The Goa Startup and IT Policy

The Government of Goa, through its Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) and the **Startup Promotion Cell (SPC)**, has formulated a comprehensive policy to boost the startup ecosystem. The objectives of this policy typically include:

• Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation across various sectors.
• Attracting investments and world-class technologies to the state.
• Generating large-scale employment opportunities, especially for local talent.
• Providing financial and infrastructural support to promising startups.
• Creating a vibrant and connected startup community.

Goa has seen significant growth in its startup count, with hundreds of startups registered, many of which are women-led, indicating increasing inclusivity. Key sectors include health-tech, EV mobility, legal-tech, tourism, clean energy, smart infrastructure, and IT.

The policy acts as a guiding framework to provide a range of incentives and support mechanisms for eligible startups.

Eligibility and DPIIT Recognition

To avail the benefits under the Goa Startup Policy, a startup generally needs to meet certain criteria and often be recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India.

General Eligibility Criteria for Startup Recognition (DPIIT):

• Type of Entity: Incorporated as a Private Limited Company or registered as a Partnership Firm or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
• Age of Entity: Up to 10 years from the date of its incorporation/registration.
• Turnover: Annual turnover not exceeding INR 100 Crores for any of the preceding financial years.
• Innovation: Working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products, processes, or services, or having a scalable business model with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.
• Originality: Not formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business.

DPIIT recognition provides several central government benefits, and Goa's policy builds upon this for additional state-specific support.

How to Register as a Startup in Goa

The registration process for startups in Goa is primarily facilitated online through the Startup Goa portal, which is integrated with the Department of IT, Electronics and Communications.

Step-by-Step Registration Process:

1. DPIIT Recognition (Mandatory for many benefits): First, ensure your startup is registered and recognized by DPIIT, Government of India, through the Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in). You will receive a DPIIT Recognition Number.
2. Visit Startup Goa Portal: Go to the official Startup Goa portal.
3. Register and Login: Register yourself on the portal and then log in using your credentials.
4. Fill Application Form: Fill in the application form for "Startup Certification" or "Registration as a Startup" as provided on the portal. You will need to provide details about your startup, its operations in Goa, and your DPIIT recognition details.
5. Attach Relevant Documents: Upload all required documents, which typically include:
   • DPIIT Recognition Certificate.
   • Address proof of operational office in Goa (e.g., Lease Deed, Electricity Bill).
   • Company Incorporation Certificate/Partnership Deed/LLP Agreement.
   • PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of Directors/Partners/Proprietor.
   • Cancelled Cheque of the startup's bank account.
   • Brief write-up about the nature of business, innovation, and scalability.
   • Financial statements (if applicable).
   • Other documents as specified for specific incentives (e.g., CV of founders, detailed action plan, trademark certificate).
6. Submit Application: Submit the completed application form. An acknowledgment number will be generated for tracking.

The Startup Promotion Cell (SPC) under DITE&C will review your application for state-level recognition and eligibility for various schemes.

Incentives and Benefits for Startups in Goa

The Goa Startup and IT Policy offers a range of financial and non-financial incentives to encourage startup growth:

Financial Support:

• **Seed Grants:** Up to ₹10 lakh as a one-time grant for promising ideas, for up to 100 startups per year.
• **Interest Subsidy Reimbursement Scheme:**
  • For promising startups (up to 3 projects): 30% of loan interest, capped at ₹5 lakh per annum for two years.
  • For other eligible startups (up to 40 annually): 10% of loan interest, capped at ₹2 lakh per year for two years.
• **R&D Incentives:** 50% reimbursement of R&D expenses (including salaries of PhD holders), up to ₹5 lakh per annum for two years, to promote innovation.
• **Lease Reimbursements:** Reimbursement for internet connectivity, software licenses, and cloud services fees (up to ₹1 lakh per quarter) for startups operating from their own/rented premises.
• **Operational Subsidies:** Potential subsidies for operational costs.
• **Matching Grant Scheme:** 25% of funds raised from registered/recognized funding sources (up to ₹25 lakh) as a matching grant.
• **Reimbursement for Patent Filing:** Financial assistance for filing patents.
• **Marketing and Technology Support:** Up to ₹10 lakh for women-led startups for marketing and technology support.
• **Employment Subsidy:**
  • 50% of fresher salary (up to ₹10,000/month/recruit) for local talent hired (graduated in last two years).
  • Matching grant of up to 25% of salary for local workforce if 60% of workforce is local.

