Tag: Goa IT

TechPulse

GITDC Launches Hands-On 3D Printing Training for Skill Development

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

To promote hands-on learning and capacity building in emerging technologies, the Goa Information Technology Development Corporation (GITDC), in association with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), has begun trial training sessions in 3D printing technology. The first session was held on November 21, 2025, at the Additive Manufacturing Hub in Altinho, marking an important step towards strengthening technical competencies within the government workforce.

The inaugural session was attended by Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, Dr Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director of DITE&C, and Shri Subrai Nadkarni, Chief Engineer, GITDC. The training was conducted by Shri Ryan Vaz of Infinyt3D Pvt. Ltd and saw the participation of around twelve GITDC officials. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of 3D technology through hands-on training in 3D modelling and design, including the use of 3D pens and basic design tools. The session combined presentations with practical demonstrations to help participants understand both theoretical concepts and real-world applications.

Upon completion of the programme, all participants received an Elementary 3D Printing certificate, recognising their foundational training in the technology. Speaking on the initiative, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar said the programme is a crucial step in preparing government officials for future technological demands. He noted that exposure to advanced tools like 3D printing can help departments explore innovative applications and improve public service delivery.

The skilling initiative is being implemented under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications. It is designed as a structured three-module training programme comprising beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, covering the full spectrum of 3D printing applications from basic design to advanced prototyping. As part of this effort, a dedicated 3D Printing Bureau is also being established to support design and printing requirements for various government departments.

The next phase of training sessions will be organised for government officials through the Department of ITE&C, subject to participant availability, as GITDC continues its focus on building technical capacity and fostering innovation within the public sector.

Social

Government of Goa Explores Collaboration with Starlink to Boost Statewide Digital Connectivity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Government of Goa has initiated strategic discussions with Starlink to explore collaborative opportunities aimed at strengthening digital connectivity and accelerating technology-led development across the State. The meetings were held on December 12, 2025, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, as part of Goa’s broader vision for digital inclusion and resilient infrastructure.

The first meeting took place at the Mantralaya in Porvorim in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The Starlink delegation included Ms. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink Business Operations – Global Access & Operations, Shri Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head of Starlink India, and Shri Manoj Ladwa, Government Affairs Strategist and Chairman, India Global Forum.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted Goa’s rapid progress on its digital transformation roadmap and the State’s continued efforts to strengthen public service delivery through technology. He noted that Starlink’s interest in Goa could enable the State to leverage high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband to support infrastructure development and enhance connectivity in sectors such as tourism, education, industry, fisheries and rural communities that depend on reliable communication networks.

A second meeting was held at Taj Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula, attended by Shri Rohan Khaunte along with Dr. V. Candavelou IAS, Chief Secretary of Goa, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Mr. Pravimal Abhishek IAS, Secretary Science & Technology and Managing Director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation, the Director of Transport, senior officials and the Starlink leadership team.

During the discussions, Shri Rohan Khaunte underscored Goa’s emergence as a preferred destination for global technology companies, stating that the State continues to witness growth in emerging technologies and innovation-driven enterprises. He emphasized that global players increasingly recognise Goa as an ideal hub for developing and scaling technology solutions.

The meetings explored how Starlink’s satellite network could complement Goa’s development priorities by strengthening rural and shadow-area connectivity, enhancing high-speed data access for industrial and electronic manufacturing clusters, supporting last-mile delivery under the Har Ghar Fibre programme and modernising maritime and fisheries operations with real-time communication capabilities. The discussions also touched upon advancing Goa’s Digital Nomad vision by ensuring seamless internet connectivity.

Additional opportunities were examined to support initiatives such as CCTV surveillance at beaches, AV and AR-based visitor guides, connectivity for schools in low-coverage regions under the CARES initiative and improved digital services for tourism, homestays, beach security and maritime experiences.

Through these engagements, the Government of Goa continues to advance a comprehensive connectivity roadmap focused on strengthening rural networks, enhancing maritime communication systems and expanding last-mile digital access, ensuring inclusive and seamless connectivity across the State.

Travel

Goa and Norway Strengthen Ties to Collaborate on Technology, Tourism and Creative Industries

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa deepened its global engagement as a high-level delegation from Norway visited the State for a roundtable hosted by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. The interaction focused on exploring partnerships in technology, tourism, creative industries, skilling, cybersecurity and sustainability. The discussions were held in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications and Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, alongside senior officials including Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; Dr. Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing) of GTDC; Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of Startup and IT Promotion Cell; and representatives from Kilowott. The Norwegian delegation featured key leaders such as Trond Skundberg, General Manager of NICCI; Christian H. Engh, CEO of the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster; Monica Skjellen-Larsen, Advisor at Gjøvikregionen Utvikling; Bjørn Aspøy, CEO of Smart Farm AS; Sheraline Rocha, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Nordic Intent; Aditya Prabhugaonkar of Kilowott; Yeshtesh Shirodkar of Consstruct; and Prabha, Director at NICCI.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that Goa is increasingly shaping a development model that brings together technology, creativity and sustainable tourism. He highlighted ongoing initiatives ranging from electronic manufacturing and AI skilling to a robust startup policy that positions Goa as an attractive destination for global collaboration. He further noted that the State’s tourism strategy is increasingly focused on technology-enabled experiences, immersive storytelling and climate-conscious practices. He reiterated that Goans must remain central beneficiaries of any international partnership, with opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and skill development.

