PANAJI
The State government has notified the Goa Startup Policy 2025, which was approved by the cabinet last month with a vision to establish the State as the creative capital of the country and a leading destination for startups and innovation by 2028.
The policy highlights promoting entrepreneurship, with special incentives for women entrepreneurs, and employment opportunities to 10,000 Goan youth through startup ventures.
As per the notification, the policy sets out measurable targets including the setting up of 1,000 startups, employment for 10,000 locals, facilitation of venture funding for at least 100 startups, and collaboration between 50 startups and government departments. It also aims to foster partnerships with incubators, accelerators, investors, corporates, educational institutions, and industry associations to collectively strengthen the startup ecosystem.
The policy objectives include nurturing an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurial risk-taking, backing startups with access to mentorship, networking, and investment opportunities, and ensuring active participation of women and underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship. It also supports ventures focusing on positive social and environmental impact.
To provide impetus, the government has introduced schemes including the Campus Innovation Scheme, Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme, Skill Enhancement Scheme, Women Entrepreneur Vitality Scheme, R&D Reimbursement Scheme, Salary Reimbursement Scheme, Lease Subsidy Scheme, and Seed Capital Grant.
