Tag: Rohan Khaunte

TechPulse

Goa Building Strong Startup Ecosystem with Capital, Mentorship and Market Access: Minister Rohan Khaunte

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 12, 2026:
The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, through the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), officially launched the Goa Startup Accelerator (GSA) Programme on Wednesday. The initiative aims to provide structured mentorship, market access, investment opportunities and growth support to startups across the state.


The launch event, held at Novotel, Panaji, brought together startups, ecosystem enablers, industry leaders and government officials.

The event was attended by Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery; Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; and D.S. Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Rohan Khaunte said Goa is steadily emerging as a strong startup destination.

“Today, Goa is not just known for its quality of life, but for its forward-looking policies and a growing startup ecosystem of 734 DPIIT-registered startups, nearly half of which are women-led. Through the Goa Startup Policy 2025 and its 12 comprehensive schemes, along with initiatives like the Goa Accelerator Program and the Goa Open Innovation Challenge, we are creating an environment where startups have access to capital, mentorship, skills, infrastructure and real market opportunities. The Government is committed to providing every possible resource and support,” he said.

The Goa Startup Accelerator Programme is a structured five-month initiative running from February to June 2026. It will culminate in a Demo Day where participating startups will showcase their progress and innovations.

The event began with an orientation session for startups registered under the programme. Participants were briefed on the structure and roadmap of the accelerator. Startups also pitched their ideas to experts and interacted with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.

Winners of the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 were felicitated during the event. In the startup category, SOLO Network, Cidroy Technologies LLP and So-AIR were honoured. In the student category, Suraj Vishwakarma and team from Padre Conceição College of Engineering, Verna, and Dattaprasad Narendra Prabhu and team from Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, were recognised. The Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 Report was also released by the Minister.

Winners of the MedTech Hackathon, organised by the National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH & Integrative Medicine (NAPCAIM) in collaboration with DITE&C, were also awarded. The winning teams included Team Biomade, Team My Pallo Friend and Team Kindred Tech.

The programme additionally recognised several government and ecosystem enablers for their contribution to Goa’s growing innovation landscape.

Through forward-looking policies, targeted schemes and collaborative platforms, DITE&C continues to strengthen Goa’s innovation-driven economy and support startups at every stage of growth.

Human Interest

Government Provides Grant; Carnaval Committees Decide Float Prize Allocation: Rohan A. Khaunte

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government provides a consolidated grant to Carnaval committees, following which the committees independently decide how prize money for floats is allocated. He made the statement during the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly in Porvorim on January 15, 2026.

Clarifying the government’s role, Khaunte stated that Carnaval floats are divided into various categories and that the distribution of prize money within these categories is determined solely by the respective Carnaval committees. He emphasised that there is no direct government intervention in deciding the prize amounts awarded to individual floats.

The issue was raised during a Calling Attention motion by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, who urged the government to consider increasing the prize money awarded to Carnaval floats in view of rising costs and efforts involved in float preparation.

Responding to the concerns, the Tourism Minister said that the matter has financial implications and will be discussed with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He added that a decision on whether to increase the grants will be taken after these discussions. Khaunte also noted that the grant amount provided to Carnaval committees has seen an increase over the years, reflecting the government’s continued support for the state’s cultural celebrations.

Travel

Goa Sees Sustained Rise in Tourist Arrivals as 2025 Figures Signal Strong Momentum

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa continues to consolidate its position as one of India’s most preferred tourism destinations, with provisional figures for 2025 reflecting strong and sustained growth across both domestic and international tourist segments. The data points to a steady post-pandemic recovery, driven by improved air connectivity, revival of charter operations, cruise tourism, and a growing focus on quality and regenerative tourism.

In 2025, the State recorded over 1.08 crore tourist arrivals, with domestic tourism forming the backbone of this growth while international arrivals showed a gradual and consistent revival. The operationalisation of Manohar International Airport at Mopa alongside Dabolim Airport has significantly enhanced Goa’s global connectivity, resulting in increased international scheduled flights and a balanced distribution of air traffic.

