000/- and Rs 5,000/- . In addition, mentoring and other facilities to be provided to the winners.

The ideas need to be submitted from the school in the prescribed format consisting of product/ process, description about the project with the technology used, and student and school contact details, besides sharing of related photos, videos and sketches of the project.

The participants need to submit the proposals online to goastateinnovationcouncil.com/goas-young-innovator-award. The schools have been asked to submit as many projects as they wish. The last date for submission of the Ideas is 22^nd February 2020. The winners will be announced in March 2020.