Goa is crafting a new narrative as a dynamic haven for digital nomads and creative professionals, contributing to an economy driven by talent and innovation. It all started with a simple yet powerful vision, to transform Goa into a leading hub of technology and creativity. Initially a small group of 27 members, the CCG has now expanded into a thriving community of 100, reflecting its growing influence and the collective enthusiasm of its members.
The CCG’s monthly meet-ups, held on the first Friday of each month, facilitate discussions aimed at establishing “Goa as the Design Capital of India.” To understand the challenges faced by creative communities, CCG has developed a detailed questionnaire to gather insights. This initiative aims to work with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, to address these challenges and strengthen the creative ecosystem.
The CCG has created a website as a comprehensive resource and digital hub for Goa’s creative community. The ‘Directory of Members’ section is a standout feature, allowing designers to register and connect with other creatives in Goa. This feature highlights the commitment to fostering cooperation and inclusivity, welcoming Goa residents and digital nomads.
Goa recently hosted “Monsoon Connect: Goa’s Digital Nomad Meetup,” celebrating diverse opportunities and rich experiences. The event brought together architects, artists, craftsmen, designers, and professionals from various creative fields to exchange ideas, network, and explore potential collaborations.
The Department of IT is actively cultivating a robust ecosystem essential for Goa’s future prosperity. Efforts focus on initiatives such as the Design Village, improving connectivity, and refining policies to support digital nomads, startups, and creative industries. In a bid to boost economic growth through digitization, the Goa government has initiated talks with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Union Ministry of External Affairs and other ministries to launch a digital nomad visa program, enabling remote workers to stay and contribute to the economic possibilities. The government also aims to harness human resources through the Global Opportunities Aggregator (GOA) initiative, providing facilities, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities for creative minds. Infrastructure development is another key focus, with the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Tuem poised to become a Design Village, further enhancing Goa’s status as a creative center.
The CCG envisions Goa as a globally recognised design powerhouse, where design thinking drives innovation, sustainability, and an inclusive creative economy. Insights from the First Fridays meetups have inspired Design Policy solutions, including creating co-working spaces, design villages, fabrication labs, a material library, and a resource center. Plans also include a one-stop design park for obtaining licenses, streamlining approvals, and resolving funding issues to accelerate design programs. Additionally, they aim to introduce a “Designed in Goa” certification program, integrate design thinking into educational institutions, and develop a unified brand strategy for Goan products.
Future plans include creating D-shack, a vibrant co-working space for designers, dreamers, and developers, and hosting Goa Design Week to celebrate creativity and innovation with exhibitions, awards, workshops, seminars, and networking events.
The journey to make Goa the Design Capital of India is a collective effort driven by the creative community, the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, and industry partners.
