From building a robust AI ecosystem to strengthening digital governance and enhancing citizen-centric services, Goa charts a bold path in AI and digital transformation. The vision focuses on innovation, skilling, and scalable, tech-driven solutions.

𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐫 𝐊. 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐫, Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, in an exclusive interaction with 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐤𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥, shares insights into the state’s ambitious roadmap under the Goa AI Mission 2027.

Q. Under the Goa AI Mission 2027, what are the top three measurable outcomes DITE&C aims to achieve, and how will progress be tracked and publicly reported?

The Goa AI Mission 2027 is anchored in key pillars: skilling, capital and infrastructure, startups and companies, and governance. Based on these, the department aims to achieve several measurable outcomes, including the establishment of a dedicated AI Centre of Excellence, the rollout of a specialised AI skilling centre, the organisation of AI hackathons across government departments, and the integration of AI solutions to enhance public service delivery.

Progress will be tracked through indicators such as the growth of AI startups, job creation in the technology sector, and the sector’s contribution to the state’s GDP. Transparency will be ensured through regular updates shared via official social media channels, press releases, and media coverage.

How will initiatives like the Goa Open Innovation Challenge and Campus Innovation Scheme transition from pilots to scalable public services, and what KPIs will define success?

The Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 has enabled startups to transition from pilot stages to scalable public services by embedding their solutions within government workflows. Out of 557 applications, the top 100 solutions were showcased at the Market Expert Expo.

Several startups are already scaling their innovations. So-AIR has been successfully tested with Shakti Tanks, while SOLO has expanded its deployment from the Labour Commission to the Employment Exchange and the Department of ITE&C. Cidroy Technologies is also collaborating with the Goa Public Service Commission through the Infotech Corporation of Goa.

The Campus Innovation Scheme complements this by providing financial support and resources to student innovators, ensuring promising ideas move beyond ideation into commercialisation without early-stage funding constraints.

Q. The Government of Goa has signed an MoU with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt. Ltd. to expand connectivity. What is the scope and timeline of this collaboration, and how will it integrate with terrestrial networks while ensuring security and cost efficiency?

The collaboration with Starlink aims to bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas of Goa. It will act as a redundancy layer alongside existing terrestrial networks, ensuring connectivity during natural disasters or infrastructure disruptions.

The rollout will follow a phased approach after a detailed feasibility study, with strict adherence to security protocols. Cost efficiency will be maintained by deploying satellite connectivity in regions where fibre infrastructure is not viable.

As the nodal authority for RoW approvals, how is DITE&C streamlining permissions while balancing infrastructure growth and public safeguards?

DITE&C has centralised all ISP and IP operator permissions through a unified RoW portal, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays. The process has been standardised through stakeholder training programmes.

Additionally, the department offers detailed video tutorials and a dedicated helpdesk to resolve issues in real time. This hybrid approach ensures faster infrastructure deployment while maintaining regulatory compliance and public safeguards.

What is Goa’s cloud strategy post-NIC mini-cloud, and what cybersecurity and data governance standards will guide the migration of state digital services?

Following the NIC mini-cloud phase, Goa is migrating its digital infrastructure to a MeitY-empanelled hyperscaler cloud platform. Around 130 websites and 22 critical applications are currently being transitioned through a structured RFP process, with a 16-week timeline to ensure zero disruption.

The new infrastructure will offer enhanced scalability, continuous monitoring, and the capacity to expand to over 200 websites and 50 applications. The migration will strictly adhere to MeitY cloud guidelines, Government of India cybersecurity standards, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to ensure robust data security.

Q. How is DITE&C strengthening e-District services and digital inclusion, particularly in rural areas, and what are the latest adoption trends?

The department has digitised key government services through the Goa Online portal, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. The platform is currently being upgraded with modern technologies to improve usability and security.

To enhance digital inclusion, especially in rural areas, a network of Gramin Mitras and Village Level Entrepreneurs has been deployed to provide doorstep assistance. An AI-powered chatbot has also been introduced for 24/7 citizen support, contributing to a notable increase in digital adoption across the state.

Q. How are patent reimbursements and incentive schemes aligned with broader investment promotion to attract AI, cloud, and tech enterprises?

Goa’s incentive framework is designed as a comprehensive investment package. Under the Startup Policy 2025, the government reimburses 100 per cent of patent filing costs (within defined limits) and supports trademark registration, thereby reducing the R&D burden.

Additionally, the IT Policy, extended till 2027, offers benefits such as land and office space rebates, lease rental subsidies, capital investment support, and power and bandwidth subsidies. Employment-linked incentives, especially for hiring local talent and women, ensure that investments translate into job creation and skill development.

Customised packages are also offered to large and multinational firms, making Goa an attractive destination for AI, cloud, and technology enterprises.

What is the most significant achievement of DITE&C?

DITE&C has made notable progress in transforming Goa’s digital landscape and positioning the state as the Creative Capital of India. Key focus areas include strengthening e-governance, enhancing connectivity, promoting skilling, and fostering a robust startup ecosystem.

These efforts have been recognised nationally. Goa was named a ‘Best Performer’ in the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking by DPIIT during National Startup Day in Delhi. Additionally, the department received the Digital Excellence Award at the 39th Technology Sabha in Hyderabad for its contributions to digital governance.

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