MAM
GoaFresh returns at Goafest 2026, expands Gen Next talent push across India
Youth platform scales up at Goafest 2026, linking top institutes with industry leaders
MUMBAI: GoaFresh, the student-focused initiative at Goafest, is returning in a bigger avatar this year, strengthening its push to connect emerging talent with India’s advertising, media and marketing industry.
Now in its second edition, the programme aims to bridge the gap between classrooms and boardrooms by bringing together students from leading institutes across the country and giving them direct exposure to industry leaders, agencies and brands.
Participating institutions this year include premier management and media schools such as Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, MICA Ahmedabad, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Whistling Woods International, MET Institute of Mass Media, Loyola College and Xavier Institute of Communications, among others.
Organisers say the initiative is designed as more than an academic showcase. It is positioned as a launchpad for young professionals to understand how the industry works, build confidence and explore career pathways in creative, media and marketing roles.
Speaking on the initiative, Goafest founder Rohit Ohri said, “GoaFresh is our way of throwing open the doors of the industry to the next generation. It is not just an orientation, it is an invitation. An invitation to young, curious minds to see the power of creativity up close, to meet the people shaping the business, and to imagine the roles they could play in it.”
He added that the programme aims to spark ambition and build a stronger talent pipeline for the future of the industry.
Highlighting the scale of participation, Goafest student outreach lead Gokul Krishnamoorthy said this year the initiative aims to bring in around 50 top students from leading B-schools and media institutes.
“Our aim this year is to get 50 of the brightest young minds who will join the ad-media-marketing universe and give them immersive exposure to our world,” he said. “We have expanded the net and received nominations from institutes including the IIMs, SPJIMR, MICA and SIMC, with more in the pipeline. The future looks promising.”
Adding an industry perspective, Havas Media India chief digital officer and GoaFresh student facilitator Rohan Chincholi said the initiative ensures students are active participants rather than passive observers.
He said, “GoaFresh is a platform where the industry gives back, nurturing the next generation of marketers, media professionals and creative talent. Our aim is to give students meaningful exposure by enabling them to meet, interact and learn from top minds across agencies, platforms and leading brands.”
The programme will be held alongside Goafest from May 20 to 22, 2026, at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon. Organisers say it will add fresh energy to the festival by bringing young voices into the heart of industry conversations.
With GoaFresh gaining momentum, the initiative is steadily positioning itself as a talent bridge that connects classrooms to campaigns, and students to the future of India’s creative economy.
