Business

Goa Celebrates National Startup Day with Focus on Funding and Policy Awareness


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

With a focus on strengthening Goa’s startup ecosystem, the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, organised a National Startup Day programme in Panaji. The initiative aimed to provide startups with practical guidance, policy and funding awareness, while creating opportunities for engagement with key ecosystem stakeholders.

The programme was graced by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery; Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C; Shri Praveen Volvotkar, Managing Director, Infotech Corporation of Goa Ltd; Dr Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; and Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rohan Khaunte emphasised the Government of Goa’s commitment to building a robust startup ecosystem through access to policy support, funding and market opportunities. He stated that the government envisions Goa as a launchpad for innovative ideas that can scale beyond the state and reach global markets.

Held under the theme ‘Empowering Startups. Enabling Ecosystem’, the event featured an overview of National Startup Day followed by a panel discussion on the effective utilisation of central government startup schemes. The discussion brought together key ecosystem enablers who shared insights on leveraging national initiatives for startup growth. Panelists included representatives from AIC-GIM, CIBA, BITS BioCyTih Foundation, FiiRE, Build3, SBI and HDFC, with the session moderated by Shri Lalit Saraswat.

The programme also included a presentation by the SITPC team outlining state-level incentives and funding support available to startups in Goa. Adding a practical dimension to the event, Shri Amarsh Chaturvedi, Co-founder of Traverse and Neural Machines, conducted an engaging workshop on pitching skills, equipping entrepreneurs with actionable insights to present their ideas effectively.

The event concluded with the felicitation of startups, incubators, academicians and industry associations for their contribution to strengthening Goa’s startup ecosystem. Startups such as Asier, Trash Co., Spatialcraft, Neural Kissan and YIMBY were recognised, along with incubators including AIC-GIM, CIBA, Build3, BITS BioCyTiH Foundation and FiiRE. Industry bodies such as GCCI, GTA and ASSOCHAM–Goa Chapter, along with academicians, were also honoured.

By bringing together stakeholders from across the ecosystem, the National Startup Day programme not only celebrated achievements but also reinforced collective efforts towards building a supportive, collaborative and sustainable startup environment in Goa.

TechPulse

Goa Showcases Its Vision as India’s Creative Capital at Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 28th edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit opened at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and technology leaders for three days of discussions, showcases, and collaborations. Among the participants, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, has set up a dedicated state pavilion in Hall 3, Stall HS5a, themed “Goa – India’s Creative Capital.”

The pavilion also features the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), highlighting the state’s growing presence in digital innovation, manufacturing, design, and entrepreneurship. The exhibit demonstrates Goa’s distinct tech landscape, supported by strong digital connectivity, evolving industrial and IT infrastructure, flexible governance, and a work–life environment attractive to talent and enterprises. The pavilion presents major initiatives such as the Goa AI Mission 2027, the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster in Tuem, the upgraded Goa Broadband Network integrated with BharatNet, and other upcoming projects. Through the SITPC, the state implements the Startup Policy 2025, currently supporting 716 startups with targeted schemes for idea development, scaling, and access to opportunities.

A key highlight is the participation of two startups from Goa showcasing their products at the summit. Spintly demonstrates its IoT-based smart access solutions powered by BLE-Mesh technology, offering wireless, secure, and scalable systems for modern buildings. Genora presents VoxIntel, a data-driven political campaign intelligence platform designed for enhanced outreach and analysis.

The Bengaluru Tech Summit provides Goa a platform not only to exhibit but also to establish partnerships, attract investment, gain visibility, and collaborate with global technology companies. Startups also benefit from direct engagement with industry players and potential clients.

As the summit continues until November 20, the Goa Pavilion invites visitors, investors, and technology leaders to explore opportunities and interact with its startups.

TechPulse

Last Chance to Register: Goa Startup Accelerator Program Applications Close September 10


With just days remaining for the application deadline, Goan startups are urged to seize the opportunity to register for the Goa Startup Accelerator Program, an initiative led by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C). The program, which was launched in July 2025, will close its application window on September 10, 2025.

The accelerator program is being conducted under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, and driven by the vision of empowering local innovation through structured support. The initiative aims to scale up 30 MVP-stage startups that are either registered or actively building in Goa. Selection will be done through a competitive process involving open applications and nominations by an expert committee comprising incubators, industry leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Designed to nurture startups with real market potential, the Goa Startup Accelerator offers selected participants access to business and technical mentorship, investment opportunities, real-time requirement mapping, one-on-one clinics, workshops, and a concluding demo day where startups can pitch to investors and industry leaders.

Speaking about the program, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, highlighted the relevance of such initiatives in today’s innovation landscape. He said, “Goan startups today are not just addressing real-world problems but also generating employment opportunities in the State. Through our Goa Startup Accelerator Program, we aim to support promising startups, facilitating access to investment and industry expertise. After a rigorous selection process, top 30 startups will be chosen to participate in the program. We invite high-potential startups to apply and join us in shaping the future of Goa’s startup landscape.”

As the program’s final application deadline approaches, MVP-stage startups from Goa are encouraged to apply immediately and join a program designed to fuel rapid and sustainable growth in the local startup ecosystem.

To apply, visit the official website and complete the application form before September 10, 2025.

National

SEMICON India 2025 Concludes with Global Recognition, Reinforces India’s Ascent inthe Semiconductor Industry


SEMICON India 2025 concluded on September 4th, 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, marking a pivotal chapter in India’s rise as a semiconductor leader. Spanning three days from September 2nd to 4th, the event brought together over 350 exhibiting companies and delegates from 48 countries. With more than 35,000 registrations, 30,000 footfalls, and 25,000 online viewers, the conference showcased the unprecedented scale of global interest in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

This year’s edition, jointly organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and SEMI, the global semiconductor association, became a defining platform for high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, and technology showcases. The event featured four international pavilions, six country roundtables, and a workforce development pavilion, along with sessions covering chip design, fabrication, display technologies, packaging, research, state-level policy initiatives, and supply chain development.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the conference reflected India’s deep commitment to becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive hub for semiconductors. The Prime Minister not only visited the exhibition floors but also held a closed-door roundtable with top global semiconductor CEOs and CXOs to engage on India’s emerging role in the chip supply chain. In his address, he affirmed, “The day is not far when India’s smallest chip will drive the world’s biggest change,” signaling India’s readiness to transform from a market to a maker of advanced technology.

Throughout the three days, participants engaged in panel discussions, startup showcases, and knowledge exchanges. On the opening day, the Union Minister announced 13 MoUs aimed at building indigenous capabilities across chip design, camera modules, packaging, and talent development. The closing ceremony, led by ISM CEO Shri Amitesh Kumar Sinha and SEMI President Shri Ajit Manocha, featured seven more announcements solidifying India’s semiconductor roadmap.

More than just a technology event, SEMICON India 2025 embodied the spirit of “Design and Make in India,” a forward-looking vision backed by strong policy, global partnerships, and local innovation. As global supply chains diversify and the need for resilient semiconductor ecosystems becomes paramount, India is emerging not only as a strategic partner but as a driver of the digital future.

From Bengaluru to Gandhinagar to Greater Noida and now New Delhi, each edition of SEMICON India has progressively elevated India’s global position. With this year’s success, India sends a strong message: it is no longer catching up—it is shaping the next generation of chip innovation. Backed by reform-driven governance and the long-term vision of the India Semiconductor Mission, the country is poised to lead in the foundational technologies that power tomorrow’s world.