Panaji: The department of information technology, electronics and communications (DITE&C) has introduced four incentive schemes under the Goa Startup Policy 2025, taking the total to 12.Director Kabir Shirgaonkar said the schemes aim to promote student innovation, market access, technical skills and women’s leadership in the state’s startup ecosystem.Under the campus innovation scheme, college students can claim reimbursement of up to Rs 50,000 per application for innovative business and research projects. The grant covers up to 10 students per financial year, subject to a college-level committee’s recommendation. The startup promotion cell will scrutinise applications and communicate its decision within 60 days, Shirgaonkar said.The Women Entrepreneur Vitality Scheme offers a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000 for 12 months to up to 50 startups annually. Eligible startups must be less than 12 months old, majority women-owned, have founders aged 30 or younger and work in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and robotics. They must also be incubated at a recognised incubator in Goa.The promotion and marketing assistance scheme offers up to 40 startups annually reimbursement of 50% of stall rentals and travel costs for national and international trade shows, capped at Rs 75,000. For govt-sponsored events offering free stalls, 50% of travel costs can be reimbursed, up to Rs 25,000. Startups must have at least 50% Goan equity or have operated in Goa for at least 12 months.The skill enhancement scheme offers up to 30 startups annually a one-time reimbursement of 50% of the cost of AI and emerging technology courses, capped at Rs 1 lakh. The training must be from recognised institutions, and employees must have completed at least one year of service at startups with majority Goan ownership.
