The Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Goa Tourism team, recently hosted a strategic meeting with the Norway India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and Kilowott to explore trade, innovation, and partnership opportunities between Goa and Norway.
The Department of Information Technology Electronics and Communication, Govt of Goa was represented by Neville Noronha, OSD to the IT Minister; D S Prashant, CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell and Shawn Mendes, the OSD to the Honourable Minister for Goa Tourism. Representing NICCI were Trond Skundberg, CEO and Prabha Chandran, Board Member, along with Caleb Fernandez from Kilowott.
The meeting focused on identifying practical, high-impact opportunities for collaboration across IT, tourism and innovation, along with discussing how the government can support faster and more structured bilateral engagement. One of the key proposals discussed was the establishment of a local liaison body in Goa to act as a direct link between NICCI and the Government of Goa. This body would streamline communication, accelerate decision-making and promote structured cooperation between Norwegian and Goan businesses, particularly in IT services, digital transformation and tourism development.
In addition to strengthening business engagement, both sides discussed several sector-specific opportunities. Tourism collaboration emerged as a significant theme, with conversations revolving around how Goa and Norway could work together to enhance travel experiences and simplify processes for Norwegian tourists visiting the state. The delegation also highlighted the potential of Goa’s hinterland, exploring ways to promote rural and interior regions by showcasing their cultural, ecological and nature-based tourism experiences, thereby diversifying Goa’s tourism landscape beyond the coastline.
The discussion further explored skilled manpower opportunities across industries such as shipbuilding, hospitality, IT, tourism and AI, emphasising the potential for talent exchange and joint workforce development. Building on this, the idea of setting up an Innovation and Skilling Centre in Goa was proposed to prepare Goan talent for opportunities in Norway and to foster a culture of innovation across both regions. Sustainability and mobility were also key focus areas, with the Norwegian delegation sharing insights on their globally recognised electric vehicle ecosystem and recommending ways for Goa to strengthen its EV infrastructure.
Discussions also touched upon the USD 100 billion Free Trade Agreement between India and Norway, with the Norwegian team underlining their interest in engaging with larger markets like India to explore broader economic opportunities.
A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal presented by Shri Neville Noronha to establish a dedicated Innovation Centre in Goa. Envisioned as a central coordinating and facilitation hub, this Centre would oversee all activities under the Goa-Norway innovation partnership. It aims to enable faster administration, streamlined decision-making and efficient program implementation, serving as a one-stop facilitator for both the Government of Goa and Norwegian partners.
With a strong roadmap, active government engagement and growing industry enthusiasm, the Goa–Norway collaboration is poised to unlock significant opportunities in IT, tourism, digital innovation, skill development and sustainability. This strategic initiative marks an important step toward deepening economic ties between the two regions and Kilowott is proud to be an integral part of this evolving partnership.