Top Deal…
• Goa hosts Norwegian delegation for roundtable on tech, tourism and creative industries
• Minister Rohan Khaunte says Goa is building a model combining innovation, sustainability and quality of life
• Norway identifies Goa as a strategic partner for cybersecurity, clean mobility, aquaculture tech and advanced digital solutions
• Goa highlights its growing startup ecosystem, AI skilling, electronic manufacturing and design-led innovation
• Tourism officials pitch investment prospects in sustainable tourism, wellness, hospitality and adventure sectors
• Delegates propose talent exchange, university partnerships, incubator links and international certification programmes
• Both sides agree to explore structured collaboration across technology, research and climate-resilient tourism
High-level delegation explores joint opportunities in innovation, skilling, creative economy and sustainable tourism
Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa strengthened its international outreach on Monday as a high-level delegation from Norway met senior officials during a roundtable organised by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications in collaboration with the Tourism Department. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in technology, tourism, skilling and the creative economy.
The session was attended by Minister for IT, Electronics and Communications and Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte, along with DITE&C officials Kabir Shirgaonkar and Dr Milind Sakhardande, GTDC’s marketing head Dr Gavin Dias and Startup and IT Promotion Cell CEO D. S. Prashant. Representatives from Kilowatt and other Goan stakeholders were also present.
The Norwegian side included senior members from the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster, NICCI, Gjøvikregionen Utvikling, Smart Farm AS, Nordic Intent, and representatives from clean-tech and innovation firms.
Addressing the delegation, Minister Khaunte said Goa is advancing a development model where innovation is integrated with creativity and sustainable tourism. He pointed to ongoing initiatives such as the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster, AI skilling programmes and the State’s startup policy as platforms ready for global partnerships. He emphasised that new collaborations must generate opportunities for Goans through employment and skill development.
Christian H. Engh, CEO of the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster, said Norway views Goa as a strategic location due to its expanding talent base and its focus on sustainability and clean mobility. He noted that Norway, one of the world’s most digitised economies, is keen to jointly develop solutions in cybersecurity, renewable energy, aquaculture technology and advanced digital services. He added that Norway’s global expertise in aquaculture aligns with potential growth areas in Goa.
Startup and IT Promotion Cell CEO D. S. Prashant presented Goa’s evolving startup landscape, highlighting proactive governance, policy stability and the State’s emergence as a creative-tech hub. He outlined possible areas for joint work including design-led innovation, talent development and infrastructure that supports future industries.
Tourism officials led by Dr Gavin Dias shared Goa’s tourism strategy, emphasising sustainable and climate-resilient approaches. The presentation showcased opportunities in wellness and Ayurveda tourism, experiential travel, hospitality investment, adventure activities, charter services and joint research in tourism development. Goa’s heritage, biodiversity and rich cultural identity were highlighted as anchors for long-term cooperation.
During the interaction, the Norwegian delegation proposed multiple pathways for collaboration such as university partnerships, academic exchanges, incubator links and joint certification programmes for specialised skills like diving. They also discussed raising awareness of Norwegian business platforms and strengthening NICCI’s network within India to support cross-border innovation.
Officials said the discussions reflect growing international interest in Goa’s expanding technology and tourism sectors. As the State deepens its focus on creativity, skilling and sustainability, both sides expressed confidence that Goa and Norway can build a robust framework for long-term cooperation.
