During the visit, students were introduced to the fundamentals of the startup ecosystem, including how startups differ from traditional businesses and the benefits of being officially recognised as a startup.
The session also highlighted various programs and initiatives offered by AIC-GIM, particularly those designed to support students and women entrepreneurs. Participants gained insights into incubation support, mentorship, funding guidance, and networking opportunities.
The interaction was highly participative, with students actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and exploring practical pathways to enter the world of entrepreneurship.
AIC-GIM continues to encourage aspiring innovators and students to explore entrepreneurship and build impactful ventures, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing Goa’s growing startup ecosystem.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk
Goa has been conferred the Best Performer award for developing a strong startup ecosystem under the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking – Category B, instituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. Considered one of India’s most comprehensive startup ecosystem assessments, the ranking evaluates states on policy frameworks, ecosystem maturity and measurable outcomes for startups.
The DPIIT ranking evaluates all States and Union Territories across defined categories based on population size and performance, assessing progress across multiple reform areas including policy support, institutional frameworks, infrastructure, access to funding, market linkages, capacity building and innovation-led growth.
The recognition was announced during the National Startup Day celebrations held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Certificate of Appreciation was received on behalf of the Government of Goa by Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), and D. S. Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC).
This achievement reflects the sustained and strategic efforts of DITE&C, through SITPC, in nurturing a robust, innovation-led startup ecosystem. Through progressive policies, strong institutional support and close collaboration with industry, academia and ecosystem partners, Goa has created an enabling environment that supports startups across the entire lifecycle, from ideation to scale-up.
The recognition was also highlighted in the Goa Legislative Assembly, where the Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, acknowledged the collective efforts of the government, institutions and the startup community in achieving this milestone.
The award underscores Goa’s emergence as a dynamic startup hub and reaffirms the State’s continued focus on fostering innovation-led entrepreneurship that drives opportunity creation, economic impact and inclusive growth.
Panaji, June 2025 — Long known as a haven for artists and free spirits, Goa is steadily transforming into a hub for innovation, sustainability, and creative enterprise. This evolution was on full display at the 13th edition of First Friday, a monthly gathering that brings together designers, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with a shared vision for a more conscious and creatively engaged Goa.
Held at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, GCCI, the June meetup was curated by the Creative Community of Goa (CCG) in collaboration with the Association of Designers of India (ADI) – Goa Chapter, and supported by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa.
The highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking keynote by architect and designer Deeksha Thind, who explored the intersection of permaculture and design. With her rich experience in sustainable living and architecture, Ms. Thind emphasized the need to view design not as a static output, but as a living process deeply rooted in the environment and community.
“Permaculture isn’t just a method — it’s a way of thinking,” said Thind. “It’s about designing with nature, where every element has a role, and resources are respected and reused.”
Founder of Saraya Eco Stays, an eco-conscious hospitality and creative space in Goa, Ms. Thind shared her journey of working with natural materials, building in harmony with the land, and engaging local communities in her design process.
“At Saraya, we work with the landscape rather than against it. It’s a continuous process of learning, listening, and adapting,” she added.
Another key focus of the event was the presentation of Goa’s Draft Design Policy by Mr. D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell. He introduced the policy as a foundational step toward recognizing design as a driver of sustainable development and entrepreneurship in Goa.
“The intent is to position Goa as a destination for creative professionals — a place where ideas can take root and grow,” Mr. Prashant stated.
He outlined the proposed framework, which seeks to integrate design thinking across sectors such as technology, craft, tourism, and education, while encouraging collaboration between the public sector and the creative community.
Collective Dialogue for a Creative Future
The session culminated in an open-floor discussion, where attendees offered feedback and suggestions on the Draft Design Policy. The conversation touched on themes like design education, creative entrepreneurship, rural-urban collaboration, and how design can contribute to Goa’s long-term social and ecological wellbeing.
This interactive segment showcased the power of community-led dialogue, reinforcing First Friday’s role as not just a networking platform, but a space for co-creation and shared visioning.
First Friday: Building a Design-Conscious Goa
Since its inception, First Friday has become a vital meeting point for Goa’s growing creative ecosystem. From grassroots innovators to established design practitioners, each edition fosters interdisciplinary exchange and meaningful collaboration.
As Goa looks to its future, events like these highlight the potential of design to create inclusive, regenerative, and culturally rooted solutions for the state’s challenges — and opportunities.
“Goa has always attracted creative minds, but building something meaningful starts with understanding the place and the people,” Ms. Thind reminded the audience.
With continued support from organizations like ADI, CCG, and the state’s IT Department, Goa’s journey from idyllic retreat to innovation-led economy is just getting started — and it’s being designed one conversation at a time.
Panjim, January 17, 2025: On National Startup Day 2025, the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, organized an event at Fortune Miramar, Panjim. The event was attended by dignitaries, including Shri Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Director of the Department of IT, Electronics, and Communications; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director of the Department of ITE&C; Shri Nijanand Vasta, Deputy Director (IT); Ms. Priyatama Patil, Assistant Director (IT); Shri Neville Noronha, OSD to the Minister of IT, Electronics & Communications; and Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell. Entrepreneurs, innovators, mentors, and stakeholders from Goa’s startup ecosystem gathered to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and explore collaboration opportunities.
The event began with a presentation by Mr. D.S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, highlighting Goa’s progress in the startup sector. He shared that the state has 570 DPIIT-recognized startups, 255 SITPC-certified startups, and 270 startups led by women directors, with 40% in early transaction or scaling stages. Goa’s startups have raised INR 1300 crore in private funding and received INR 15 crore in government grants (Central and State). Mr. Prashant also outlined the objectives of the Goa Startup Policy 2024, which aims to establish Goa as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with a goal to support 1,000 startups by 2027.
Speaking at the event, Shri Prasanna Acharya, IAS, Director of the Department of ITE&C, Government of Goa emphasized Goa’s future plans. “On this National Startup Day 2025, we reflect on the growth of Goa’s startup ecosystem and its role in creating opportunities. Our goals include generating 10,000 jobs for Goans and facilitating venture funding for at least 100 startups. With infrastructure that includes six incubators, over 15 co-working spaces, startup cafés, and venture studios, we are building an ecosystem that supports startups at every stage” he said. The event featured workshops aimed at providing practical insights for startups. Ms. Namrata Chawla, Certified Business Coach and Founder of MindMines, led a session on early-stage product development and the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). She focused on the importance of identifying and refining a single key feature that sets a product apart. She also shared her perspective on pricing, saying, “Do not charge for what the product is; charge for what the product will be.” Drawing from her psychology background, she explained how understanding human behavior can influence pricing strategies, customer engagement, and business decisions.
Another workshop on fundraising, conducted by Ms. Varsha Adusumilli, Co-founder of Kstart—a $10M structured seed fund anchored by Kalaari Capital—and former Founding Vice President of YourStory Media, provided a clear overview of funding options. Topics included finding the right angel investors, strategies for raising angel funding, understanding venture capital, and creating effective pitch decks. Participants gained insights into navigating the fundraising process.
The event also showcased innovative solutions by local entrepreneurs. Ms. Shivona Fernandes, Project Manager at SOLO Network, demonstrated an internship and mentor finder app, while Mr. Siddharth Goel, Co-founder of KYP Solutions, presented a skill assessment tool to help founders understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
National Startup Day 2025 showcased Goa’s potential as a startup hub by providing platforms for learning and equipping entrepreneurs with essential skills. Through workshops, product demos, and networking, the event reinforced Goa’s commitment to driving innovation, promoting digital transformation, and building a thriving ecosystem for startups and technology businesses.
