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DITE&C holds 10th Empowered Committee Meeting to boost Startup Innovation

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DITE&C
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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
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₹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 EngineeringColony One residential management platform; AEROVISION autonomous defence drone
  • Don Bosco College of EngineeringSynapse-Connect neuro-muscular framework; recyclable materials for 3D printing
  • Agnel Institute of Technology and DesignSmart 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.

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CPP Payment Increase Confirmed for 2026: What Canadians Need to Know

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Canada Pension Plan payments will rise by 2% starting January 2026, reflecting annual inflation indexation. The increase applies automatically to all CPP beneficiaries, including retirees, disability recipients, and survivors.

CPP Payment Increase 2026: Key Details

The Government of Canada has confirmed a 2% Canada Pension Plan payment increase for 2026, effective January 1. The adjustment is linked to the Consumer Price Index and aims to protect beneficiaries’ purchasing power amid inflation.

The increase applies to all CPP benefit types and becomes the new baseline payment level for the entire year.

Who Will Receive the CPP Increase

The CPP payment increase will be applied automatically to:

  • CPP retirement pension recipients
  • CPP disability benefit recipients
  • Survivor and children’s benefit recipients
  • Post-retirement benefit recipients

No application or action is required from beneficiaries.

What the Increase Means for Payments

A 2% adjustment means beneficiaries will see a modest but permanent rise in monthly payments.

For example:

  • A $1,400 monthly CPP payment in 2025 would increase by approximately $28 per month in 2026.
  • The exact increase depends on an individual’s current CPP benefit amount.

The first adjusted payment is expected to be issued in late January 2026, following the standard CPP payment schedule.

Why CPP Payments Increase Each Year

CPP benefits are indexed annually to inflation to maintain long-term income stability for retirees and vulnerable Canadians. The adjustment is calculated using changes in the Consumer Price Index and reviewed every year.

This increase is separate from the ongoing CPP enhancement, which gradually raises future benefits for higher-earning contributors.

CPP Contributions and Earnings Cap in 2026

Alongside higher benefits, the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) will also increase in 2026. This change affects how much working Canadians contribute to CPP and helps fund higher future payouts.

Key Highlights

  • CPP payments rise by 2% starting January 2026
  • Increase applies automatically to all beneficiaries
  • First higher payment expected in late January 2026
  • Adjustment is permanent for the 2026 benefit year
  • YMPE will increase alongside benefit adjustments

Conclusion

The confirmed CPP payment increase for 2026 reinforces the program’s role as a stable income source for Canadians. While modest, the adjustment helps offset rising living costs and ensures benefits keep pace with inflation.

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Government of Goa explores collaboration with Starlink to accelerate digital connectivity in the State 

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Starlink to accelerate digital connectivity in the State 

The Government of Goa, led by Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, engaged in a strategic meeting with a delegation from Starlink to discuss high-impact digital connectivity initiatives aimed at strengthening Goa’s technology ecosystem and rural connectivity.

Two meetings were convened on December 12, 2025, focusing on collaborative avenues with Starlink that align with the State’s vision of advancing digital inclusion, fostering innovation and building resilient digital connectivity across both urban and remote regions.

The first meeting, held at the Mantralaya in Porvorim, took place in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The delegation from Starlink included Ms Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink Business Operations Global Access & Operations, Shri Prabhakar Jayakumar, Head of Starlink India and Shri Manoj Ladwa, Government Affairs Strategist & Chairman, India Global Forum.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted how Goa is rapidly advancing in its digital transformation roadmap and emphasized the State’s continued efforts towards strengthening digital services and public delivery systems. “Starlink’s interest in Goa would enable the State to leverage high-speed, low-latency satellite broadband to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance government service delivery and support key sectors such as tourism, rural connectivity, education, industry and fisheries that rely heavily on reliable communication networks,” the Chief Minister noted.

Another meeting was held at Taj Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula, attended by the Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationary, Shri Rohan Khaunte, along with Dr. V. Candavelou IAS, Chief Secretary of Goa,  Shri. Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, Mr. Pravimal Abhishek IAS, Secretary Science & Technology, MD, Goa Industrial Development Corporation, Director of Transport with other senior officials and Ms. Lauren Dreyer, VP, Starlink Business Operations – Global Access & Operations, along with the Starlink team.

Highlighting Goa’s forward-looking approach, Shri Rohan Khaunte stated how Goa is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for global technology leaders. “Goa is witnessing continual growth in emerging technologies, with global companies recognising Goa as an ideal hub for innovation, creation and scaling of technology-driven solutions,” he said.

