Panaji, May 27, 2025: With India’s innovation economy entering a new phase of growth, Goa took a step forward with “Goa Tech Meet: The Future in Focus” — a high-level industry interaction hosted by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), Government of Goa, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte.
Held at Miramar, Panaji, the exclusive meet brought together leading founders, tech entrepreneurs, and creative industry stakeholders for an open dialogue with the government on shaping Goa’s trajectory as a thriving hub for digital innovation, electronics manufacturing, and creative technology.
Also present were Shri Pramival Abhishek (IAS), Managing Director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation; Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director of DITE&C; Shri Nijanand Vasta, Deputy Director of DITE&C; Smt. Priyatama Patil, Assistant Director of DITE&C; Shri Neville Noronha, OSD to the Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C; and Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC).
At the heart of the discussion was the Government’s focused strategy to position Goa as India’s Creative Capital—a unique confluence of technology, culture, quality of life, and entrepreneurship. The meet served as a platform to strengthen state-industry collaboration in emerging areas such as AI, Industry 4.0, sustainable tech, and design-led innovation. “We are not here to build events—we are here to build ecosystems. More forward-thinking companies are now choosing Goa as a place to build, innovate, and grow.
Our responsibility is to ensure that this momentum not only continues but scales meaningfully,” said Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasizing the government’s focus on delivering results, not just policies.
The Government presented its multi-tiered approach to catalyze Goa’s digital transformation. Infrastructure is being strengthened through projects like the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Tuem. In parallel, the state has rolled out upgraded Startup and IT Policies designed to support a more responsive, growth-oriented environment. Goa is also expanding its support framework for digital nomads and creative professionals through upcoming initiatives such as the Design Village. A strong emphasis has been placed on enhancing skilling, reskilling, and upskilling to ensure that the local workforce remains aligned with the needs of emerging technologies.
In his welcome address, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, stated, “We are creating an enabling ecosystem—from the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) to startup grants and co-working hubs. Today’s discussion is about turning potential into partnerships.”
Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of SITPC, further added by outlining Goa’s evolving startup and innovation strategy, highlighting revised policies, incentive models, and infrastructure in the pipeline. “Goa’s vision for 2027 revolves around Infrastructure, Communication, and Training (ICT), while supporting next-gen ideas like the Design Village and digital nomad frameworks,” he said.
The event featured representation from companies such as CHALO, Quidich Innovation Labs, Persistent Systems, Turtlemint, Kilowott, Zimetrics Technologies, Infuse Consulting, Renevik Labs, McLaren/The Grit City, Visteon Corporation and Open Destinations, among others. Delegates also included leaders from creative and design-led firms like Coco Leni, The Nod Magazine, 101 Wakepark, and TM Talent Management. These companies reflected a growing interest in Goa as a viable alternative to traditional urban tech hubs, citing better quality of life, responsive governance, and a rising innovation ecosystem as key differentiators.
With industry feedback now integrated into policy refinement and infrastructure planning, the Goa Tech Meet has laid the foundation for deeper partnerships. The Department plans to organize follow-up engagements focused on talent, market access, and scaling Goa-based startups. “We are designing Goa’s growth story with clarity and collaboration,” the Hon’ble Minister added. “This is about outcomes — not optics. Our goal is to align industry needs with state vision and to build a Goa that’s ready for the future.”
“Goa Tech Meet: The Future in Focus” reinforced Goa’s emergence as a destination where innovation, collaboration, and creativity intersect. With strong institutional support, responsive policy, and a thriving quality of life, Goa is ready to welcome the next wave of startups, technologists, and investors looking to build what’s next.
