In the land of golden shores and rising digital ambition, Goa is steadily carving its path toward becoming India’s Creative Capital and a thriving technology hub. The year 2025 has been an exciting one for Goa, with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) spearheading a wave of innovation, focusing on connectivity, e-governance, infrastructure and skilling.
As the year draws to a close, it is only fitting to reflect on the progress made on this journey.
Connectivity remains the backbone of Goa’s digital ambitions. This year, the state significantly expanded its network of free public Wi-Fi to 135 hotspots across key public spaces. Simultaneously, the rollout of 4G and 5G towers gained momentum, ensuring faster and more reliable internet access for citizens, businesses and visitors alike.
Further enhancing digital connectivity, the Goa Broadband Network (GBBN) has extended high-speed internet across 1,492 government offices. These efforts are bridging the digital divide and creating a strong foundation for digital service delivery across the state.
Major advancements were also made in e-governance, bringing government services closer to citizens. The GoaOnline portal, which offers citizens 265 services across 41 departments, recorded over 11 lakh digital interactions, reflecting growing public trust and confidence with seamless online service delivery.
Complementing this transition, the Gramin Mitra Yojana implemented through the Common Service Centres, ensured essential digital services reached even remote communities. Together these initiatives are reinforcing Goa’s commitment to transparent and people-centric governance.
Skilling emerged as a key focus area in 2025, with initiatives aimed at preparing citizens for the future digital economy. One of the transformative initiatives launched was the Goa AI Mission 2027, built on four pillars: skilling, startups and companies, capital and infrastructure.
A significant early step under this mission was the AI for Governance programme conducted in August in collaboration with IndiaAI Mission, Google and the World Bank. The programme sensitised government officials to the practical applications of artificial intelligence in governance, policy and service delivery.
Digital literacy initiatives also gained momentum. One important initiative was the Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Scheme, aimed at empowering women through computer literacy. In addition, the department reinforced its commitment to education by distributing laptops to 111 students in the academic year 2024-25 under the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme to meritorious SC and ST students.
On the infrastructure front, significant developments took place at the Electronics Manufacturing Centre in Tuem, Pernem, with plots allotted to companies such as Zen Technologies Limited, Powerland Agro Tractors Pvt. Ltd. marking a major step towards strengthening Goa’s electronics and manufacturing ecosystem.
Goa also began exploring advanced technologies like blockchain. The department facilitated meaningful engagement between industry and academia to understand the technology’s potential, with US-based firms such as McLaren Strategic Solutions and Omnuni expressing interest in establishing operations in Goa. To strengthen its international engagement, the department also interacted with a high-level Norwegian delegation.
DITE&C took part in major national tech expos, showcasing Goa’s focus on innovation and technology. At the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, over 500 visitors visited the department’s pavilion and learned about the State’s digital initiatives, technology projects and startup ecosystem. The department also participated at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi with five startups from Goa.
Alongside infrastructure and skilling, Goa’s startup ecosystem continued to flourish. The state
is now home to over 700 DPIIT-registered startups, including 328 women-led ventures. To further nurture innovation, the department revised the Goa Startup Policy 2025, including 12 targeted schemes focused on seed capital, reimbursements, mentorship and sustainable innovation.
Creating a competitive and collaborative startup environment, the department also conducted innovation challenges. The Goa Open Innovation Challenge saw 557 participants present solutions to real-world problem statements from government departments spanning tourism, agriculture, IT and public services.
DITE&C signed three MoUs; with Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd, Digital India Bhashini Division (MeitY) and Maker’s Asylum to enhance the state’s technology, creative sectors and make governance more inclusive and accessible across languages.
This year also witnessed the launch of the #EmpoweredinGoa campaign, celebrating how the state is creating an ecosystem where founders can dream, students can skill up, women can lead, digital nomads can thrive and citizens can benefit from people-centric governance.
With its unique lifestyle advantages, high-speed internet and improved digital infrastructure, Goa has also emerged as a sought-after Digital Nomad Destination, attracting hybrid workers, creative freelancers and remote entrepreneurs from across the globe.
As Goa looks toward 2026, the foundation laid in 2025 promises an even brighter future for the state’s IT and innovation ecosystem. With sustained investments in digital infrastructure, innovation and skill development and governance reforms, Goa is well on its way to emerge as one of India’s leading tech hubs, attracting talent and global recognition while staying true to its inclusive and creative spirit.