The discussions outlined avenues where Starlink’s global satellite network could complement Goa’s development priorities, including strengthening rural and shadow-area connectivity, improving industrial and electronic manufacturing clusters with high-speed data coverage, enhancing last-mile delivery under the Har Ghar Fibre programme, modernising maritime and fisheries operations with real-time communication capabilities and advancing Goa’s Digital Nomad vision by providing seamless connectivity.

Opportunities to support initiatives like CCTV surveillance at beaches and AV/AR visitor guides, connect schools in low-coverage regions under the CARES initiative and enhance digital services in the tourism sector including homestays, beach security and maritime experiences were also discussed as part of a holistic connectivity roadmap.

Through these discussions, Goa is advancing a connectivity roadmap that strengthens rural networks, enhances communication for maritime operations, and expands last-mile digital reach under Har Ghar Fibre, ensuring seamless access across the state.

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AviationTech

Goa Envisions India’s First Coastal Aerial Mobility State as DITE&C and Tourism Sign MoU with Sarla Aviation

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Goa opened a new frontier for tourism and technology with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd. The agreement lays the foundation for establishing an Advanced Design & Development Center in the State and integrating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into Goa’s future tourism and mobility landscape.

The MoU was signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, along with Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C; Shri Kedar Naik Director, DOT; Dr. Milind Sakhardande Joint Director, DITE&C; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister for Tourism; Shri Neville Noronha, OSD to the Minister of IT; Shri. D.S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) and Mr. Adrian Schmidt Co-Founder & CEO (Sarla Aviation Private Limited).

Speaking about the partnership, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted, “This partnership sets the stage for Goa’s entry into next-generation mobility and design-driven industries. With VTOL technology and advanced aerospace design coming into the State, we see new possibilities for innovation, tourism and sustainable mobility. Most importantly, this collaboration will open pathways for Goan youth through skilling, apprenticeships and high-value jobs.” He added, “Our focus is to ensure that every new technology introduced in Goa strengthens the State’s economy and benefits our people first.”

Under this partnership, Sarla Aviation will establish a long-term base in Goa as a hub for innovation, creativity and advanced aerospace technology development. The center will focus on research, system design, testing and prototype development, contributing to Goa’s emergence as a destination for high-value, design-led industries. The startup backed by Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety, is developing a six-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to ease road congestion by introducing a new layer of clean, efficient aerial mobility.

The MoU also defines a roadmap for introducing VTOL-based aerial mobility in Goa, positioning the State to lead India’s coastal air mobility sector. Key components of the plan include:

●      Engaging hotel owners, hospitality operators and tourism stakeholders to explore the adoption of VTOL services for premium and sustainable tourism experiences.

●      Developing a Goa-specific Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Policy to guide future deployments.

●      Exploring airport-to-resort connectivity through energy-efficient aerial routes.

●      Identifying and supporting a Goa-based VTOL service operator, with possible government facilitation to make services accessible and viable.

These initiatives collectively aim to make Goa India’s first Coastal Aerial Mobility State, combining tourism, mobility and innovation under one vision.

Director of DITE&C, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, shared, “This collaboration brings advanced aerospace design into Goa’s innovation ecosystem and aligns with our long-term vision for technology-led growth. With policy support, digital infrastructure and a skilled talent base, Goa is positioned to become a platform where technologies like VTOL can be designed, tested, and scaled from the State.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, noted, “The tourism sector is evolving rapidly, and Goa is well-positioned to adopt innovative mobility solutions that enhance both access and experience. Through this MoU, we will work closely with hospitality stakeholders and operators to explore how VTOL technology can be integrated into Goa’s tourism offerings. This will enable seamless connectivity across beaches, resorts and hinterland destinations, reduce travel time, and promote eco-conscious travel. Such mobility solutions will shape a new tourism experience for Goa, one that combines ease of access, sustainability and high-quality visitor engagement.”

Mr. Adrian Schmidt, Co-founder & CEO of Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd. expressed,“We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Goa for welcoming new technologies with openness and entrepreneurial spirit. With their support, we’re proud to begin expanding our initial Air Taxi operation networks across the State and bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Goans as early as 2029. We’re also thankful for the warm welcome to establish Sarla’s first Satellite Studio in Goa. We believe Goa’s unique blend of quality of life and work will attract world-class talent and help position India as a global top talent destination.”

The collaboration reinforces Goa’s efforts to strengthen its technology and creative sectors while opening new pathways for high-end skilling, research and future careers for Goan youth. It also supports the State’s tourism priorities by enabling new mobility solutions and enhancing visitor experiences.

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