The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, convened the 11th Empowered Committee Meeting at the Conference Hall, Mantralaya, Porvorim. The committee reviewed and evaluated applications submitted under the Seed Capital Grant Scheme of the Goa Startup Policy 2025.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister and co-chaired by Rohan Khaunte, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Bicholim MLA & Chairman ITG, and members including Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, Secretary of Education, Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary of Information Technology, Asvin Chandru A., IAS, Director, Department of Industries, Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C, Praveen Volvotkar, Managing Director, ITG, Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI, Mangirish Salelkar, President, GTA and Deelip Menezes, MD, 3D Systems India.
Speaking about the startup scene in Goa, ITE&C Minister, Rohan Khaunte said, “The Seed Capital Grant Scheme is designed to clear the initial financial hurdles so startups can focus on growing their businesses. Looking at the talent we reviewed today, it’s clear that Goa is quickly becoming a major hub for India’s next generation of startups. Startups such as Molbio Diagnostics, Goa’s first-ever unicorn, and Spintly have already paved the way, demonstrating Goa has the talent, the capabilities, and the ecosystem to create a world-class environment where founders feel backed to build and grow in Goa. Through policies, incubation, mentorship and financial assistance, we’re ensuring our startups get the right support and funding at the right time.”
The Seed Capital Scheme, a key initiative under the Goa Startup Policy 2025, provides one-time financial assistance of up to Rs 10 lakh to startups that have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) received 26 applications under the Seed Fund Scheme, which were scrutinised by the Expert Committee. After a detailed evaluation, 15 startups were recommended to the Empowered Committee.
During the meeting, the startups spanning sectors such as artificial intelligence, product development, health tech, media tech, content creation and food & beverages showcased their innovative solutions developed in Goa. These applications were assessed on parameters including feasibility, innovation, scalability, revenue model and long-term sustainability.
Besides the evaluation, cheques were also presented to four educational institutions at the hands of the Chief Minister of Goa and the ITE&C Minister. Goa College of Engineering, Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Quepem, Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College and Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts & Science received grants of Rs 10 lakh each for setting up incubation centres, further strengthening the startup ecosystem in Goa.
The consistent rise in startup applications underscores Goa’s growing status as an emerging innovation hub. Through initiatives such as the Seed Capital Grant Scheme, the Government of Goa continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem by offering early-stage support and creating an enabling environment for high-potential founders to build, scale and succeed.
