Panjim, March 29, 2025: The Startup & IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, launched the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 (GOIC) under the leadership of Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Printing and Stationery Rohan A. Khaunte in the presence of MLA and Chairman of InfoTech Corporation of Goa Ltd, Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Director of DITE&C Kabir Shirgaonkar, Joint Director of DITE&C Milind Sakhardande, OSD to Minister of ITE&C Neville Noronha, and CEO of Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Government of Goa D S Prashant.
This launch brought together startups, students, government bodies, and industry to develop technology-driven solutions for key challenges in sectors such as Tourism, Waste Management, Agriculture, NABARD, Public Service Commission, and Industry.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said, Innovation is the driving force behind a self-reliant and future-ready Goa. With the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025, we are fostering a culture where technology meets opportunity, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Goa. The government stands as a facilitator, ensuring that our startup and IT policies are timed with academic progress, equipping the youth with skills to think globally and work locally. Our focus is on building scalable startups—transforming job seekers into job creators and making Goa a hub of sustainable and impactful innovation.
MLA and Chairman of InfoTech Corporation Goa, Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, stated, By prioritizing education, entrepreneurship, and employment, we are creating a future where progress is tangible and accessible. Our focus is on solutions that integrate seamlessly into our everyday life, ensuring that development benefits every citizen.
The launch event featured two expert-led masterclasses designed to equip startups with essential insights:
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“Preparing for Your Fundraising Journey” by Sachin Karnik, Former President of Mumbai Angel Networks and Founder of The Great Unicorn Hunt, covered key aspects of fundraising, including timing the fundraise, understanding fundraising jargon, valuation drivers, shareholder agreement considerations, and negotiation tools for valuation mismatches.
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“Compliances Made Easy for Early-Stage Startups” by Sridhar Subramanian, a finance veteran with experience at Coca-Cola and Capillary Technologies, focused on simplifying compliance processes for startups.
Additionally, a panel discussion on “Building Scalable Startups” was moderated by Varsha Adusumilli, Author, Investor, Advisor, and Founder of Kstart Seed Fund. The panel included:
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Anand Prabhudessai, Co-Founder of Turtlemint
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Prasad Vanga, Founder & CEO of Anthill Ventures
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Eshan Sharma, Chief Strategy Officer at Renevic Solar
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Rahat Kulshreshtha, Co-Founder of Quidich Innovation Labs
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Sumit Mitra, President – International Sales & Marketing at Molbio Diagnostics
During the panel discussion, panelists highlighted Goa’s unique advantages as a thriving hub for businesses and innovation. They emphasized that Goa offers a balanced quality of life, a collaborative work culture with minimal hierarchy, and excellent connectivity, making it an ideal destination for setting up a business. The state boasts a supportive ecosystem, strong infrastructure, and a community-driven environment that fosters business growth and innovation. Additionally, Goa presents a promising opportunity for piloting government tech projects. The discussion underscored how intentions are now translating into concrete actions, positioning Goa as a dynamic space for scaling companies and pioneering new initiatives.
D S Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), Government of Goa, introduced the initiative and provided an overview of the problem statements that participants will address.
Through the launch of the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025, the Department aims to drive innovation, create new opportunities, and strengthen Goa’s position as a leading technology hub while supporting the growth of its startup ecosystem.
To register and to access the problem statements, scan the QR code or click on the link:
https://startup.goa.gov.in/goa-open-innovation-challenge.html
