Goa is steadily carving a unique niche for itself in India’s innovation economy. From just 12 recognised startups in 2017, the state is now home to 651 DPIIT-recognised startups, showing consistent year-on-year growth. Of these, 310 are led by women, highlighting the growing diversity and inclusivity within the ecosystem.
While Goa has seen consistent growth over the years, the momentum has picked up in recent times.
– 118 new startups were added in 2023
– 143 new startups came up in 2024
– 105 startups have already been recognised in just the first half of 2025
These numbers include both DPIIT-recognised startups and those supported by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C)
Goa’s startups are gaining recognition across sectors such as health-tech, EV mobility, legal-tech, tourism, clean energy, and smart infrastructure. Several have attracted national and global attention:
•Spintly, a smart access control company, has raised nearly ₹50 crore and expanded to international markets.
•Contractzy, a legal-tech startup, has built a patented online dispute resolution platform.
•BLive, which began as an EV tourism venture, has evolved into a full-stack EV ecosystem player with over ₹18 crore in funding.
•Molbio Diagnostics, headquartered in Goa, became the state’s first unicorn with its molecular diagnostic platform that gained national relevance during the pandemic.
Goa is also home to India’s first commercial 3D printing facility, further demonstrating the ecosystem’s ability to support deep-tech innovation.Goa’s startup ecosystem spans multiple high-potential sectors.
According to the latest data, the IT sector leads with 76 startups, accounting for 23.46% of the total. This is followed by Travel & Tourism, which includes 45 startups (13.89%), and Healthcare & Life Sciences, with 43 startups (13.27%), of the ecosystem, with the rest spread across other sectors.
This momentum is supported by a robust state-led ecosystem. The Goa Startup and IT Policy, under the leadership of Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for ITE&C, offers financial support through seed grants, R&D incentives, lease reimbursements, and subsidies.
On the infrastructure front, the state provides access to 6 incubators, 2 venture studios, over 15 co-working spaces, 18 Atal Tinkering Labs, and a fully equipped Maker’s Space. Initiatives such as the Goa Open Innovation Challenge and the Goa Market Access Expo further strengthen the ecosystem by helping startups move from ideation to pilot, connecting them with government departments, investors, and industry experts.
Goa is now focused on supporting high-potential startups in their growth phase. The Goa Startup Accelerator Program, is a five-month, mentor-led initiative that will support 30 startups, including five registered in Goa and 25 operating locally. These startups will receive structured mentorship in product development, market access, fundraising, and business growth.
Applications opened on July 22, 2025, marking a new phase in Goa’s startup journey.
Goa’s startup ecosystem is not only expanding in numbers—it is also evolving in maturity, sector depth, and scalability. With strong government support, focused policies, and a growing list of success stories, Goa is emerging as a preferred startup destination for entrepreneurs building for India and beyond.
