Panjim, October 28, 2024:* The esteemed Goa Start-Up & Tourism Awards 2024, presented by Lokmat in Collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa (DITE&C), took place at Hotel Fidalgo, Panaji, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Goa’s most promising startups.
The event highlighted the contributions of startups advancing Goa’s entrepreneurial landscape across sectors like tourism and technology.
The event was graced by Honorable Minister for Tourism and Information Technology, Electronics, and Communications, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, MD ITG Shri. Praveen Volvotkar, OSD to the Minister of Tourism, Shri Shawn Mendes and CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Shri D.S. Prashant.
With his inspiring insights, Honorable Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Government of Goa Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized, “Today, the media, as the fourth pillar of democracy, plays a key role in shaping society, and we see the need to build a media landscape that supports meaningful initiatives. In Goa, our approach to IT and tourism is deeply collaborative, engaging academia, industry, and government to advance a forward-thinking ecosystem that empowers local entrepreneurs and nurtures innovation. The entrepreneurial spirit in Goa is thriving, with more than 225 startups actively working with the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SPC), Goa.
Through the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aligned with Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi Ji’s pillars of Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, Kisan Shakti, and Garib Kalyan, we are dedicated to building an inclusive and progressive environment where every Goan can contribute to and benefit from our state’s growth.”
The awards were evaluated based on criteria such as Innovation, Impact, Growth Potential, and Team Strength. Categories included Tourism Startup, Creative Ecotourism, Hinterland Tourism, Emerging Startup, Innovative Startup, Women-led Startup, and the prestigious Best Start-Up of the Year Award. The awardees were One Board for Best Tourism Startup, The Local Beat for Best Creativity in Hinterland Tourism, Mrugaya Xpediations for Creative Ecotourism, Spatialcraft and Trash Co. for Emerging Startup, SMDpower Solutions and Diagopreutic Pvt Ltd. for Innovative Startup, Asier Solutions, Sevarat, and Make It Happen for Women-led Startups, and Spintly, honored as the Best Startup of the Year.
Reflecting on Goa’s dynamic business landscape, Shri Khaunte further stated, “Our IT Policy lays out a clear roadmap to attract investors, while the Startup Policy 2024 provides local entrepreneurs with essential support for growth, establishing Goa as an aspirational hub for startups.
Women entrepreneurs, particularly in eco-tourism, homestays, and regenerative tourism, are leading the way, showcasing how local culture can be preserved and enhanced through innovative businesses. Our Nari Shakti initiative is dedicated to empowering women-led startups, and our Homestay Policy provides women with the support needed to build successful ventures. Together, we look forward to achieving even more milestones, shaping Goa as a thriving hub for innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth, and creating a lasting impact for our citizens.”
He added that Goa is India’s first state to champion regenerative tourism, leading the way in sustainable growth models that honor the environment, strengthen local communities, and preserve the essence of Goan heritage.
The Goa Start-Up & Tourism Awards 2024 concluded with a call to all entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators to continue breakingEve barriers and fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking startup ecosystem. By celebrating the success stories of Goa’s startups, the awards have inspired others to seek excellence and innovation, further reinforcing the state’s status as a leading hub for both tourism and technology.
Special acknowledgements given by Lokmat to Shri. Sandeep Gupte, General Manager at Lokmat, Goa; Shri Sagar Agni, Media Advisor to the Minister of Tourism; Shri Sandeep Kerkar, Managing Director of Prime Media Goa; and Shri Gandhar Magajan, Sales Manager at DNA Goa, for their valuable contributions.
