Goa Wins ‘Best Performer’ on the occasion of National Startup Day
Minister Rohan Khaunte outlines roadmap to on AI, emerging technologies and IT-based employment for Goan Youth
Porvorim, January 16, 2026: The Government of Goa is set to soon launch an AI-assisted Chatbot to enhance e-governance services across the state. Announcing this, in the Goa Legislative Assembly today, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, also highlighted that Goa has been awarded the ‘Best Performer’ in the B-category by the Central Government on the occasion of National Startup Day.
Responding to the Calling Attention motion raised by Shri Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, Shri Rohan Khaunte elaborated on the ITE&C Department’s focused efforts toward digital connectivity, skill development, infrastructure expansion and initiatives aimed at creating local employment opportunities.
He emphasized that initiatives like Har Ghar Fibre, which provides last-mile connectivity and the Goa AI Mission 2027, which aims to build a strong, inclusive and future-ready AI ecosystem are transforming the state’s digital landscape. Under the Mission, an AI Advisory Council has been constituted to guide policy formation. The soon-to-be-launched AI-assisted Chatbot will further strengthen e-governance and citizen engagement.
Shri Rohan Khaunte further shared that policies such as the Startup Policy and IT Policy have been drafted collaboratively with industry and academia. Goa is now home to 760 DPIIT-registered startups, with 33% being women-led, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship. Startups have received 5 crore in funding, underscoring the government’s focus on innovation and enterprise growth.
The minister also noted that government policies are not only creating jobs but also fostering a supportive environment for digital nomads and remote workers. Programs such as Work from Goa and First Fridays promote remote work and creative opportunities, positioning Goa as a Design and Creative Capital, rather than replicating traditional IT hubs.
The minister stated that over 100 creative enterprises currently operate in the state. At the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in Tuem, both drone manufacturing and anti-drone technology companies, along with R&D-driven startups, have already established operations. Other upcoming initiatives include the Drone Policy and a Drone Park in Cortarim.
Education and upskilling remain central to these efforts. While youth scoring over 70% in academics are able to secure jobs through campus placements, targeted skill development programs are being implemented for those with lower scores. The ITE&C Department is also advancing Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 readiness, emphasizing human-centric, sustainable and resilient industrial growth. Focus areas include AI, automation, robotics and smart manufacturing, aligned with skill development and job creation.
