Department of ITE&C identifies promising startups for support under seed capital scheme

Goa Khabar : The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, convened a Screening Committee Meeting today at the Conference Room of the Department in Altinho to evaluate startup proposals submitted under the Seed Capital Scheme under the Goa Startup Policy 2025.

The meeting was held with the objective of identifying promising startups for financial support under the scheme and to further strengthen Goa’s growing innovation ecosystem. The committee screened proposals from startups working across sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education technology, sustainability, digital services, tourism solutions, clean energy and community-based innovation. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of Information Technology, and included members from various government departments, industries and domain experts as part of the screening committee.

Speaking on the occasion, Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of Information Technology, said, “The Seed Fund Scheme is intended to identify and support entrepreneurs who are building solutions with strong potential and real-world relevance. Goa is witnessing a steady rise in innovative ventures across sectors, and through this initiative we aim to provide the necessary support for these startups to move from idea to impact. The objective is not only to provide funding, but also to create an enabling ecosystem where startups can test, validate and scale their solutions from Goa. We are committed to nurturing homegrown innovation and positioning Goa as a preferred destination for entrepreneurship and technology-led growth.”

During the session, startup founders presented their ideas, business models, product readiness and implementation strategies before the committee. The proposals were assessed on parameters including innovation, scalability, technical feasibility, market relevance, social impact and the ability to generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within Goa. The Seed Fund Grant Scheme, a key initiative under the Goa Startup Policy, provides one-time financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh to startups that have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The support enables startups to strengthen their products, undertake pilot deployments and move towards commercialisation.

Sharing their experience, Nisha Mahesh Sawant, Founder of Innove8 Digital HR Private Limited, stated, “The interaction with the committee was constructive and encouraging. The Seed Fund Scheme gives startups like ours an opportunity to receive both financial support and validation at a crucial stage of growth.”

Mrs. Siddhi Ganesh Bapat, PhD, Founder of Srugenie Technologies Pvt. Ltd. stated, “It is heartening to see a platform where innovative ideas are being assessed with seriousness and transparency. Initiatives such as this encourage young entrepreneurs in Goa to pursue their ideas and build sustainable businesses within the State.”

The Department of ITE&C will now undertake the next stage of evaluation and due diligence before finalising the startups to be supported under the Seed Fund Grant Scheme.