l Google will search for start-ups to fund in Goa l 100 new start-ups targeted, but industry feels it’s over ambitious l The carrot of Govt jobs is the big challenge to setting up businesses l CM to appoint nodal officer l Google also offers SME businesses online with 3D view
AJIT JOHN
PANJIM: Google searched for Manohar Parrikar on Saturday night and found him very willing to look at its proposal to sponsor and incubate at least a 100 start-ups in Goa.
The Managing Director of Google India, Rajan Anandan who met the Chief Minister, along with Nitin Kunkolienker, Vice President of MAIT, is reported to have mentioned that this funding will be done through their funded programs and will involve the CII and other partner agencies.
Those selected will have the privilege of connecting
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with national and international mentors who are amongst the leading personalities in the world. The meeting took place during the course of Rajan’s visit to Goa for the Goa Adfest.
Individuals in the State involved in trying to excite the youth of the State to start a business expressed interest tinged with a degree of caution.
Jose Naronha the head of the incubation centre at Agnel Ashram said, “it is a very good idea and given the brand that Google is and with their network they will be able to provide fantastic mentors.” He, however, felt it was important to understand the psychographic landscape of the State where it was a battle to convince the youth to start a business. Everyone, he said, were keen on a government job. With road shows in various schools and colleges they were able to generate numbers in the low thirties. The target of Google he felt was on the higher side but given the brand equity they could perhaps generate a robust response.
In addition, Rajan offered to provide all SME businesses online with a 3D view. This would make them connected globally through the Google network. The CM has expressed his interest and has agreed to take this forward. He is now expected to appoint a nodal officer to take this project forward.
