EduConnect

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


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 โ‚น50,000 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.

TechPulse

Goaโ€™s Department of ITE&C Screens New Startup Proposals Under Seed Fund Grant Scheme


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 departmentโ€™s Conference Hall at Altinhoโ€“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 โ€” 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 Goaโ€™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 โ‚น10 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.

TechPulse

Goa Launches Startup Policy 2025 to Boost Innovation, Jobs, and Entrepreneurship


Goa is rapidly evolving into one of Indiaโ€™s most dynamic startup ecosystems, and the launch of the Goa Startup Policy 2025 marks a significant leap forward in that journey. Introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), this forward-thinking policy aims to foster innovation, generate employment, attract investment, and promote entrepreneurship across the state.

Goa already boasts 696 DPIIT-recognised startups โ€” one of the highest per capita in the country โ€” and the new policy sets even more ambitious goals. By 2028, Goa aims to establish 1,000 startups, create 10,000 jobs for Goans, help 100 startups secure venture funding, and enable partnerships between 50 startups and government departments.

The policy is spearheaded by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Honโ€™ble Minister for ITE&C, who is actively working to create an innovation-first culture across sectors. It takes a holistic approach โ€” offering support not just to founders, but also to students, educational institutions, women entrepreneurs, and incubators.

The Campus Innovation Scheme is a standout initiative under the policy, offering grants to student innovators for entrepreneurial and research-based projects. These grants will cover costs related to prototype development, encouraging students to become job creators, not just job seekers.

To build a future-ready workforce, the Skill Enhancement Scheme reimburses startups for AI and tech-related upskilling. Additionally, the government will collaborate with private entities to establish IT labs, Maker Labs, and Innovation Centres in educational campuses and industrial parks.

The policy places a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship. Women-led startups working on innovative ideas will be eligible for monthly allowances, mentorship, and funding support through a dedicated program. Another initiative โ€” the Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme โ€” will provide financial support to startups attending government-endorsed exhibitions and trade shows, enabling better visibility and networking opportunities.

Crucially, the policy fosters an ecosystem approach. It encourages partnerships with accelerators, investors, educational institutions, corporates, government bodies, and market platforms, creating a collaborative network that supports startups through every stage of growth.

By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and skill development, the Goa Startup Policy 2025 is building the foundation for a globally competitive, future-facing economy. Goa is not just aspiring to be a startup hub โ€” it is setting itself up to become Indiaโ€™s Creative Capital, where technology meets talent, and ideas become impact.