Altinho, February 17, 2026: The Goa Government has introduced Goa’s Digital Assistant – an AI-powered Chatbot (Beta version) designed to enhance citizen service delivery and simplify access to government services. The initiative has been launched by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) in collaboration with Goa Electronics Limited.
The AI Chatbot has been developed to make government services easy to understand, easy to access and easy to use. Acting as a single digital assistant, it enables citizens to interact with Goa Online Services through simple, conversational language, eliminating the need to navigate complex portals or make physical visits to government offices.
The chatbot is expected to streamline user experience by guiding citizens through service-related queries, procedures and documentation requirements in a structured yet user-friendly manner. By integrating artificial intelligence into public service delivery, the Goa Government aims to improve efficiency, accessibility and responsiveness in governance.
The launch of the Beta version marks a step forward in Goa’s digital transformation journey, reflecting the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for smarter governance and enhanced public engagement.
In the land of golden shores and rising digital ambition, Goa is steadily carving its path toward becoming India’s Creative Capital and a thriving technology hub. The year 2025 proved to be a defining phase in this journey, with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) leading a wave of innovation focused on connectivity, e-governance, infrastructure, skilling and startups.
Connectivity continued to form the backbone of Goa’s digital ambitions. The state significantly expanded its network of free public Wi-Fi to 135 hotspots across key public spaces, while the rollout of 4G and 5G towers gained momentum, ensuring faster and more reliable internet access for citizens, businesses and visitors. The Goa Broadband Network further strengthened this foundation by extending high-speed internet connectivity to 1,492 government offices, helping bridge the digital divide and enabling seamless digital service delivery.
E-governance witnessed major advancements, bringing government services closer to the people. The GoaOnline portal, offering 265 services across 41 departments, recorded over 11 lakh digital interactions in 2025, reflecting growing public trust in online service delivery. Complementing this, the Gramin Mitra Yojana, implemented through Common Service Centres, ensured essential digital services reached remote and rural communities, reinforcing transparent and people-centric governance.
Skilling emerged as a core focus area as Goa prepared its citizens for the future digital economy. The launch of the Goa AI Mission 2027 marked a transformative step, built on four pillars of skilling, startups and companies, capital, and infrastructure. An early milestone under this mission was the AI for Governance programme conducted in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission, Google and the World Bank, which sensitised government officials to the practical use of artificial intelligence in governance and service delivery.
Digital literacy initiatives gained further momentum through programmes such as the Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Scheme, aimed at empowering women through computer education. The department also continued its commitment to inclusive education by distributing laptops to 111 meritorious SC and ST students under the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for the academic year 2024–25.
On the infrastructure front, significant progress was made at the Electronics Manufacturing Centre in Tuem, Pernem, with plots allotted to companies including Zen Technologies Limited and Powerland Agro Tractors Pvt. Ltd., strengthening Goa’s electronics and manufacturing ecosystem. The state also explored emerging technologies such as blockchain, facilitating dialogue between industry and academia, while engaging with global firms and a high-level Norwegian delegation to strengthen international collaborations.
DITE&C showcased Goa’s digital vision at major national platforms such as the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 and the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, highlighting the state’s technology initiatives and startup ecosystem. Goa’s startup landscape continued to flourish, with over 700 DPIIT-registered startups, including 328 women-led ventures. The revised Goa Startup Policy 2025 introduced 12 targeted schemes to support seed funding, mentorship, reimbursements and sustainable innovation.
Innovation challenges further energised the ecosystem, with the Goa Open Innovation Challenge attracting 557 participants who presented solutions to real-world governance and public service challenges. The department also signed key MoUs with Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd., the Digital India Bhashini Division and Maker’s Asylum, strengthening technology adoption, creative sectors and inclusive governance.
The launch of the #EmpoweredinGoa campaign encapsulated the spirit of 2025, celebrating an ecosystem where founders can innovate, students can skill up, women can lead, digital nomads can thrive and citizens can benefit from people-first governance. With high-speed connectivity, lifestyle advantages and improved infrastructure, Goa also emerged as a preferred destination for digital nomads and remote professionals.
As the state looks ahead to 2026, the groundwork laid in 2025 positions Goa for sustained growth and global recognition. With continued investments in digital infrastructure, innovation and skill development, Goa is well on its way to becoming one of India’s leading tech hubs while remaining inclusive, creative and community-driven.
Panaji, July 30: Recognising its sustained contributions to Goa’s IT ecosystem, Goa-based technology firm Kilowott was awarded at the GTA AGM & Awards Nite 2025, hosted by the Goa Technology Association.
The ceremony, held at a prestigious venue near Panaji, saw Caleb Fernandez, co-founder of Kilowott, receiving the award from Rajesh Revankar, Vice Chairman of ESC (Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council), India.
The recognition highlighted Kilowott’s leadership in innovation, its consistent impact on the state’s tech infrastructure, and its commitment to building talent pipelines through partnerships with Goa’s top engineering institutions.
“We began our IT journey in Goa with a clear vision to tap into local potential and create meaningful employment opportunities. Over the years, that belief has only grown stronger,” said Fernandez.
The event was graced by key dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology Rohan A. Khaunte, STPI Director Ajay P. Shrivastava, MAIT Advisory Council Chairman Nitin Kunkolienker, and Goa’s IT Director Kabir Shirgaonkar.
From its headquarters in Porvorim, Kilowott has expanded its footprint to Margao in July 2025 to support its rapidly growing operations. It continues to recruit Goan engineers and tech professionals, reinforcing its commitment to the state’s digital ambitions.
With over 2,000 global projects delivered across Asia, Europe, and North America, Kilowott’s impact transcends borders, but its roots remain grounded in Goa.
In a move that signals Goa’s shift toward future-ready education, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a formal part of the curriculum in both schools and colleges across the state.
This initiative aims to equip students with 21st-century skills that are becoming increasingly crucial in today’s tech-driven world. Goa is among the first Indian states to take such a bold step.
At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a dedicated AI Council, which will:
Design updated syllabi tailored to evolving industry demands
Oversee teacher training in AI tools and practices
Promote student-led AI projects
Collaborate with industry leaders and research institutions
Support and incubate AI-based startups from young innovators
CM Sawant emphasized the importance of preparing youth for global digital transformation. “We want students from Goa to not just be job-seekers, but creators and innovators. AI education will empower them to lead in the future tech economy,” he stated.
This move aligns with national priorities like Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Skilling India, positioning Goa at the forefront of tech-education reforms.
Beyond the syllabus, this is a systemic shift in mindset — encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.
By integrating AI into mainstream education, Goa is setting a benchmark for innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability in India’s education landscape.
As the AI Council begins its work, educational institutions across Goa will see significant upgrades in digital infrastructure, teacher capabilities, and learning outcomes.
With this initiative, Goa aims not just to keep pace with global trends, but to lead India’s charge into a technologically empowered future.
