‘Don’t just consume tech, create it’, says Rohan Khaunte at BridgeAura 2.0

Goa Khabar: In a significant step towards bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world technology skills, Fluxatic Global officially launched the BridgeAura Tech Cohort & Industry Summit 2026 on August 14, 2026. The landmark launch brought together students, senior government officials, tech founders and academic leaders at a single forum designed to accelerate youth skilling and startup readiness across Goa.

The ceremony was graced by Shri. Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, as Chief Guest. Also present were Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI); Mr. Gautam Kharangate, Founder Director & CEO of Rashtra TV; Mr. Yashvit Naik, Co-Founder & CTO of Onstro and Managing Committee Member of the Goa Technology Association; and Dr. Manoj Kamat, Principal of Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College (Autonomous).

Speaking on Goa’s thriving tech and startup ecosystem built over recent years, Minister Shri. Rohan Khaunte addressed the gathering of students and young innovators. “We have set up state-of-the-art AI and semiconductor labs where you can build real prototypes and we have created dedicated incubators, accelerators and seed-funding channels to turn your college ideas into scalable businesses. Whether it is resources, capital or infrastructure, Goa has built an ecosystem ready to support the next generation of founders. There is an active community of mentors and investors, alongside programmes like BridgeAura that bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry skills. Don’t just sit back and consume technology created by others, become creators, builders and founders who engineer solutions for Goa, India and the rest of the world,” the Minister encouraged.

The cohort serves as BridgeAura Academy’s flagship two-month student training programme. Through this initiative more than 500 students will be gaining hands-on training across 10+ key domains including AI Development, App & Web Engineering, Business, Sales and Soft Skills, preparing young talent for corporate recruitment and entrepreneurial launchpads.

During the launch ceremony, Mr. Shawn Kenneth Fernandes, Founder & CEO of Fluxatic Global and BridgeAura Academy, delivered the welcome address and unveiled the cohort’s curriculum structure for this year. Emphasising the purpose behind the initiative, he remarked, “BridgeAura is our answer to a question every student eventually asks – how do I get from where I am to where the industry actually needs me? Today isn’t just an opening ceremony, it’s the start of that bridge.”

The ceremony also featured a panel discussion moderated by senior journalist Debarati Chakraborty, with panelists Dr. Vipul Mathur (Founder & Chief Engineer, Ailadyn AI), Mexson Fernandes (Founder & Technical Consultant, Kverty), Michelle Kale (Representing -Women in Tech Goa), Akanksha Trigunayat (Managing Partner, Omniah Enterprise LLP), Sumukh Kamat (Founder, The Energy Footprint), and Mohit Hastwala (Founder, MH Institute of Learning), who explored themes spanning artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and industry-academia collaboration in Goa. A highlight of the launch was the recognition of BridgeAura’s mentoring and organising partners, who bring deep domain expertise across technical, strategic and professional fields.

Demonstrating strong academic participation, students from Goa College of Engineering, Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering & Information Technology, Agnel Institute of Engineering & Management, Don Bosco College of Engineering, and Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College (Autonomous) have enrolled in the cohort. The inauguration concluded with an interactive team-formation session and the official signing of appointment letters for incoming student trainees.

BridgeAura 2026 marks a major milestone in Goa’s shift toward a digital innovation economy. By connecting government initiatives, industry mentors and students, the programme bridges classroom learning with industry demands, empowering Goa’s youth to build locally and compete globally.