PANAJI: The Goa Technology Association (GTA) successfully conducted its first-ever Industry-Academia Round Table, “Shiksha Udhyog Setu,” a unique initiative aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders. The event, held on 15th January, saw an overwhelming turnout with participation from 20 colleges and 15 industry representatives, including prominent CXOs and Directors.
Moderated by GTA’s Founder President Mangirish Salelkar, along with President Sujeet Shetty, and Vice President Yashvit Naik, the roundtable provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on pressing issues at the intersection of education and employment.
Key discussions revolved around, Bridging the Curriculum-Industry Gap, Internship Programs for Enhanced Employability, Industry Participation in Curriculum Design and Delivery, Soft Skills and Professional Development for Students, Addressing Placement Trends and Challenges, Building an Industry-Ready Workforce, Strengthening Goa’s Tech Ecosystem, Industry’s Role in Accreditation and Rankings
Speaking at the event, Sujeet Shetty stated, “GTA is dedicated to nurturing the student community to build the next generation of industry-ready professionals. Through initiatives like this and the revival of the GTA Student Chapter, we aim to establish direct connections between students and industry leaders.”
The event adopted a structured format where each college and industry representative was given opportunity to present their suggestions, expectations, and concerns. This inclusive approach facilitated an engaging and interactive dialogue between academia and industry stakeholders. The session culminated in the formulation of a comprehensive action plan aimed at strengthening the synergy between academia and the IT industry.
GTA Founder President Mangirish Salelkar highlighted the critical need for aligning academic curricula with industry demands to equip students for the future. He stated, “Collaborative efforts between the IT industry and academia are required to create tech professionals with strong tech and soft skills. An industry-ready workforce is essential for driving Goa’s growth as a tech hub.” He also emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges of employability and preparing students for real-world scenarios.
The event reinforced GTA’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, with a vision to drive innovation, enhance employability, and foster economic growth in Goa.