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Goa StartUp Policy - 2025

Overview

The Government of Goa has launched (or re-launched) a startup-policy aimed at making the state a high-value destination for innovation and entrepreneurship. The 2025 policy sets clear targets: creation of around 1,000 startups, generation of about 10,000 jobs, and enabling at least 100 startups to access venture funding.


The vision includes transforming Goa into India’s “creative capital” through stronger ecosystem support, student innovation, industry linkage, and women-entrepreneur promotion.

Key Objectives

  • Make Goa one of the most preferred startup destinations in India and aim for it to feature in the top 25 Asian startup destinations by 2025.

  • Provide assistance and support specifically to startups founded by Goans and to attract talent and ventures into Goa.

  • Develop infrastructure: technology innovation and incubation centres, maker labs, Co-working spaces, etc.

  • Enhance student innovation: grants for student projects, campus innovation schemes, incubators at educational institutes.

Key Benefits & Features for Business Owners

Here are the features of the policy that business owners / startup founders should pay attention to:

  • Target metrics & incentives: The policy targets creation of 1,000 new startups, generation of ~10,000 jobs, and access to venture funding for 100 startups.

  • Salary Reimbursement Scheme: For startups hiring local talent, a portion of salary freshers can be reimbursed (e.g., up to ₹15,000/month for a period) under certain conditions.

  • Seed Capital & Reimbursement Schemes: Startups may receive one-time grants (e.g., up to ~₹10 lakh) under certain schemes for promising ideas.

  • IP & Trademark support: Reimbursement for IPR costs (national/international) and trademark registration/support.

  • Student & campus innovation support: Grants for student innovators (e.g., up to ₹50,000 in one instance) and support for setting up incubators in educational institutions.

  • Women entrepreneur focus: The policy emphasises support for women-led startups and encourages their participation.

  • Ecosystem building: Support for incubators, co-working spaces, maker labs, innovation hubs, collaboration between education + industry + government.

Eligibility & What You Should Know

  • The policy applies to entities that meet the definition of “startup” as per state guidelines (for example: entity up to ~10 years from incorporation, turnover not more than ~₹100 crore, incorporated as Private Ltd / LLP / Registered Partnership) in many instances.

  • To access certain benefits (e.g., salary reimbursement) you may need to hire Goan/local talent, register with the relevant Goan startup cell (e.g., SITPC: Startup & IT Promotion Cell) and have a valid startup certification.

  • Many incentives are not entitlements: selection is on guideline basis, applications will be assessed, & benefit subject to certain conditions.

  • The policy timeline: The notification notes the policy is valid for three years from date of notification.

Why It Matters for Business Owners

  • Lower cost of experimentation/start: With seed grants, salary reimbursements, IP support, and other measures you face lower risk on starting in Goa.

  • Focus on jobs & local talent: Given the job-target and local talent reimbursement scheme, if you base operations in Goa you may get cost advantage and access to incentives.

  • Niche & less-crowded ecosystem: While big startup hubs in India are very competitive, Goa offers an emerging ecosystem, especially for certain sectors (tech, creative industries, tourism-tech, sustainability) and may provide early-mover advantage.

  • Lifestyle & location appeal: For entrepreneurs seeking a high quality of life, Goa’s location may be attractive while still fitting within India’s startup ecosystem.

  • Student/innovation linkages: With emphasis on student innovation and campus incubators you could tap into talent, pilot projects, R&D in close proximity.

Important Considerations & Risks

  • Though incentives exist, you still need a viable business model, good market and scaling plans. Incentives won’t substitute fundamentals.

  • Some benefits depend on compliance (hiring locals, certain documentation, startup certificate) and selection—there could be delays or non-approval.

  • The startup ecosystem in Goa, while growing, may not have the same scale or infrastructure (VC funds, mentors, support services) as major metro hubs. You may need to check specifics.

  • Policy is time-bounded (valid for a certain period) and may undergo revisions; always check the latest notification/guidelines.

  • For some schemes the caps are modest (e.g., seed grants up to ₹10 lakh) — if your venture needs large capital you might still rely on other funding sources.

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