Tag: DITEC

TechPulse

Goa’s Department of ITE&C Screens New Startup Proposals Under Seed Fund Grant Scheme

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Altinho, November 25, 2025: The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, convened the 10th Expert Committee Meeting to evaluate a fresh round of Startup Seed Capital applications under the Goa Startup Policy. The meeting was held at the department’s Conference Hall at Altinho–Panaji.

The expert committee reviewed proposals submitted by early-stage ventures from a wide range of innovation-led sectors including information technology, AI/ML, healthcare technology, edtech, agritech, clean energy, fisheries, sports innovation, waste management, fintech, media solutions and aerospace & defence.

Rigorous Evaluation of Early-Stage Innovations

Committee members conducted a structured and comprehensive assessment, interacting with founders to understand their innovation potential, scalability, technical feasibility and prototype readiness. Several entrepreneurs showcased products that were built, tested and validated within Goa — a strong indicator of the growing confidence in Goa as a launchpad for startup innovation.

Many proposals addressed pressing real-world challenges such as digital accessibility, food distribution, clean energy adoption, fisheries tracking, healthcare delivery, smart construction and waste management. These submissions underscored the expanding depth and relevance of Goa’s emerging startup pipeline.

Supporting Homegrown Innovation

The Startup Seed Capital Scheme, a key pillar of the Goa Startup Policy, provides a one-time grant of up to ₹10 lakh to startups that have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The support aims to help early-stage ventures refine their products and accelerate towards market readiness.

As more founders choose Goa to build and test innovative solutions, the state continues strengthening its startup ecosystem through structured funding, policy-backed facilitation and initiatives designed to nurture early-stage entrepreneurship.

National

Goa Shines at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, Showcasing Its Growing Innovation & Startup Ecosystem

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

The Goa Pavilion at the 28th Edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 concluded on a high note, drawing significant attention from visitors, international delegates and industry leaders throughout the three-day event at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. More than 500 attendees visited the pavilion curated by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications of the Government of Goa, engaging deeply with the state’s digital initiatives, technology projects and startup ecosystem.

The delegation from Goa included Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Shri Subrai Nadkarni, Shri Siddharth Borker, Shri Gaurabh Sawal and Shri D. S. Prashant, who represented the state’s vision for a more connected, technology-forward future. The pavilion welcomed strong international participation with delegates from the UK, Russia, Denmark, Canada and Sweden. A special highlight was the visit from Joel Stafford, Consulate General of Denmark in Bangalore, whose interactions reinforced global interest in Goa’s digital programmes, infrastructure strengths and evolving innovation landscape.

The stall also received attention from global industry leaders exploring Goa as a potential hub for expansion. Nicolas Wojnarowski of NineSigma praised Goa’s potential as an emerging base for major science and technology collaborations, noting the state’s appeal for future development. National industry bodies, academia and ecosystem enablers including TiE Bangalore, KLE, ELCIA and IDFC engaged with the Goa delegation and discussed opportunities for collaboration.

Among the notable interactions, Rama N. S. of ELCITA shared her positive impressions, highlighting Goa’s tangible progress toward developing an electronic city and expanding beyond its identity as a leisure destination. The pavilion also drew interest from various Indian states, with visitors keen to learn about Goa’s approach to digital connectivity, governance, industrial development and its growing identity as a technology-friendly, creative destination.

Young visitors showed particularly strong enthusiasm, reflecting the rising appeal of Goa’s tech and startup culture among emerging innovators. Goan startups including Spintly and Genora Infotech showcased their solutions and attracted considerable engagement. Spintly’s Co-founder Malcolm D’Souza emphasized the importance of such platforms in giving Goa’s technology ecosystem global visibility, while Genora Infotech CEO Milind Prabhu shared his excitement about representing the state with their platform VoxIntel.

As the summit concludes, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications carries forward valuable connections that strengthen Goa’s identity as India’s Creative Capital and a rising hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth.

TechPulse

Children’s Day Special: How DITE&C is Empowering Goa’s Young Innovators through Digital Inclusion

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As India celebrates Children’s Day, it’s a moment to recognise the immense potential of the young generation — especially in a digital era that thrives on creativity, innovation, and access to technology. In Goa, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) is leading this transformation, equipping children and youth with the tools and skills they need to become tomorrow’s changemakers.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Free Laptop Distribution Scheme

Recognising the importance of digital access in modern education, DITE&C launched a Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for meritorious students belonging to SC/ST communities. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also ensures equal opportunity for all, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in higher education.

Learning by Doing: IT Knowledge Centres Across Goa

DITE&C’s IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) across various talukas provide hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies like coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics. These centres nurture problem-solving skills and digital literacy among students, building a foundation for future-ready talent.

From Campuses to Startups: Building Young Entrepreneurs

With over 700 startups calling Goa home, innovation is already thriving among the youth. Under the Startup Policy 2025, the Campus Innovation Scheme encourages students to turn their ideas into reality by providing financial support of up to ₹50,000 for innovative projects. The goal: to build a culture of entrepreneurship and invention right from college.

