The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITE&C), Government of Goa, convened the 10th Empowered Committee Meeting at the Conference Hall, Mantralaya, Porvorim, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s startup ecosystem.
The meeting reviewed applications submitted under the Seed Capital Grant Scheme of the Goa Startup Policy 2025, which aims to provide early-stage financial support to innovation-driven startups. The session was chaired by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and co-chaired by Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications.
16 Startups Shortlisted, 8 Receive Seed Grant Approval
The Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) received 27 applications under the Seed Fund Scheme, which were first evaluated by an Expert Committee. Following detailed deliberations, 16 startups were recommended to the Empowered Committee. Based on consensus, 8 startups were selected for funding.
These startups span sectors including IT, artificial intelligence, healthtech, tourism tech, OTT, media tech, edtech, e-commerce and fintech, highlighting the growing diversity of Goa’s innovation landscape. Applications were assessed on parameters such as innovation, feasibility, scalability, revenue model and long-term sustainability.
The selected startups include:
- Home Health Healer – home-based healthcare services with remote patient monitoring
- Reverse Infinity Pvt. Ltd. – AI-driven proactive healthcare and early disease detection
- Dumfries Vision – AI-enabled retinal screening solutions
- Vishkar Modernizing Construction – VR and AI-based immersive construction walkthroughs
- Incluseer – AI-powered digital accessibility platform
- Sevaco – micro-task marketplace connecting citizens and students
- Buraa – tourism discovery platform for dining, activities and events
- Vindaloo Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. – regional OTT platform focused on short-form content
₹10 Lakh Seed Grant for MVP-Ready Startups
The Seed Capital Grant Scheme offers one-time financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh to startups that have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The initiative is designed to help founders bridge the critical early-stage funding gap and move toward market validation and scale.
Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, IT Minister Rohan Khaunte said the quality of innovation on display reflects Goa’s emergence as a credible startup destination. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where startups can innovate, grow and establish long-term roots in Goa.
Campus Innovation Scheme: ₹50,000 Grants to Student Projects
In addition to startup evaluations, the government also disbursed ₹50,000 each to 10 student-led projects under the newly launched Campus Innovation Scheme. Grants were presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the IT Minister.
Institutions and supported projects included:
- Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering & IT – next-gen femur implant using 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V scaffolds; industrial safety compliance via real-time computer vision
- Goa College of Engineering – Konkani LLM analysis; smart agriculture bot
- Padre Conceicao College of Engineering – Colony One residential management platform; AEROVISION autonomous defence drone
- Don Bosco College of Engineering – Synapse-Connect neuro-muscular framework; recyclable materials for 3D printing
- Agnel Institute of Technology and Design – Smart Wear assistive jacket for the visually impaired; Wingman sign-language-to-text wearable
Goa’s Startup Momentum Continues
The steady rise in applications under state-led programs signals increasing founder confidence in Goa’s policy framework. Through initiatives like the Seed Capital Grant Scheme and Campus Innovation Scheme, the Government of Goa continues to deepen early-stage support, positioning the state as an emerging hub for innovation-led entrepreneurship.
