Tag: Startup Ecosystem

TechPulse

Startup Ecosystem in Action as the Goa Open Innovation Challenge Enters Selection Week

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Altinho, June 2, 2025: Innovation in Goa is accelerating as the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 enters its Selection Week—marking a significant milestone in the state’s mission to turn bold ideas into practical solutions by providing pilot opportunities and implementation of selected solutions.

Led by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, the Challenge has emerged as a unique platform blending real governance challenges with entrepreneurial problem-solving.

With over 550 applications from across India—including early-stage startups and student innovators—the initiative has attracted wide attention for its focus on deployable, tech-driven solutions across key public sectors such as Tourism, Waste Management, Agriculture, Public Services, NABARD, ITE&C and Industry.

The shortlisting process has been a collaborative effort between government departments and Technology Business Incubators, reflecting Goa’s commitment to co-creating public sector solutions with the agility of the startup ecosystem.

Day One of the virtual pitch sessions witnessed presentations from shortlisted startups to a high-powered Selection Committee, including senior officials Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C, Shri Nijanand Vasta, Deputy Director, DITE&C, Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO, SITPC along with Representatives from Implementing Departments, Goa Technology Association (GTA), Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and Technology Business Incubator from Goa.

“This isn’t just about ideas—it’s about execution,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Department of ITE&C. “We are creating a platform where innovation and governance converge. By bringing startups, students, departments, and incubators together, we’re unlocking solutions that are ready to pilot and scale—in Goa.”

“Through this Challenge, we are not just supporting innovation—we are creating access,” added Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of ITE&C, “Startups get a chance to solve real problems, and departments get agile, tech-based solutions. This is how we make governance future-ready.”

The Selection Week, running from June 2 to June 6, will see pitch rounds where each shortlisted startup presents to the committee, followed by a Q&A session.

Proposals are being evaluated on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and pilot-readiness within the Goan context.

Beyond being a startup challenge, the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 represents a paradigm shift in public sector engagement—where government no longer works in isolation, but as a catalyst for innovation.
By enabling collaboration between public departments and emerging entrepreneurs, Goa is not only solving for local needs—it is shaping a new model of impact-led innovation, reinforcing its vision of becoming India’s Creative Capital.

TechPulse

Goa Tech Meet Showcases Rising Momentum as Major Tech Companies Set Sights on Goa

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Panaji, May 27, 2025: With India’s innovation economy entering a new phase of growth, Goa took a step forward with “Goa Tech Meet: The Future in Focus” — a high-level industry interaction hosted by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C), Government of Goa, under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte.

Held at Miramar, Panaji, the exclusive meet brought together leading founders, tech entrepreneurs, and creative industry stakeholders for an open dialogue with the government on shaping Goa’s trajectory as a thriving hub for digital innovation, electronics manufacturing, and creative technology.

Also present were Shri Pramival Abhishek (IAS), Managing Director of Goa Industrial Development Corporation; Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director of DITE&C; Shri Nijanand Vasta, Deputy Director of DITE&C; Smt. Priyatama Patil, Assistant Director of DITE&C; Shri Neville Noronha, OSD to the Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C; and Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC).

At the heart of the discussion was the Government’s focused strategy to position Goa as India’s Creative Capital—a unique confluence of technology, culture, quality of life, and entrepreneurship. The meet served as a platform to strengthen state-industry collaboration in emerging areas such as AI, Industry 4.0, sustainable tech, and design-led innovation. “We are not here to build events—we are here to build ecosystems. More forward-thinking companies are now choosing Goa as a place to build, innovate, and grow.

Our responsibility is to ensure that this momentum not only continues but scales meaningfully,” said Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasizing the government’s focus on delivering results, not just policies.

The Government presented its multi-tiered approach to catalyze Goa’s digital transformation. Infrastructure is being strengthened through projects like the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Tuem. In parallel, the state has rolled out upgraded Startup and IT Policies designed to support a more responsive, growth-oriented environment. Goa is also expanding its support framework for digital nomads and creative professionals through upcoming initiatives such as the Design Village. A strong emphasis has been placed on enhancing skilling, reskilling, and upskilling to ensure that the local workforce remains aligned with the needs of emerging technologies.

In his welcome address, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, stated, “We are creating an enabling ecosystem—from the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) to startup grants and co-working hubs. Today’s discussion is about turning potential into partnerships.”

Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of SITPC, further added by outlining Goa’s evolving startup and innovation strategy, highlighting revised policies, incentive models, and infrastructure in the pipeline. “Goa’s vision for 2027 revolves around Infrastructure, Communication, and Training (ICT), while supporting next-gen ideas like the Design Village and digital nomad frameworks,” he said.

The event featured representation from companies such as CHALO, Quidich Innovation Labs, Persistent Systems, Turtlemint, Kilowott, Zimetrics Technologies, Infuse Consulting, Renevik Labs, McLaren/The Grit City, Visteon Corporation and Open Destinations, among others. Delegates also included leaders from creative and design-led firms like Coco Leni, The Nod Magazine, 101 Wakepark, and TM Talent Management. These companies reflected a growing interest in Goa as a viable alternative to traditional urban tech hubs, citing better quality of life, responsive governance, and a rising innovation ecosystem as key differentiators.

With industry feedback now integrated into policy refinement and infrastructure planning, the Goa Tech Meet has laid the foundation for deeper partnerships. The Department plans to organize follow-up engagements focused on talent, market access, and scaling Goa-based startups. “We are designing Goa’s growth story with clarity and collaboration,” the Hon’ble Minister added. “This is about outcomes — not optics. Our goal is to align industry needs with state vision and to build a Goa that’s ready for the future.”

“Goa Tech Meet: The Future in Focus” reinforced Goa’s emergence as a destination where innovation, collaboration, and creativity intersect. With strong institutional support, responsive policy, and a thriving quality of life, Goa is ready to welcome the next wave of startups, technologists, and investors looking to build what’s next.

EduConnect

Innovative Idea Challenge 2025: Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit Among Students in Goa

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The Department of Higher Education (DHE), in collaboration with the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, successfully organized the Innovative Idea Challenge 2025 as part of Converge 2.0, a premier platform aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students across the state of Goa.

The challenge witnessed an overwhelming response from students, reinforcing Goa’s commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurial talent. Dr. Niyan Marchon, DHE, Convenor of Converge and the Innovative Idea Challenge, along with Mr. Prashant S. Bhomkar, Assistant Professor, DHE, coordinated the contest. Mr. D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell of Goa, supported and mentored the Idea Challenge contest.

The Innovative Idea Challenge 2025 was launched in February 2025, with the objective of promoting problem-solving, creative thinking, and market-ready startup ideas among students. The challenge saw enthusiastic participation from 97 student teams from over 50 educational institutes, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship within the student community.

A panel of eminent experts from the startup ecosystem evaluated the submissions at various stages. The initial round was judged by Varsha Adusumilli, Author, Investor, and Trainer; Abhishek Singh, Incubation Manager at AIC-GIM; and Amey Karmali, CEO, Center for Incubation and Business Acceleration (CIBA).

The top 10 startup ideas advanced to the grand finale, scheduled for March 13, 2025, at Converge 2.0. In preparation for the final round, a specialized pitch training program was conducted on March 10, 2025, by Varsha Adusumilli.

The final pitching round took place on March 13, 2025, during Converge 2.0. The distinguished panel of judges for the grand finale included Varsha Adusumilli, Rohini Gonsalves, and Rafina Shaikh (Siya).

The top 10 teams selected for the Innovative Idea Challenge were:

  1. Anukool
  2. SISF-RTMS (Solar-Powered IoT-Based Smart Farming Device with Real-Time Monitoring System)
  3. Harnessing the Potential of Khazan Lands: Sustainable Farming and Agrivoltaics
  4. No Dust
  5. Decentralized Carbon Credit Marketplace
  6. Radiant Roshni
  7. Autonomous Swimming Pool Cleaner
  8. Neural Kissan
  9. Nova Hustlers
  10. Needy Paws

The first place was won by Team Autonomous Swimming Pool Cleaner (Rahul Patil, Rochelle D’souza, Abhishca Tauro, and Gajendra Chaubey) from Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar.

The second place was won by Team Nova Hustlers (Yash Pednekar & Gautham Krishna), students from PCCE and AITD.

The third place was won by Team Anukool (Gayatri Naik, Sejal Popkar, Govardhan Naik, & Shweta Gaude) from PES’s College of Arts and Science, Farmagudi.

The Department of Higher Education, with the support of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Government of Goa, reaffirmed its dedication to fostering student-driven innovation and creating a robust startup ecosystem in the state.

By providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, the initiative aims to equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive business landscape.

The success of the Innovative Idea Challenge 2025 is a testament to Goa’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the state’s proactive approach to promoting innovation-led economic growth.