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Goa: A Rising Star in India's Entrepreneurial

Landscape

Goa has always been known as a
traveller’s paradise and a cultural jewel;
now, it has emerged as a destination for
entrepreneurship and innovation. Under
those palm-fringed beaches and pretty
lifestyles is a growing ecosystem of
creativity, collaboration, and science that
is putting up the newest technology. A
prime location, a forward-thinking
government breed, and a healthy balance
between work and lifestyle make Goa Dr. Abdul Razak
poised to leave no stone unturned on Incharge, EDII - Goa Centre
national and world stages. & Associate Faculty, EDII

A Unique Landscape for Growth
Goa is sandwiched between the two coasts and conveniently links Mumbai, Pune, and
Bengaluru. Its location on India's western coast makes it fit as an attractive base for start-
ups looking for access to vast markets and enjoying a life unmatched in metropolitan
hubs. The infrastructure of the state, together with its natural wealth and slow pace,
creates space for creativity and innovation. To this is added an influx of digital nomads and
work-from-anywhere workers who energize Goa with a global entrepreneurial spirit.
With its cosmopolitan culture, high quality of life, and talented workforce supported by
local educational institutions, Goa is poised to be a vibrant, innovation-driven ecosystem.

The Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Government Support for Innovation
The government of Goa has consistently endorsed entrepreneurship with their
intervention initiatives like the Startup Policy of 2017, which intended the incubation of
viable startups at the rate of 100 per year. Such financial incentives, as well as various skill-
building programs and infrastructure provisions, have empowered entrepreneurs to turn
those ideas into successful business ventures. The Goa Startup and Innovation Day is an
event in which innovators, investors, and industry leaders can come together, thus
increasing the networking opportunities.

Collaborative Spaces and Incubators
Of the many constituent parts attaching themselves to the general startup ecosystem in
Goa, co-working spaces and incubators form the central hinge. Mentoring and access to
funds and networking are thus made part of the offerings given in introduction to startups
by organizations like the Center for Incubation and Business Acceleration (CIBA) and the
Forum for Innovation Incubation Research and Entrepreneurship (FiiRE). Apart from
these being spaces to work in, they also serve as other function-rich lively swirling spaces
wherein entrepreneurs come to meet each other and mingle with ideas, inspiration, and
possible partnerships.

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