Technology Is Goa's Next Growth Engine: Rohan A. Khaunte
Goa is seeking to redefine itself beyond its traditional tourism identity. At the recently concluded Goa Shackathon 2026, a unique beachside workation initiative that transformed shacks at Baga Beach into co-working spaces, the state showcased its ambitions around technology, startups and the creator economy.In this conversation with Ruhail Amin on the sidelines of the event, Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, discusses Goa's vision of becoming a "Tourism Plus" economy, the rise of work-from-beach culture, startup-led growth and why he believes the state can emerge as India's Silicon Beach without losing its distinct identity.
Is Goa positioning itself as more than just a tourism economy?
Absolutely. Goa has always been a preferred tourism destination, but it is also increasingly being viewed seriously in technology and trade. The perception of Goa remains heavily centred around tourism, which often prevents people from recognising its potential as a business destination.
Tourism contributes significantly to Goa's GDP. Mining was once another significant pillar. Today, if we want to create new growth engines, technology is one of the strongest opportunities available.
The vision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader framework around trade, technology and tourism. We want technology to become a major growth driver while ensuring that Goa's culture, heritage, traditions and identity remain intact.
We do not want to become another Hyderabad, Delhi or Bengaluru. We do not want to inherit the challenges of pollution, traffic congestion or water stress. We want to remain distinctly Goa while creating opportunities for the future.
The focus is on niche segments. Whether it is founders, investors, creators, innovators or contributors to the digital economy, we want to attract people and businesses that align with Goa's strengths.
What kind of technology ecosystem are you trying to build?
The idea is to attract more mid-sized companies that can invest in Goa and help build a sustainable ecosystem.
At the same time, we are focusing heavily on skilling, reskilling and upskilling local talent. The objective is to create opportunities within Goa so that young people can build their future here rather than feeling compelled to leave the state.
We are also seeing changing aspirations among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. They do not necessarily want to be confined within traditional office environments. They seek flexibility, creativity and a better quality of life.
Goa naturally offers many of these advantages. We want to leverage that.
You were among the early proponents of the “Work from Goa” concept. How has that evolved?
Post-Covid, we recognised an important shift in the way people work. That led to our "Work from Goa" initiative, which later evolved into what we called #VocationGoa.
The concept was simple. People wanted flexibility. They wanted to work while enjoying a better lifestyle. We focused on providing reliable connectivity, strong digital infrastructure and a supportive ecosystem.
This helped attract digital nomads, designers, creators and professionals working remotely.
Today, the vision is even bigger. We want people to be able to work, unwind, explore and recharge without compromising productivity.
Imagine working from a co-working space near the beach, enjoying water sports, experiencing Goa's culinary offerings and still remaining connected through high-speed internet. That balance between work and lifestyle is increasingly attractive for today's workforce.
What infrastructure is being created to support this vision?
We are expanding beyond the coastline. The next phase is about activating Goa's hinterland, green landscapes and nature-based destinations. Infrastructure is being built through initiatives such as Har Ghar Fibre, which aims to bring fibre connectivity to every household.
We are also creating pods, co-working spaces, digital infrastructure and high-speed internet access in more locations across the state.
The coming tourism season will see many of these initiatives becoming visible on the ground.
What was the thinking behind organising an event focused on startups and innovation at this point in time?
Technology is evolving rapidly. Artificial Intelligence is not the future anymore. It is the present.
That understanding led us to launch AI Mission 2027, which is built around four major pillars: skilling, reskilling, upskilling, access to capital, support for startups and innovation-driven infrastructure.
The draft policy is already in place and we expect further progress soon.
We want Goa to become a destination for entrepreneurs working in sectors such as media-tech, health-tech, agri-tech and tourism-tech. India has tremendous talent and we believe Goa can become a place where that talent thrives.
Some speakers at the event referred to Goa as a potential “Silicon Beach.” Does the government actively want startups to relocate to Goa?
The results already speak for themselves. In the last four years, Goa has produced 793 DPIIT-recognised startups. Out of these, 370 are women-led.
That sends two strong messages. First, Goa has arrived on the startup map. Second, women are playing a central role in the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
We were recognised as the best-performing startup state in Category B among smaller states. We want women not just to participate, but to lead.
Today, the startup community understands that the Government of Goa is proactively supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving.
If you had one message for startup founders across India, what would it be?
Carry your dreams. We will help make them happen. Come to Goa and make it happen.
How are you encouraging local Goans to become entrepreneurs rather than simply attracting talent from outside?
The focus has always been on Goans. Whether it is our traditional shacks, water sports operators or tourism entrepreneurs, local participation remains central to our strategy.
We want young Goans to become job creators rather than job seekers.
That philosophy is reflected in our policies. Today, campus recruitment outcomes demonstrate the progress being made. We are approaching near-total placement opportunities through a combination of startup support, self-employment initiatives and employment opportunities within companies operating from Goa.
There have been conflicting reports about tourism numbers in Goa. What is the real picture?
The reality is that tourism continues to grow year after year.We are seeingstronger quality tourism and increasing visitor spending.
If you look at the four-star and five-star hospitality segment, annual occupancies exceeding 80 per cent are a strong indicator of demand.
Domestic tourism has grown significantly. International tourism is also rising despite connectivity constraints.
Much of the debate often compares pre-Covid and post-Covid periods without recognising that traveller behaviour has fundamentally changed. We focus on data, and our data continues to show growth.
There is a perception that Goa has become more expensive than some Southeast Asian destinations. Is that a concern?
Tourism operates in an open market. If flights are expensive, if hotels are expensive, yet occupancy remains high, that itself provides an answer.
People who value quality experiences are willing to spend in Goa.
If demand did not exist, flights would be empty and hotels would remain unsold. The fact that major hospitality brands such as Taj Hotels, Marriott International, ITC Hotels and The Oberoi Group continue investing in Goa demonstrates confidence in the destination.
People who visit Goa and experience the improvements firsthand become our strongest ambassadors.
Has the ongoing uncertainty in West Asia and the Prime Minister's call to promote domestic weddings created opportunities for Goa?Certainly. Over the past few days, we have held extensive consultations with stakeholders across the tourism ecosystem, including airlines, airports, hotels, charter operators and tourism businesses.
The sentiment is optimistic. Many travellers who previously considered overseas wedding destinations are re-evaluating their choices. If they want heritage, they may choose Jaipur. If they want the sea, they may choose Goa.
Either way, India benefits. For Goa, this presents a significant opportunity.
What can unlock the next phase of tourism growth for Goa?
The future lies in diversification. Goa pioneered regenerative tourism in India. We believe tourism must balance the environment, the economy and society.
The next chapter is about moving beyond the traditional "sun, sand and sea" narrative.
We are focusing on sports tourism, spiritual tourism, wellness tourism, technology tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism.
The hinterland offers enormous opportunities. Our culinary heritage is another major asset. Today, Goa is increasingly recognised as India's food and creative capital.
Visitors come not just for beaches anymore. They come for experiences.
What does Goa look like over the next two years?
We are not chasing numbers. We are focused on attracting the right people, the right investments and the right opportunities.
Success for those who choose Goa will ultimately become success for Goa itself.
That is the journey we are building through our policies, our infrastructure and our long-term vision.
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