IT dept targets drone tech, 3D printing to spur innovation

Panaji: To give the state’s IT sector an impetus, the department for information and technology has plans to set up a centre of excellence in Goa for drones, 3D printing, artificial intelligence and robotics. While the facilities will be set up at the IT Hub – Altinho in the initial stages, a larger hub for innovation will be set up later, said minister for IT Rohan Khaunte.
Speaking to TOI, Khaunte said that his department is working on a comprehensive roadmap to create facilities for product design and prototyping which will enable start-ups to launch innovative solutions faster.
“The 3D printing centre of excellence will help startups design prototypes. This will propel innovation and also be a boost for startups,” said Khaunte.
The IT department has also moved to acquire a 3D printer which will be set up at the department for information and technology, Althino. The supplier for the 3D printer will also have to oversee the operation of the device while also providing after sales support.
“We are looking at 3D printing, drone workshops, AI, co-working spaces and skilling through colleges. This will start from October onwards,” said Khaunte.
He said that Goa will be able to create the skilled manpower required for the IT industry through various centres of excellence that will enable innovators to quickly design prototypes using the 3D printers, particularly for the medical devices.
Khaunte has repeatedly said that Goa needs to be developed on lines of the T-Hub in Telangana. T-Hub is a business incubator that has been set up in partnership between the Government of Telangana, three academic institutes in Hyderabad and the private sector. Khaunte is pursuing a similar model and plans to tie up with local colleges to help upskill local youth in the IT sector.