Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: The 9th Empowered Committee meeting on startup empowerment was held at Mantralaya, Porvorim, bringing together key stakeholders to drive Goa’s startup ecosystem forward.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, serves as the apex decision-making body for evaluating applications and sanctioning incentives under the Goa Startup Policy.
The committee members include Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Printing and Stationery, Government of Goa, Rohan A. Khaunte; Minister for Transport, Industries, Panchayat, Protocol, Government of Goa Mauvin Godinho; along with other dignitaries, including Chairman of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd Dr. Chandrakant Shetye; Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS; Director of Department of ITE&C, Kabir K. Shirgaonkar; Director of Department of Industries Asvin Chandru; Joint Director of Department of ITE&C Dr. Milind Sakhardande; Managing Director of Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd Praveen Volvotkar; Representative from GCCI Girish Bharne; President Goa Technology Association (GTA) Sujeet Shetty; and Managing Director 3D Systems India Deelip Menezes.
During the meeting, six startups presented their business ideas under the Seed Capital Grant Scheme. Dr. Amar Satardekar, founder of Home Health Healer, spoke about his doorstep healthcare service, which ensures accessible medical assistance.
Syam Ivaturi, founder of DISHAᴬᴵ Edutech Solutions Pvt Ltd, presented an AI-driven SaaS platform designed for skill analysis, monitoring, and mentoring.
Malcolm Afonso of Afonso Spatialcraft LLP showcased a digital WEB-GIS application that enhances communication between real estate developers and investors.
Paresh Satish Sadhaye, founder of Co-Pet Grooming and Veterinary Services Pvt Ltd, highlighted a holistic pet care solution addressing the growing demand for comprehensive animal care.
Abhilash Gond, founder of ByHorse Logistics Pvt Ltd, explained a logistics model that leverages bikes, vans, mini trucks, and drones to improve delivery services in Goa.
Rounding off the presentations, Siddhart Manjrekar, Co-founder of Frover Labs Pvt Ltd, outlined Try Pitch, an AI-powered influencer marketplace that connects creators with verified brands for streamlined marketing campaigns.
The committee also reviewed applications under various incentive schemes. Eleven applications were submitted for the Co-working Space Subsidy from startups such as Blits Homeofarm Telemedicines (Opc) Private Limited, Rachane Engineering Solution, Perceptionyst Solutions LLP, Customelements Private Limited, Kaiteki Innovations Private Limited, and Credence Cleantech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Four startups, including Xenrex Healthcare Private Limited, Customelements Private Limited, Sharp Minds Private Limited, and Cheree Tree Concepts, applied under the Rental Lease Scheme.
Two applications were received under the Salary Subsidy scheme from Asier Solutions and Construct Ten Ventures LLP.
Goa’s startup ecosystem is growing rapidly, with 592 DPIIT-recognized startups and 262 SITPC-certified startups operating across sectors such as IT, tourism, and sustainability. Several initiatives have been introduced to support startups by providing networking opportunities, mentorship, infrastructure, and funding. These include the Founders Club, Masterclass, Goa Startup & Corporate Bridge, Goa Startup Yatra, Goa Startup Yatra Bootcamp, Monsoon Connect – Goa’s Digital Nomad Meetup, Tech Media Startup Expo 2024, and First Friday.
Under the Goa Startup Policy, ₹3.58 crore has been disbursed to 135 beneficiaries, facilitating their growth and expansion.
With Goa’s startup ecosystem witnessing increased participation, the government remains committed to refining policies, ensuring faster application processing, and strengthening collaborations, contributing to the larger goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