Charter tourism, traditionally a strong contributor to Goa’s inbound segment, has continued its gradual recovery, while cruise tourism has further complemented the State’s tourism profile by attracting both foreign and domestic passengers. Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated that the year-wise data reflects the resilience of Goa’s tourism sector and the effectiveness of sustained efforts towards structured and balanced growth, with a clear emphasis on quality tourism that delivers long-term benefits to local communities, the environment, and the economy.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also highlighted that coordinated efforts in infrastructure development, destination management, and market outreach have played a key role in strengthening Goa’s tourism ecosystem.

As the Department of Tourism continues to diversify source markets, improve visitor services, and promote regenerative tourism practices, Goa remains focused on ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the State’s long-term vision of preserving its natural and cultural heritage while enhancing visitor experiences.

Social

Goa Tourism Department Acts Swiftly to Restore Cleanliness at North Goa Beaches

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, acted promptly upon receiving reports of garbage accumulation along a stretch of beach in North Goa, ensuring immediate clearance of the affected area and restoration of cleanliness. The swift response reflects the Department’s zero-tolerance stance on littering and its continued commitment to maintaining Goa’s beaches as clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for both visitors and local communities.

Upon identification of the issue, ground teams were mobilised without delay, working in coordination with the concerned agencies to thoroughly clean the area. The Department also reinforced instructions with relevant stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to waste management protocols and sustained cleanliness across beach stretches.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, reiterated the government’s focus on responsible tourism, stating that clean beaches are integral to Goa’s identity as a world-class tourism destination and that any lapse is addressed with urgency. He emphasised that continuous collaboration with stakeholders remains key to preserving the coastline in an environmentally responsible manner.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed these views, highlighting that the Department remains vigilant in monitoring beach cleanliness. He stressed that proactive action, cooperation from stakeholders, and consistent awareness efforts are essential to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and environmental care along Goa’s beaches.

Appreciating the timely intervention, Shri Cruz Cardozo, President of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, Goa, expressed gratitude to the Department for its swift and effective response. He noted that such prompt action not only restores the natural beauty of Goa’s beaches but also strengthens the confidence of shack operators and local stakeholders in the Department’s leadership and management.

The Department of Tourism has once again appealed to shack operators, vendors, and visitors to responsibly manage waste and actively support cleanliness initiatives. Regular monitoring and enforcement measures will continue as part of Goa’s broader commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Travel

Department of Tourism Signs MoU with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya to Boost Wellness Tourism in Goa

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Panaji, December 26, 2025: In a significant move to strengthen wellness tourism in the state, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre (GAMRC), Shiroda–Goa, at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik (GCS), Principal of GAMRC Dr. Neelesh Pramod Korde, Dr Sneha Bhagwat, President of the Goa Council of Ayurvedic and Allied Indian Systems of Medicine, Dr Minal Joshi, Deputy Director (AYUSH), DHS Goa, Dr Dharmendra Desai, Vice President, and Dr Joy Periera, Officiating Registrar.

Under the agreement, the Department of Tourism and GAMRC will collaborate to promote Ayurveda- and Yoga-based wellness tourism through customised wellness packages, coordinated digital marketing initiatives, and participation in national and international tourism forums. The partnership also includes the development of wellness infrastructure such as Ayurveda and Yoga centres at tourism properties, AYUSH information cells, promotional materials, and structured capacity-building programmes through training, research, and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said that wellness tourism is a key pillar of Goa’s evolving tourism narrative. He added that the collaboration brings together traditional knowledge systems with organised tourism development, enabling Goa to offer authentic, high-quality wellness experiences while creating sustainable value for local institutions and communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Ashok Naik stated that the MoU provides a structured framework for coordinated efforts in promotion, training, and knowledge exchange, aligned with the state’s tourism objectives.

The partnership is expected to further position Goa as a holistic wellness destination by integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine with modern tourism offerings, enhancing visitor experiences while supporting knowledge-driven and community-based tourism development.