Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Government of Goa on Wednesday launched the Goa Startup Accelerator Programme, a structured initiative designed to support startups with mentorship, market access and investment opportunities, as part of efforts to deepen the state’s innovation ecosystem.
The programme was launched by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, through the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, at a function held in Panaji.
Addressing the gathering, IT Minister Rohan Khaunte said Goa was steadily building a strong and inclusive startup environment supported by forward-looking policies.
“Goa has 734 DPIIT-registered startups today, with nearly half being women-led. Through the Goa Startup Policy 2025 and initiatives such as the Startup Accelerator and the Open Innovation Challenge, we are ensuring startups have access to capital, mentorship, infrastructure and real market opportunities,” Khaunte said.
The launch event brought together startups, ecosystem enablers, industry leaders and government officials. Those present included Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director; and D. S. Prashant, CEO, Startup and IT Promotion Cell.
The event began with an orientation session for startups selected under the accelerator, outlining the programme structure and growth roadmap. Participating startups also pitched their ideas and interacted with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.
The Goa Startup Accelerator Programme will run from February to June 2026 and will conclude with a Demo Day, where startups will showcase their progress to investors and stakeholders.
During the programme, winners of the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 were felicitated. In the startup category, SOLO Network, Cidroy Technologies LLP and So-AIR were honoured. Student category winners included teams from Padre Conceição College of Engineering, Verna and Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda. The Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 report was also released on the occasion.
Winners of the MedTech Hackathon, organised by the National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH and Integrative Medicine in collaboration with the state IT department, were also awarded. Team Biomade, Team My Pallo Friend and Team Kindred Tech emerged as winners.
Officials said the accelerator programme is part of the state’s wider strategy to support startups at every stage of growth and build a future-ready, innovation-driven economy.
