*Goa takes PM Modi’s Flexible Work vision to the Beach with Shackathon*
*Baga, May 21, 2026:* Positioning the state as India’s premier emerging workation destination, the first-ever ‘Goa Shackathon’ kicked off today at Baga beach, North Goa. The two-day event, organized by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) and the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), brought together a diverse community of startup founders, digital nomads, creators, designers and students to showcase the unique concept of ‘Work from Goa’ where intensive work effortlessly blends with coastal recreation.
The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, along with Hon’ble Minister for Tourism & Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte. The formal ceremony was also attended by Shri. Michael Lobo, MLA Calangute; Shri. Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary IT; Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C alongside senior government officials and industry leaders. Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “The younger generation ‘the Gen Z’ are redefining careers through a fresh lens. They’re choosing flexibility, mental peace and creativity over the traditional office setup. And we’re creating the foundation for Goa to become India’s preferred ‘work- from-home’ and ‘work-from-beach’ destination, where the people can work with a beautiful view. The government is putting the system in place so that talent finds the opportunity here itself.”
Further emphasizing how Goa is emerging as one of India’s leading workation and innovation destinations, Hon’ble Minister Shri. Rohan Khaunte said, “With the rise of remote work, digital nomads, entrepreneurs and professionals many are choosing Goa as their base. They are drawn by the freedom, inspiration and quality of life that the state offers. Backed by a growing startup ecosystem, future-ready governance and a strong vision for digital innovation, Goa is shaping a new model for the future of work in India.”
A highlight of the day was the felicitation ceremony. Hon’ble Chief Minister and IT Minister felicitated Smt. Vidisha Bugade and Smt. Subhi Satardekar under the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana. Local technical trainees in 3D printing, Smt. Sujata Shrodkar, Smt. Pratibha Tilve and Smt. Santoshi Desai, were also recognized for their future-ready skill sets.
Additionally, Shri. Deepak Pathania and Smt. Darpana Athale were honored as the founder members of the Creative Community of Goa, while Francisco Fernandes (Fisherman Pele) was celebrated for his unique local contributions.
The sessions throughout the day offered rich, forward-looking insights into the future of work and technology. Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Business World, opened with a thought-provoking session on ‘The Work and Fun Coast: Why Geography is the New Competitive Advantage.’ There was also captivating session on ‘Communication and Storytelling’ by popular voice artist (Big Boss) and actor, Vijay Vikram Singh.
The day also featured a panel discussion on the theme ‘Building Companies from Goa,’ moderated by Startup Evangelist Vijetha Shastry. Industry leaders and entrepreneurs including Mohit Dubey, Founder, Chalo; Daniel Imhoff, Founder, Lumber & Leaf; Adrian Schmidt, Founder, Sarla Aviation; Dr. Sunny Satpati, Founder, Evolving Apes; Pranay Gupta, Founder, 91 Ventures; Sairaj Dhond, Founder, Wakao Foods; and Ruhail Amin, Senior Editor, Business World debated the unique ecosystem advantages of scaling global ventures directly from Goan soil.
Alongside the main stage, an exhibition zone featured startups showcasing live technological demonstrations and prototypes. Powerland Agro Tractor Vehicles Pvt. Ltd, Afonso Spatialcraft LLP, Quidditch Innovation Labs, Sirena Technologies Pvt Ltd, Nirmitsu Design Labs Pvt Ltd, Coco Leni Eyewear, Flam and DroneLab Technologies gave attendees a firsthand look at the state’s growing tech prowess.
With a high-energy and successful first day, day two of the Goa Shackathon awaits tomorrow. The final day promises another packed lineup of immersive tech sessions, strategic networking opportunities and intense collaboration, as participants continue to redefine the future of work right from Goa’s shores.
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