Empowering Local Industry: The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC)

To support Goa’s growing ecosystem of innovation, DITE&C has established the state’s first Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Tuem. The facility promotes localised manufacturing in electronics, drones, IoT, and cleantech, while also providing opportunities for young engineers and innovators.

Future-Ready Skills: Goa AI Mission 2027

The Goa AI Mission 2027 is shaping the state’s digital future by integrating Artificial Intelligence education into schools and colleges. Plans include the establishment of the Goa AI Academy, regular AI bootcamps, and mentorship programs designed to inspire and upskill the next generation of creators and thinkers.

Empowering Every Child, Shaping Every Future

Technology is not just a tool — it’s a gateway to imagination, learning, and empowerment. By prioritising access, innovation, and skill development, DITE&C is ensuring that every Goan child can dream big, build boldly, and contribute meaningfully to a digitally empowered Goa.

This Children’s Day, DITE&C celebrates the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and courage that defines Goa’s next generation. 🌟

TechPulse

DITE&C’s Skilling Initiatives Gaining Momentum Under Minister Rohan Khaunte

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s digital transformation has been rapid under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Shri Rohan Khaunte. One of the key pillars driving this growth is digital skilling — an effort to ensure that Goa’s citizens are prepared for the opportunities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Goa is redefining its development narrative, not only through its rich tourism and cultural heritage, but also through a forward-looking digital vision that empowers every citizen. Guided by Shri Rohan Khaunte’s vision, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) has been implementing initiatives that strengthen connectivity, nurture innovation, and prepare Goa’s workforce for the future.

At the heart of this vision lies the belief that development must be inclusive. The Department of ITE&C is committed to equitable growth, launching several initiatives aimed at building a digitally skilled population and bridging the digital divide, especially among youth, women, and marginalized communities.

One such initiative is the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for Meritorious Students from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. This scheme provides deserving students with the essential digital tools to access online education, skill-building platforms, and career opportunities. Since 2022, more than 300 students have benefited, highlighting the State’s commitment to inclusive digital empowerment. Students like Varad Matondkar from Lourdes Convent High School, Saligao, and Sohan Malgaonkar from Loyola High School, Margao, expressed gratitude to the Goa Government and Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, emphasizing how these laptops have enhanced their learning experiences.

To further empower Goa’s youth, DITE&C has established IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) across the State. These centres offer job-oriented IT training programs designed to build employable skills. Currently, seven ITKCs operate across Bardez, Ponda, Sanguem, and other talukas, bringing digital learning closer to local communities. Over 20,000 training sessions have been conducted, benefiting more than 5,000 participants and resulting in nearly 19,500 e-certificates across 46 modules.

Recognizing the crucial role of women in social and economic development, the Department launched the Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY). This flagship program aims to provide digital training to women, enhance their employability, and help them participate confidently in Goa’s digital journey.

An Additive Manufacturing Hub is also being developed under the Goa Information Technology Development Corporation (GITDC) to promote 3D printing technology. Through a structured three-level training program — beginner, intermediate, and advanced — the initiative ensures skill development for students, government officers, and trainers. Infinyt3D Pvt. Ltd. acts as a knowledge partner, providing technical expertise, software support, and operational guidance.

Under Shri Rohan Khaunte’s leadership, Goa is also gearing up for the next wave of innovation with the Goa AI Mission 2027. The mission envisions building a strong AI talent and infrastructure ecosystem from schools to startups. Plans include introducing AI courses in educational institutions, establishing the Goa AI Academy, and organizing AI bootcamps, masterclasses, and hackathons.

With these initiatives, Goa is positioning itself as India’s Creative and Innovation Capital — a State where technology meets inclusivity, and every citizen is empowered to thrive in the digital age.

Human Interest

Empowering Digital Governance: Goa Hosts State-Level UX Design Workshop

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A two-day State-level Awareness and Sensitisation Workshop on User Experience and Design System took place on November 6–7, 2025, at the Commercial Tax Department, Altinho, Panaji. The event aimed to foster best practices, exchange ideas, and address challenges in implementing effective UX/UI for public-facing e-services.

Organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology through the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, the workshop brought together officials from various government departments for an engaging learning experience on user-centred design.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), and Shri Sameer Datar, State Informatics Officer, NIC Goa. In his address, Shri Shirgaonkar highlighted the importance of understanding user interface and experience in government applications and encouraged participants to apply these insights within their respective departments to improve digital service delivery.

The first day featured five sessions covering topics such as design thinking, accessible design, UX4G demonstrations, and the integration of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, with user-centric design principles to enhance trust and compliance. Experts leading the sessions included Mr. Ajeet Kumar, Deputy General Manager, NeGD, Mrs. Neeta Tandon, Consultant, NIC, Ms. Aparajita Singh, Principal Lead, Changeinkk, Ms. Stuti Sharma and Ms. Prapti Bhardwaj, UI/UX Designers, and Mr. Priyanshu Yadav, Domain Expert on DPDP.

The second day focused on hands-on training under the UX4G initiative, equipping participants with the skills to design and develop intuitive, user-friendly digital platforms that elevate the citizen experience. The workshop concluded with a collective vision to strengthen Goa’s e-governance landscape through design innovation and empathy-driven digital transformation.