Christian H. Engh, CEO of the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster, explained why Norway considers Goa a strategic partner. He underscored that Norway, one of the world’s most digitised nations with strengths in renewable energy, electric mobility and advanced technology, is now looking toward India to address talent needs and co-develop scalable innovations. Engh stressed that Goa’s commitment to sustainability, clean mobility and future-ready tourism strongly aligns with Norway’s priorities. He further noted that aquaculture technology—an established strength of Norway—offers promising potential for joint initiatives with Goa.

The roundtable also included a presentation by Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, who discussed Goa’s evolving startup ecosystem, strong policy environment and emergence of a creative-tech landscape that combines design, technology and innovation. This was followed by a detailed briefing by Dr. Gavin Dias from GTDC, showcasing Goa’s tourism strategy and its increasing emphasis on sustainability, wellness, Ayurveda, medical tourism, heritage conservation and biodiversity-driven travel. Investment opportunities in hospitality, experiential tourism, charter operations and research-based collaborations were also highlighted.

During the interaction, the Norwegian delegation outlined several actionable areas for future collaboration. These included university partnerships, academic and incubator exchanges, talent mobility programmes between Goa and Norway, research-led collaborations and the introduction of international diver certification programmes. The delegation also discussed strengthening the NICCI network in India and leveraging Norway’s global expertise in aquaculture, marine technology and clean energy to align with Goa’s emerging opportunities in these sectors.

As Goa accelerates its work in technology, creative industries, skilling and sustainable tourism, the engagement with the Norwegian delegation underscores the State’s readiness for global partnerships. The discussions highlighted the mutual interest of both regions in shaping future-oriented initiatives anchored in innovation, sustainability and shared growth.

TechPulse

DITE&C Accelerates Blockchain Innovation in Goa Through Industry–Academia Collaboration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has strengthened its commitment to advancing blockchain adoption in the State by initiating the formation of a dedicated blockchain community. This effort brings together industry leaders, academic institutions, incubators and technology experts to explore opportunities for tokenization and the broader potential of blockchain solutions. The initiative was supported by McLaren Strategic Solutions and Omnumi, a global blockchain platform known for secure, compliant and adaptable frameworks for tokenized deposits and regulated digital currencies.

The meetings, held at Paryatan Bhavan in Panjim, created a vibrant space for collaboration. Omnumi representatives, including CEO and Co-founder Kirk Chapman, CTO Sree Tirumalasetti, Chief Architect Robin Huiser, Head of Product Delivery Joe O’Rourke and Head of Service Delivery Natalie Nopareporn, engaged participants across three specialized sessions. Corporates were introduced to the fundamentals of tokenization and the capabilities of the Omnumi platform. Blockchain specialists took a deeper dive into the platform’s technical features, with discussions on multisig architecture, card integration and deployable ERC20 contracts led by Chief Architect Robin Huiser. The final session focused on academia and incubators, exploring pathways for collaboration and skill development to prepare Goa’s youth for future opportunities in digital innovation.

Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, emphasized that Goa’s youth possess immense potential and that blockchain is poised to be a transformative force for them. He highlighted the State’s commitment to fostering emerging technologies and creating opportunities for young professionals.

McLaren Strategic Solutions has already established Goa as a global hub through the creation of its Development Centre last year. Now, following this momentum, Omnumi is planning to set up its own operations in Goa. Together, they aim to recruit over 200 professionals in the coming years, demonstrating confidence in Goa’s tech talent and signaling further growth in the local innovation ecosystem. Representatives from McLaren noted that Goa’s academic partners and students are highly motivated to work on real-world challenges, and the company plans to provide sandbox access to the Omnumi platform along with training and support to help bring new ideas to life.

DITE&C’s ongoing efforts to position Goa as a center for emerging technologies received strong reinforcement through these discussions. Plans for a two-day hackathon will further encourage experimentation, skill-building and the development of practical use cases. The McLaren team also proposed a Goa Tourism App powered by the Omnumi Wallet, signaling opportunities for blockchain-driven solutions across sectors. Overall, the initiative marks a significant milestone in Goa’s journey toward becoming a thriving hub for digital innovation, collaboration and technological advancement.

Events in Goa

Kilowott Honoured at GTA Awards 2025 for Pioneering Role in Goa’s Digital Transformation

Tanisha Cardozo

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.