Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: As India commemorated National Technology Day on May 11, Goa showcased its impressive strides in digital innovation and inclusive development. This year’s theme, “Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow Through Innovation,” deeply resonates with the people-first approach adopted by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C), Government of Goa.
Once burdened by poor digital infrastructure, rural regions of Goa like Quepem have witnessed a transformative shift. Free public Wi-Fi hotspots, established by the Department of ITE&C, have brought vital internet access to underserved areas. “Connectivity was a long-pending issue,” shared a local resident from Quepem. “Now, with the Wi-Fi facility in place, we can access essential services and work more efficiently.” So far, 75 such hotspots are operational across the state, with 75 more in the pipeline to further bridge the digital divide.
In Morpila, Fatorpa—a remote area in South Goa—the arrival of a 4G mobile tower changed daily life. “We had no mobile signal. Online classes were stressful during the pandemic,” recalled student Ashwini Velip. “Now I can attend classes, access study material, and stay connected without worry.” These stories reflect the state’s determined effort to bring last-mile connectivity to every citizen.
Goa’s digital infrastructure is being rapidly strengthened through initiatives like Har Ghar Fiber, which aims to expand optical fiber connectivity to talukas, panchayats, government offices, and homes. Simultaneously, improved 4G and 5G mobile coverage and BSNL’s free internet services to government schools under BharatNet 3.0 are ensuring no area is left behind. Fifteen new towers are already live, with more underway.
This strong digital foundation is fueling a new era of innovation in the state. The recently launched Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025, driven by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, invites entrepreneurs to propose solutions for real-world challenges across sectors such as tourism, agriculture, waste management, industry, and governance. It’s a launchpad for ideas that could shape Goa’s future and make governance more efficient and responsive.
Digital governance in Goa is also evolving. The state’s GoaOnline platform, launched in 2017, laid the groundwork for service accessibility. Now, a new AI-powered WhatsApp platform is offering citizens fast and easy access to 241 government services across 60 departments—ranging from schemes and certificates to tourism recommendations.
Another game-changing initiative is OneMap Goa GIS, a unified geospatial platform that brings together data from various government departments to support informed decision-making—from planning infrastructure to disaster management. This aligns Goa’s progress with national strategies like PM Gati Shakti, enhancing overall governance.
Adding to this momentum is Goa’s emergence as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The state recently witnessed India’s first commercial deployment of industrial-grade 3D printing, paving the way for next-generation manufacturing. This move supports startups and MSMEs with rapid prototyping capabilities, strengthening the innovation ecosystem and contributing to economic resilience.
Through a deliberate, people-centric use of technology, Goa is not just riding the wave of digital transformation—it is shaping it. From rural internet access and AI-driven public services to 3D printing and geospatial planning, the state is laying the groundwork for a sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready society.
On this National Technology Day, Goa stands as a powerful example of how innovation, when guided by purpose and equity, can drive not only progress—but transformation.
