Goa Startup Accelerator Programme provides startups a platform to pitch before investors
Altinho, July 7, 2026: The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, marked a significant milestone in the Goa Startup Accelerator (GSA) Programme as 26 participating startups presented their business ideas before a distinguished panel of investors, industry experts and startup mentors. The event provided startups with a valuable opportunity to showcase their solutions, receive constructive feedback from experienced investors and industry leaders, and build connections for potential mentorship, partnerships and future investment.
Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said, “The Goa Startup Accelerator Programme is about creating a strong pipeline of innovation-led enterprises that can compete globally. By connecting founders with mentors, industry experts and investors, we are building an ecosystem that encourages entrepreneurship, attracts capital, creates high-quality employment and contributes to Goa’s long-term economic growth. Our vision is to position Goa as the Creative Capital of India by fostering globally competitive startups and a thriving innovation ecosystem.”
Director, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, said, “Over the past five months, the participating startups have undergone an intensive journey of learning, mentoring and business development. Presenting before an experienced panel of investors and experts is an important step in every startup’s journey, helping founders refine their business models and better understand market expectations.”
Sharing his perspective, Shri Ashwin Sundar, Fundraising & IPO Expert, one of the panelists highlighted the diversity and growing potential of Goa’s startup ecosystem. He noted that the startups represented a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, direct-to-consumer (D2C) businesses and technology, reflecting the State’s expanding innovation landscape. Drawing on his experience with accelerator programmes across multiple states, he observed that Goa is well positioned to help founders scale through its evolving startup ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the State has the foundation to emerge as a strong startup hub, with significant growth potential over the next five years.
Among the participating startups, Akash Naik Dessai, CEO and Founder of Sevaco, described the experience as highly encouraging, stating that the interactions with investors provided valuable feedback and fresh perspectives for the business. He expressed hope that more such initiatives would be organised, creating greater opportunities for startups to connect with investors and mentors who can help them grow.
Launched on February 12, 2026, the Goa Startup Accelerator Programme received an overwhelming response, attracting over 218 applications from entrepreneurs across diverse sectors. Following a rigorous screening process, 64 startups were shortlisted for the accelerator. During the first Demo Day held on March 30 and 31, 47 startups presented their ventures, following which 26 startups were selected to advance to the next phase of the programme. Over the course of five months, these 26 founders participated in structured mentoring, expert-led masterclasses, branding and financial planning workshops, investor readiness sessions and one-on-one interactions with accomplished entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders.
Following the pitching session, investors will identify startups for continued mentorship and explore opportunities for potential investment.
By equipping founders with mentorship, market insights and investor access, the Goa Startup Accelerator Programme is helping build a pipeline of investment-ready startups capable of creating jobs, attracting capital and driving innovation-led economic growth in Goa.
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