Tag: Startup Ecosystem

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

Goa’s Department of ITE&C Screens New Startup Proposals Under Seed Fund Grant Scheme

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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 department’s Conference Hall at Altinho–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 — 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 Goa’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 ₹10 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.

Business

GCCI Successfully Hosts Agri Startup Conclave 2025

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The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in partnership with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD), NABARD, and the Government of Goa, successfully hosted the Agri Startup Conclave 2025 at Panjim Gymkhana. The event brought together farmers, agripreneurs, researchers, incubation centres, policy influencers, and industry leaders to explore emerging opportunities in agriculture and strengthen Goa’s growing agri-startup ecosystem.

The conclave opened with the inauguration of the Agri Startup Exhibition, featuring innovative products, agri-technologies, and solutions by startups, FPOs, and young entrepreneurs from Goa and neighbouring states. Dignitaries interacted with exhibitors, acknowledging their contribution to modernising agriculture.

The event was graced by esteemed guests including:

  • Mr Subhash Shirodkar, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Cooperation & Institute of Public Assistance (Chief Guest)
  • Mr Sandeep Phaldesai, Director (Agriculture), Government of Goa
  • Dr P. L. Patil, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, UAS Dharwad
  • Dr S. S. Dolli, PI & CEO, Krishik-Agri Business Incubation Centre
  • Ms Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI
  • Mr Mahesh Patil, Chairman, GCCI Agriculture & Food Processing Committee
  • Mr Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI

A significant milestone of the conclave was the exchange of an MoU between Goa College of Agriculture and UAS Dharwad. The collaboration will deepen cooperation in research, capacity building, mentorship, incubation, and adoption of agri-technologies—empowering Goa’s farmers, students, and aspiring agripreneurs.

GCCI felicitated recipients of the State Agriculture Awards 2024:

  • Krishi Ratna – Mr Mahesh Matarbhog
  • Krishi Vibhushan – Mr Amar Patil
  • Krishi Bhushan – Mr Yogesh Desai

Their remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship were widely appreciated.

GCCI President Ms Pratima Dhond reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to a future-ready agriculture sector driven by innovation and youth participation.
Chief Guest Mr Subhash Shirodkar highlighted the importance of modernization, digital integration, and cooperation in Goa’s agricultural progress.

The technical sessions featured presentations by experts, including:

  • Dr S. S. Dolli on establishing agri-business incubation and funding avenues
  • Insights on revenue models, social impact, and agripreneurship development
  • Success stories from Goan agri-innovators such as Dr Kurade’s Mushroom, Frugurt, Team-24, and Raika Honey

A showcase of Krishik-Agri Business Startup ventures brought fresh energy to the conclave.

The panel brought insights from key institutions:
Startup Promotion Cell, ICAR, GIM, BITS Goa, FiiRE, DBCE, moderated by Dr Dolli and Mr Miguel Braganza.
Discussions focused on policy support, incubation networks, finance accessibility, market linkages, and strengthening the agri-startup value chain.

The Agri Startup Conclave 2025 concluded with a strong commitment from GCCI to continue building collaborations that support agri innovation, value-added processing, and export potential from Goa. The Chamber expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, exhibitors, and participants for making the event a grand success.

Business

Ragini Das: From Setback to Google Leadership – A Full-Circle Journey

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In a story that proves patience, perseverance, and purpose always pay off, Ragini Das, co-founder of Leap.club, has been appointed Head of Google for Startups, India.

What makes this journey particularly inspiring is that 12 years ago, Ragini didn’t clear Google’s final interview. Instead, she joined Zomato, where she learned and grew, eventually co-founding Leap.club, a women-focused professional network that empowered thousands of women to connect and excel in their careers.

After Leap.club paused operations in June 2025, Ragini took time off to rest, travel, and rediscover herself. Soon after, she discovered a role at Google perfectly aligned with her experience and passion for supporting founders. She describes it as a “full-circle moment”, the same company that once rejected her now welcoming her as a leader.

Ragini’s story is a reminder that rejection isn’t the end; it can be a redirection to something bigger. Her journey from setback to success underscores the power of resilience, learning, and staying true to one’s purpose.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

TechPulse

Goan Startups Shine at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025

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New Delhi, October 2025: The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 concluded on October 11, 2025, after a four-day celebration of innovation, technology, and digital transformation at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Representing Goa’s growing technological aspirations, a delegation from the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), led by Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, showcased the State’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem. The delegation included Shri Sanjeev Ahuja (IAS, Secretary ITE&C), Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C), Dr. Milind Sakhardande (Joint Director, DITE&C), and Shri Neville Noronha (OSD to the Minister of IT).

Speaking about the event, Minister Rohan Khaunte stated:

“Goa continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital future. Our startup ecosystem is driving the next wave of innovation. IMC 2025 provided an excellent platform for these startups to connect with global leaders and scale their businesses.”

Five promising Goan startups — Avyott Ventures Pvt. Ltd, Linq Haul Pvt. Ltd, Spintly, ByHorse, and Svayu IT Pvt. Ltd — participated in the exhibition, presenting their cutting-edge solutions to more than 1.5 lakh attendees.

Startup Voices:

  • Aneesh, Associate Director at Linq Haul, said: “IMC 2025 has been an incredible platform to connect with innovators and explore new technologies. Being part of the Goa delegation reflects the State’s focus on tech-driven entrepreneurship.”
  • Kunal, Social Media Manager at ByHorse, shared: “The energy and ideas at IMC were incredible. It’s great to be part of a community shaping the future of technology.”
  • Ashish, Founder of Svayu IT, added: “It’s exciting yet challenging as a solo entrepreneur to represent Goa on such a large stage. A great experience overall.”

Goa’s participation at IMC 2025 reaffirmed its growing role in India’s digital and startup revolution, highlighting its commitment to building a tech-savvy, innovation-driven future.