Tag: DITEC Goa

TechPulse

Over 11 Lakh Services Delivered Online: How Goa Made Governance Effortless

allycaralgoa

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored a pressing reality for governments worldwide—the need for efficient, contactless, and accessible public services. In Goa, this urgency propelled GoaOnline from a functional e-Governance platform into the state’s digital backbone for citizen services.

Although GoaOnline existed before the pandemic, the crisis accelerated its adoption and expanded its scope. Designed as a single-window digital platform, GoaOnline allows citizens to access government services anytime, anywhere—eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices. From application submission to final service delivery, the entire process is conducted online, ensuring transparency and convenience.

To date, the platform has processed nearly 19.9 lakh service requests, with over 9 lakh citizens completing more than 11 lakh digital transactions. These numbers firmly position GoaOnline as a national benchmark in citizen-centric governance.

GoaOnline currently offers over 265 e-services across 41 government departments. These include essential services such as income and caste certificates, labour welfare scheme registrations, health-related No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and various utility services—covering almost every major citizen requirement.

Recognising that digital access must be inclusive, the Goa government introduced Gramin Mitras, who provide door-to-door assistance, especially in rural and senior citizen communities. For residents like Sheetal Malik from Sankhali, this initiative has been life-changing. Unable to walk to government offices, she received doorstep assistance to obtain her Life Certificate. “The experience was good, and I felt supported,” she shared.

Behind the scenes, GoaOnline is powered by integrated backend systems across departments. This integration eliminates data duplication, reduces processing time, and improves service accuracy. Citizens can track applications in real-time, upload and verify documents digitally, while departmental dashboards enable effective monitoring and governance.

The initiative has gained momentum under the leadership of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, who emphasised its larger vision. “GoaOnline is not just a portal—it’s a promise of efficient governance, where technology bridges the gap between citizens and the state,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, the platform is evolving further. The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) is working on mobile-first upgrades, chatbot support, and AI-driven features to help citizens quickly identify relevant services—enhancing user experience and expanding digital inclusion.

By blending technology with a citizen-first mindset and strong interdepartmental coordination, Goa has redefined how governance can function in a digital era. GoaOnline is more than a portal—it represents a systemic shift toward effortless, inclusive, and transparent governance in a digitally empowered India.

TechPulse

Goa Strengthens Startup Ecosystem with 10th Empowered Committee Meet Under Startup Policy 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITE&C), Government of Goa, convened the 10th Empowered Committee Meeting at the Conference Hall, Mantralaya, Porvorim, to review and evaluate applications under the Seed Capital Grant Scheme of the Goa Startup Policy 2025. The meeting marked another significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its startup ecosystem and promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

The committee was chaired by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and co-chaired by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics and Communications. Senior government officials and industry leaders were present, including representatives from the Department of Industries, Directorate of Education, ITG, GCCI, Goa Technology Association and leading technology firms, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process backed by policy, industry and academic perspectives.

The Seed Capital Grant Scheme, a flagship initiative under the Goa Startup Policy 2025, provides one-time financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh to startups that have developed a Minimum Viable Product. A total of 27 applications were received by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, which were scrutinised by an Expert Committee before being placed before the Empowered Committee. After detailed discussions and evaluations based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, revenue potential and long-term sustainability, 16 startups were shortlisted, of which eight were selected for funding.

The selected startups represent a wide spectrum of emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, construction technology, tourism discovery, digital accessibility, micro-task platforms and regional OTT content. Each of these ventures showcased solutions developed in Goa, reflecting the state’s growing capability to nurture homegrown innovation with national and global potential.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rohan Khaunte highlighted that the quality of ideas presented reaffirmed Goa’s position as an emerging startup destination in India. He emphasised that early-stage financial support through the Seed Capital Grant Scheme plays a crucial role in helping founders transition from ideas to scalable enterprises, while also reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a long-term innovation-friendly environment in the state.

In addition to startup funding, the meeting also focused on encouraging innovation at the academic level. Cheques of ₹50,000 each were presented to 10 student projects under the newly launched Campus Innovation Scheme. Five engineering colleges across Goa received funding for projects spanning advanced biomedical research, artificial intelligence applications, agriculture technology, drone-based security systems, assistive wearable devices and sustainable manufacturing solutions.

