The Information Technology (IT) & ITES sector in Goa, India is emerging as a significant part of the state’s economy and has an evolving IT landscape with potential for massive growth.

1. Infrastructure: The Government of Goa has launched the IT Policy aimed at building top-grade IT infrastructure. This includes IT parks and spaces facilitating data centre operations.
2. IT Companies: Goa houses several IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) companies offering services such as software development, IT consulting, data services, and tech support. These companies range from startups to established players. Some renowned companies include CIBA (Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration), and 91 SpringBoard.
3. IT Policies: The government has introduced favourable policies to support the IT industry’s growth. The Goa IT Policy, launched in 2018, aims at creating a vibrant tech ecosystem in the state, encouraging startups, and generating substantial employment opportunities in this sector.
4. Education and Talent: Goa’s educational institutes produce skilled graduates in the IT field. Plus, Goa’s attractive lifestyle makes it a potential hub for attracting top IT talent.
5. Opportunities and Future Prospects: The future of Goa’s IT sector looks promising. With favorable government policies, improved infrastructure, a growing talent pool, and digitization trends, Goa is gradually gaining recognition as a potential IT destination within India. It is expected that the state will attract more IT companies and startups in the coming years, leading to more employment and economic growth. The government’s goal, as per the IT policy, is to make Goa among the top 25 startup destinations in Asia by 2025.

The Goa IT Policy 2018 sets several ambitious targets for the development of the Information Technology (IT) sector in the state. The key policy targets include:

1. Create 10,000 jobs in the sector: The government aims to create several high-quality jobs in the IT sector to both attract Goans working elsewhere to return and reduce the ‘brain drain’.
2. Make Goa one of the most preferred startup destinations in India and feature in Asia’s top 25 startup destinations by 2025: To achieve this, the government has set up incubation centers and offered several incentives for startup entrepreneurs.
3. Promote Goa as an ideal investment destination for IT industries and IT-enabled Services (ITES) industries: The government plans to do this through promotional outreach, instant permissions, and competitive industry incentives.
4. Encourage IT companies to set up base in Goa: This includes not just the big tech firms, but also micro, small, and medium enterprises. Incentives for these smaller industries include capital investment subsidies, exemption of entry tax, etc.
5. Enhance digital literacy and cultivate IT in schools and colleges: To make young Goans ready for a tech-driven future, the government would like to introduce computer programming in schools from the 6th standard onwards and establish Centers of Excellence in Universities to boost Technical Education.
6. Implement e-governance initiatives: The policy also outlines the Goan government’s commitment to implementing e-governance in the state, both within the government machinery and in public interfaces, to improve transparency, speed & traceability of work.

It is envisaged in GOA INDUSTRIAL GROWTH &INVESTMENT PROMOTION POLICY 2022 that during the tenure of this policy, 100 IT and ITeS companies will be grounded in the state.

The Government of Goa has rolled out several key initiatives to promote the development of the Information Technology (IT) sector in the state. Here are some of the significant initiatives:

1. IT policy: The Goa IT Policy 2018 is aimed at promoting Goa as an ideal investment destination for IT industries and IT-enabled Services (ITES) industries. The primary objectives include generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, upgrading skills, and supporting innovation.
2. StartUp Promotion Cell: Established in 2017, the Goa Startup Promotion Cell offers various incentives to startups to encourage entrepreneurship in the technology space.
3. Infrastructure and IT Parks: The Government of Goa has planned to set up of IT Parks and IT Hubs to provide the necessary infrastructure and conducive environment for IT companies. One such initiative is the Chimbel IT Park.
4. Cyberspace Awareness and Skill Enhancement initiative: This program is designed to equip the state’s youth with the skills needed for the digital age. This includes training in cyber security, data analytics, and other advanced technological areas.
5. Grants and incentives: Under the Goa IT Policy, numerous grants and incentives are provided to IT companies based on job creation, power subsidy, rental reimbursement, etc.
6. Internet Connectivity: The government is making significant efforts to improve the connectivity through the Goa Broadband Network project, aiming to provide internet access to even the remotest parts of the state.
7. Collaboration with private players: The government is encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to benefit from private industry’s efficiencies and innovation while ensuring public interest is taken care of.
8. Incubation and mentorship programs: These are being provided to boost the startup ecosystem.

The Government of Goa offers several incentives to promote the Information Technology (IT) sector in the state. These incentives have been largely laid out in the Goa IT Policy 2018, with the objective to boost investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, and create sustainable employment opportunities. Major incentives include:

1. Fiscal Incentives: Several tax benefits and fiscal incentives are provided, including stamp duty reimbursements, power subsidies, and exemption from various state taxes for IT/ ITES units.
2. Capital Investment Subsidy: A capital investment subsidy is provided on the fixed capital investment for building, office equipment, hardware & software, power backup, etc.
3. Rent Reimbursement: Subsidy on rental/lease reimbursement for temporary setups until the company’s own facilities are established.
4. Employment Incentives: To promote job creation, companies are provided with incentives based on the number of jobs created for people residing in Goa.
5. Training Subsidy: Companies are promoted to undertake skill enhancement programs and vocational training. The government provides support for these initiatives in the form of training subsidies.
6. Infrastructure Development: Government will facilitate the development of IT parks and infrastructure with essential facilities such as high-speed internet, continuous power supply, and accessibility.
7. Support to Startups: The government provides seed capital, encourages incubation centers, and hosts startup boot camps and hackathons to bolster the entrepreneurship spirit.
8. Ease of Doing Business: The government is providing a time-bound clearance system for setting up IT/ ITES units and ensuring minimal regulatory burdens for operations.
9. Special incentives for mega projects: Mega projects that involve large-scale investment and have the potential to generate substantial employment get additional incentives and support.

The Government of Goa has been working towards developing clusters and parks to boost the Information Technology (IT) sector in the state. Here are some of the major clusters/parks:

1. Tuem Electronic City: The government has showcased a plan to build an Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in Tuem which will focus on IT hardware and electronics. This project aims at creating new job opportunities and attracting investment.
2. Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat: This IT park is in Dona Paula and was one of the first major steps by the Goa government to boost the IT sector. The master plan involves building IT workspaces, residential areas, and recreational spaces within the park.
3. Orchid Techspace: Orchid Techspace is an IT park in Mapusa Goa, focused on providing a fostering environment for IT companies.
4. The upcoming Chimbel IT Park: This future IT park is set to be located in Chimbel, a village in North Goa. The land has been sanctioned and the park is in its planning stages.