Goa Leverages Technology to Strengthen Women Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Goa is steadily advancing its digital transformation journey, with women across the state emerging as entrepreneurs, innovators and active participants in the digital economy. Through focused training, technology-driven programmes and startup incentives, the state is creating new economic opportunities for women across urban and rural regions.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy, providing advanced technology skills and supporting women-led startups. These programmes are designed to unlock women’s potential and encourage their participation in Goa’s growing technology ecosystem.

One of the key initiatives is the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana, a flagship scheme focused on bridging the digital divide, particularly among women in rural and underserved areas. The programme offers practical training in the use of digital devices, online platforms and access to essential digital services. Open to Goan women aged 18 years and above with a minimum 15-year domicile in the state, the training is delivered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Sessions are conducted at panchayat halls and community centres, ensuring easy accessibility. By taking digital education directly to villages, the scheme enhances employability and enables women to connect with broader markets.

Goa has also introduced women-focused drone pilot training under the national Drone Didi scheme. Through this initiative, women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) receive specialised training in drone operations and maintenance. This opens opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, disaster management and environmental monitoring. For rural women, the programme offers more than technical skills, it provides a pathway to entrepreneurship by enabling them to offer drone-based services within their communities.

In addition, the Goa Startup Policy 2025 includes a dedicated women-specific startup support scheme under the Startup and IT Promotion Cell. The initiative offers targeted mentoring and financial assistance to women-led startups at the ideation, prototyping, validation or early traction stages. Startups working in emerging technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Drones, Robotics, AR/VR, AVGC, 3D printing and related fields are eligible for a monthly allowance of ₹20,000 for up to 12 months. This one-time financial support is aimed at strengthening early-stage ventures and ensuring women founders have access to capital and structured guidance during the critical initial phase of their business journey.

From grassroots digital literacy programmes to advanced drone training and startup funding support, these initiatives collectively promote a gender-inclusive economy in Goa. By expanding access to skills, technology and entrepreneurship opportunities, the Government of Goa is positioning women as key contributors to the state’s evolving innovation and economic landscape.