The growing participation in these schemes reflects Goa’s increasing appeal as a startup and innovation hub. Through initiatives like the Seed Capital Grant Scheme and Campus Innovation Scheme, the Government of Goa continues to invest in ideas, talent and technology, creating an enabling ecosystem where startups and young innovators can build, scale and succeed from Goa.

TechPulse

Goa’s Transformative Tech Journey in 2025: Building India’s Creative Capital

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

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.

TechPulse

How Goa Is Harnessing Technology to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

allycaralgoa

Goa is rapidly embracing digital transformation, with women across the state emerging as entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital contributors. From grassroots digital literacy initiatives to advanced technology training and startup incentives, the Government of Goa is expanding economic opportunities for women across both rural and urban landscapes.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is implementing a range of programmes designed to unlock women’s potential through technology, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana

A flagship initiative, the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly for women in rural and underserved areas. The scheme provides hands-on training in the use of digital devices, online platforms, and essential digital services.

Open to Goan women aged 18 and above with a minimum of 15 years of residency in the state, the programme is delivered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs), and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Training sessions are conducted in accessible locations such as panchayat halls and community centres, ensuring last-mile reach.

By bringing digital literacy directly to villages, the initiative is improving employability, enhancing digital confidence, and enabling women to access wider markets and online opportunities.

From Villages to Skies: Women in Drone Technology

Goa has also introduced drone pilot training for women under the national Drone Didi scheme. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) receive specialised training in drone operations and maintenance, opening pathways in agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

For many rural women, this initiative marks a transition from technology users to technology-driven service providers, creating new income streams and fostering entrepreneurship within local communities.

Women-Focused Startup Support under Goa Startup Policy 2025

Under the Goa Startup Policy 2025, the Startup and IT Promotion Cell has launched targeted mentoring and funding support for women-led startups. Women founders working in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Drones, Robotics, AR/VR, AVGC, and 3D printing are eligible for a monthly allowance of ₹20,000 for up to 12 months.

This one-time financial assistance supports startups at the ideation, prototyping, validation, or early traction stages, ensuring access to capital, mentorship, and structured guidance during the critical early phase of their entrepreneurial journey.

Building a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy

From digital literacy at the village level to advanced drone training and startup funding, Goa’s initiatives are creating a gender-inclusive ecosystem where women actively participate in both traditional and emerging sectors.

As digital tools reach remote areas and technology-led enterprises continue to grow, women are becoming key contributors to Goa’s evolving innovation and economic landscape, reinforcing the state’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.

EduConnect

Goa Launches Campus Innovation Scheme to Boost Student-Led Research and Entrepreneurship

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa has taken a significant step toward strengthening its innovation landscape with the launch of the Campus Innovation Scheme under the Goa Startup Policy 2025. Introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) under the leadership of Minister Rohan Khaunte, the initiative seeks to nurture early-stage ideas developed within educational institutions and encourage students to explore emerging technologies through hands-on research and prototyping.

The scheme offers financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 per application, covering actual project expenses, and is open exclusively to bonafide students enrolled in UGC-recognised institutions in Goa. By limiting support to 10 beneficiaries each financial year, the program ensures focused funding and close monitoring of selected projects. Colleges are required to set up dedicated selection committees that carefully evaluate proposals based on sustainability, innovation potential, technical depth, and relevance to evolving technological domains.

Students must submit their project proposals through their respective institutions, after which recommendations from the college committees are forwarded to the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) for further evaluation. Approved applicants receive reimbursement after the expenditure is made, encouraging accountability and proper utilisation of funds. To maintain progress transparency, institutions must also submit quarterly reports to SITPC in the prescribed format.

In November, DITE&C hosted a meeting with Training and Placement Officers from various colleges to familiarise them with the scheme and encourage active participation. This interaction was aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between government bodies and educational institutions in nurturing a new generation of innovators.

The Campus Innovation Scheme serves as a launchpad for students aspiring to transform their ideas into tangible prototypes and impactful solutions. By equipping them with the resources and support they need at an early stage, Goa is cultivating a culture of innovation within campuses and preparing young minds for the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey.