Khaunte was speaking after the 11th empowered committee meeting held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, where proposals under the Goa Startup and IT Policy 2025 were reviewed.
“Over the years, we have ensured that the startup and IT policy remains aligned with the requirements of industry and academia. Through seed funding, matching grants and subsidies, startups are being supported to scale up and become job creators,” Khaunte said.
He said Goa is witnessing the rise of startups making a national and global impact. “Molbio Diagnostics has achieved unicorn status, demonstrating how innovation from Goa can contribute to global healthcare. Other ventures like Sprintly, an IoT-based smart access solutions company with an international footprint, and Contractzy, which provides legal solutions transforming contract management, show the talent and capability of Goan entrepreneurs,” he said.
Khaunte said the government is working towards building an ecosystem aligned with the vision of growth through trade, technology and tourism.
During the meeting, around 15 startups presented applications under the seed capital grant scheme, where eligible companies can receive grants of up to Rs 10 lakh after evaluation. He said many of the proposals were focused on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
“The startups presented futuristic concepts linked to AI, agriculture, product development and unique forensic solutions that are currently unavailable in the country. They also showcased innovations in media tech, sports tech, fintech, social networking, medtech and food and beverage sectors,” Khaunte said.
He added that Goa’s AI-focused approach under the Goa AI Mission is helping create a strong technology ecosystem and encouraging startups to develop globally competitive solutions.
The minister said the startup ecosystem is also aimed at reducing brain drain and attracting professionals back to Goa. “We have examples of scientists and professionals returning to Goa for product development. A young professional has also left a Fortune 500 company in the US to launch a startup in Goa,” he said.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of incubation centres in creating opportunities for youth. The government has provided grants of Rs 10 lakh each to set up incubation centres at the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Goa College of Engineering, Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, and Dempo College.
The committee also discussed and cleared various support measures, including co-working space incubation subsidies, certification programmes for IT professionals, area rebate schemes, salary reimbursement schemes and intellectual property rights reimbursement schemes.
Khaunte said Goa’s recognition as a “Best Performer State” in the DPIIT State Startup Ranking reflects the combined efforts of startups, incubators, educational institutions, investors, industry partners and government departments.
“When we talk about Viksit Bharat 2047 and Viksit Goa 2037, every state has to contribute through tourism, trade and technology. Empowering startups with a global growth mindset will allow Goa to contribute directly to this vision,” he said.
On the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Tuem, Khaunte said companies that have missed the two-year deadline without starting production or laying the foundation have been given timelines to act.
“If they do not take action and get into business, we will terminate these contracts and revoke the land back to the government,” he said.
He added that the EMC is witnessing growth in defence, drone, electronics and data centre sectors, with new companies bringing fresh ideas. The government is also partnering on skill development initiatives to ensure local youth are skilled, upskilled and reskilled according to industry needs.
“Priority is being given to micro plug-and-play areas for emerging technologies. The EMC in Tuem will host enterprising companies from defence and electronics sectors, while smaller companies have already started building infrastructure and larger companies have been urged to begin construction immediately,” Khaunte said.
