The state of IT in the state of Goa is in good shape! The dream of every Goan tech entrepreneur is to mark Goa on the IT Map of the world. We already have Goan IT companies and start-ups which are doing awesome work with exports of IT services and products. The Goa IT community is a mix bag of IT companies, IT-driven companies, IoT companies, tech manufacturing companies, Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), Agritech, Biotech, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO).
The Goa Technology Association, a premium body of all Tech companies from Goa, purely aims at uniting IT business owners – entrepreneurs as well as intrapreneurs (business heads of various IT organisations); to be the interface between the Government and other entities such as the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), other such business oriented forums and the industry. These large associations have already started focussing on Goa and contributing towards the IT Development.
A recent survey by the Goa Technology Association, says 65% of the Goan IT community are start-ups and others are seasoned companies with more than 7 years of existence. Some of the promising start-ups are Codework, Inventrom, HelixTech, Numadic, Teknorix, ThirdEye, Freethink, Mobiefit, Carryage, Codemax and Buoyancy who have been working closely with clients across the globe. Persistent Systems, Open Destinations, Online Productivity, Genora Infotech, Sapna Infotech, Kallows, Anant Infomedia, Umang, Team Inertia are some of the companies who have grown and have sustained despite all odds.
The IT entrepreneurs are looking at building an ecosystem for positive and sustainable growth within the State. The Goan IT Policy may not be the ultimate expectations which the IT businesses are waiting for. As companies grow, there will be huge scope for job opportunities.
The ‘IT anywhere clause’ in the IT Policy will play a huge role in helping a lot of companies to function or operate from any location. Stable Internet with affordable pricings is also the need of the hour, which slowly is being addressed and resolved.
There has already been a long gap in instituting this eco-system. Making the Government, as well as other forums, see that we have a strong base and common voice at GTA and it is an extremely viable platform to gain IT related suggestions, is going to be a major challenge. Currently, the existing talent resource pool in Goa is not industry ready. A major focus on the agenda will be to create awareness with immediate effect and help prepare this pool of resources in a way, that it will ultimately benefit all.
Start-ups may not always need space or funding, but they may also need the right mentor who can guide them to path of success. Some of the Goans who have taken the risk of starting their own businesses definitely know the strong points of Why Goa? and not elsewhere. Incubation Centers and co-working spaces are now in fashion which boosts the spirits as a young and upcoming business owner.
Similarly, the existing ICT in the state expects a boost for scaling up, which in turn will create lot of employment within the State. Instead of expecting companies like Infosys or Tech Mahindra to come to Goa and setup a small shop, the Government could give the needful support the existing companies from Goa to scaleup and grow.