Non-Financial Support & Infrastructure:

• **Incubation Support:** Access to a network of incubators (e.g., AIC-GIM, CIBA, FiiRE, BITS BIRAC BioNEST), venture studios, and co-working spaces.
• **Mentorship and Acceleration Programs:** Structured mentorship, masterclasses, one-on-one clinics, and accelerator programs (like the Goa Startup Accelerator Program) to help startups scale.
• **Market Access:** Opportunities to pitch to investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners through demo days and networking events.
• **Access to Maker's Space:** Fully equipped Maker's Spaces for prototyping and product development.
• **Relaxations in Public Procurement:** 100% relaxations on Prior Experience, Prior Turnover, and EMD Submission for startups to increase participation in government procurement.
• **Legal & Technical Resources:** Access to complimentary services from legal, accounting, and technology partners.

These incentives are designed to cover various stages of a startup's journey, from ideation to scaling.

Startup Ecosystem and Key Players

Goa's startup ecosystem is supported by a network of government bodies, academic institutions, and private organizations:

• **Startup Promotion Cell (SPC), DITE&C:** The nodal agency for implementing the Goa Startup Policy, managing incentives, and fostering the ecosystem.
• **Incubators and Accelerators:**
  • Atal Incubation Centre - Goa Institute of Management (AIC-GIM): Focuses on various sectors.
  • Centre for Incubation & Business Acceleration (CIBA): Technology business incubator.
  • Forum for Innovation Incubation Research & Entrepreneurship (FiiRE): Focuses on TourismTech, sustainability, and related domains.
  • BITS BIRAC BioNEST: Supports biotechnology and life sciences startups.
  • AGNI ICAR: Focuses on agricultural innovation.
• **Co-working Spaces:** Over 15 co-working spaces offering flexible workspaces.
• **Atal Tinkering Labs:** 18 labs fostering innovation among students.
• **Goa Online Portal:** The primary platform for online application and access to many government services.
• **Goa State Research Foundation (GSRF):** Provides grants for research and development.

This collaborative environment aims to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs.

Important Considerations for Startups

• **Official Recognition:** Ensure your startup is recognized by DPIIT and the Goa Startup Promotion Cell to avail state-specific benefits.
• **Compliance:** Adhere to all legal and regulatory compliances, including company registration, GST, Shop & Establishment Act, etc.
• **Documentation:** Maintain meticulous records of all expenditures and compliances for availing incentives.
• **Networking:** Actively participate in events, workshops, and networking sessions organized by the government and incubators to connect with mentors, investors, and peers.
• **Local Talent:** Leverage the incentives for hiring local talent and contribute to local employment generation.

Proactive engagement with the ecosystem can significantly benefit your startup's growth in Goa.

Official Resources & Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Startup Goa, always refer to the official government portals and departments:

• Startup Goa Portal: startup.goa.gov.in - The main hub for startup registration, incentives, and ecosystem information.
• Goa Online Portal: goaonline.gov.in - Look for services under the "Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications."
• Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C):
  • Website: dit.goa.gov.in
  • Address: 1st Floor, IT Hub, Altinho, Panaji-Goa - 403001
  • Email: dir-it.goa@nic.in
• Startup India Portal (for DPIIT Recognition): startupindia.gov.in
• Goa Startup Helpline: 1800-233-5060 (as listed on Startup Goa portal)

It is advisable to visit these official websites or contact the relevant departments for the most current guidelines and application procedures.