Discover why Goa is the new favourite destination for entrepreneurs at the Goa Startup and Innovation Day

For decades, Goa’s identity has been synonymous with sun, fun and all things touristy. But over the last few years, this small state in western India has been carving out an identity for itself, as a go-to destination for startups.

The state government is working to make Goa one of the most preferred startup destinations of India, and also feature among the top 25 startup destinations in Asia by 2025. To this end, the Department of IT, Government of Goa, is organising the Goa Startup and Innovation Day on April 27 and 28, 2018 at Goa.

The event will see over 100 people from the industry – entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners, media, government, and cross-border startup ecosystem partners from foreign embassies and trade bodies coming together. You can look forward to significant keynotes, gripping fireside chats, lively panel sessions, and insightful mentor hours through the day.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this exciting event. Since this is an invite-only event, do register here for your invite. 

Initiatives to make doing business easy and smart

On the occasion, a new startup policy, a number of new initiatives and the State Startup Portal will also be unveiled. One of the major highlights of the policy is the setting up of the Startup Promotion Cell, which will serve as the nodal agency for the certification process. Another initiative to facilitate ease of doing business in Goa, is an online single-window portal exclusively for startups.

The government also plans to set up state-of-the-art, fully equipped, plug-and-play innovation and incubation centres, which would translate to a minimum of 2 lakh sq. ft of additional office space for the startups and lead to further job creation and generation.

“We want to create a startup culture where the youth become job givers, and not job seekers,” said Rohan Khaunte, Goa’s Minister for Revenue, IT and Labour & Employment. “We expect to do a lot. These two days are going to be a start to the system we have been dreaming about. I strongly believe that April 27 and 28 will stand out in the history of Goa as a place where the journey towards innovation, IT, and startups started,” he added.

From work-life harmony, to supportive ecosystem

Buoyed by a number of initiatives and incentives from the state government, as well as other influencing factors such as better quality of life, lower cost of living, location advantage, and a good blend of urban as well as rural pace of life, it has become a growing favourite for people who want to live a cosmopolitan life, grow professionally and, at the same time, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

State-driven capital incentives, infrastructure support, responsive policies, incubation support, great work-life harmony; as if that wasn’t enough, the state also enjoys a great industry-academia connect with Goa being home to premier institutes such as BITS Pilani, Goa, and Goa Institute of Management.

With a close-knit and supportive startup ecosystem, the fledgling companies get support and mentoring from organisations such as the Goa Chamber of Commerce, Goa Entrepreneurs Mentoring Services, 91Springboard, eChai, startups to build their network, grow their business and co-learn with the community.

Attend the Goa Startup and Innovation Day event to know how you too can be a part of this budding startup ecosystem. This is an invite-only event, so please register here for your invite.