Goa is set to strengthen its position as a destination for innovation and entrepreneurship with the launch of India’s first Edge City, a three-week global pop-up village bringing together founders, scientists, engineers, investors, researchers and creators from across the world in Mandrem, North Goa, from October 11 to November 1, 2026.
The initiative aligns with the state government’s vision of positioning Goa as India’s creative capital while strengthening its technology and startup ecosystem. It also supports the state’s efforts to attract longer-stay visitors who can contribute to the local economy through accommodation, hospitality, restaurants, transport, wellness and other services.
The collaboration was announced at a press conference at Paryatan Bhavan on October 10 in the presence of Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Minister Rohan Khaunte; Edge City Head of Partnerships and Scouting Telamon Ardavanis; Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Kabir Shirgaonkar; OSD to the Minister for ITE&C Neville Noronha; CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell DS Prashant; and NomadGao founder Mayur Sontakke.
Around 800 Participants Expected from More Than 60 Countries
The Goa edition of Edge City is expected to attract around 800 participants, with representation from India and more than 60 countries. The programme will bring together an international community to collaborate across technology, science, culture and entrepreneurship.
Through shared workspaces, research initiatives, workshops, hackathons, founder programmes and demonstrations, participants will explore emerging ideas and work towards developing practical solutions.
Speaking at the press conference, Tourism and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte said Goa was proud to host the initiative, describing it as an important step towards positioning the state as a place not only to visit but also to work, innovate, collaborate and build businesses.
“Our ambition is not simply to attract more visitors, but to bring the right mix of talent, investment, ideas and partnerships that can enrich Goa’s economy while respecting its people, culture and environment,” Khaunte said.
The Minister highlighted the opportunities for Goan students, startups, entrepreneurs and local businesses to interact directly with international experts and explore new partnerships.
He added that the initiative complements the state’s Work from Goa positioning and its broader ambition to promote longer-stay tourism.
“Goa as India’s creative capital is not just a positioning statement. It is our commitment to creating an ecosystem where creativity becomes innovation, innovation creates enterprise and enterprise generates more opportunities for our people,” he said.
Edge City to Connect Technology, Science and Culture
Telamon Ardavanis, Head of Partnerships and Scouting at Edge City, said the Goa programme marks the organisation’s first initiative in India.
“We’re very excited to be in Goa for our first programme in India. Edge City brings together people working at the frontiers of technology, science and culture in a dense, collaborative environment where they can work together over an extended period,” Ardavanis said.
He noted that bringing researchers, founders, investors, artists and builders into the same community creates opportunities for new ideas, experiments and partnerships.
The programme will follow a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging participants from different professional backgrounds and generations to collaborate. Its specialised areas will include regenerative environments, holistic longevity, artificial intelligence, frontier technologies and decentralised systems.
Ground Floor to Explore Civic AI Applications in Goa
A key component of the programme is Ground Floor, a civic artificial intelligence research and development initiative intended to connect international AI practitioners with Goan business owners, civic leaders, government representatives and researchers.
The initiative aims to explore practical applications of AI in the local economy and public life. It will also provide opportunities for local stakeholders to engage with emerging technologies, identify potential use cases and consider how these tools could address relevant challenges.
The programme is expected to complement Goa’s wider technology priorities, including the Goa AI Mission 2027 and Goa AI Policy 2026, which focus on developing AI capabilities, supporting entrepreneurship and encouraging practical technology solutions.
Hacker House Goa and Hackathon from October 28 to 31
Another major component will be Hacker House Goa and Hackathon, scheduled from October 28 to 31. The event will bring selected builders together for an intensive development sprint focused on AI and cryptocurrency technologies.
Other activities will include founder residencies, an impact accelerator and opportunities for startups to showcase their work and connect with potential collaborators.
The gathering will also take place alongside the Goa AI Tech Conclave 2026, scheduled for October 22 and 23. The conclave will provide a platform for government, industry, academia, startups and international experts to exchange ideas and explore areas of collaboration.
Strengthening Goa’s Work from Goa Vision
Beyond technology, Edge City offers an opportunity to showcase Goa as a destination where global professionals can spend extended periods working, creating and engaging with local communities.
Its focus on wellness, regenerative environments and community building also connects with Goa’s strengths in Ayurveda, heritage, creative industries and community-led experiences.
Through initiatives such as Edge City, the state aims to expand its identity beyond a traditional tourism destination and encourage stronger connections between international talent and local enterprise.
The broader objective is to translate global collaboration into practical opportunities for Goan students, entrepreneurs, startups and businesses while supporting an innovation ecosystem that contributes to the state’s long-term economic growth.
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