Tycoon
Navigating the business and startup landscape in Goa
8
COVER FEATURE
AcaryaX
Vaibhav Naik’s AcaryaX offers free, multilingual AI education for rural, culturally diverse students.
Cajuche
Cajuche modernizes Goan feni with quality, vibrant design, and storytelling, aiming for global heritage recognition.
Ninaad Kambli
Ninaad Kambli designs sustainable luxury spaces in Goa, uniting innovation, nature, and community.
Robin Tippannavar
Robin Tippannavar captures cinematic, emotional moments, inspiring creatives through mastery of light and storytelling.
hotel Lua Nova
If holidays are inspired by nature and your thirst for rustic solitude and inner peace, Lua Nova is the hotel your heart was yearning for.
Located at Goa's celebrated holiday capital at Baga, it overlooks a beautiful Canvas of village Goa, just 5 minutes walk from the Baga Beach.
In this issue, we celebrate innovators who are redefining boundaries — from tech pioneers to creative storytellers, from heritage revivalists to champions of sustainability — all shaping Goa’s present and future.
Our cover story introduces Vaibhav Naik, a self-taught Goan coder whose brainchild, AcaryaX, is breaking down language barriers in education. This AIpowered, multilingual chat bot is providing free, culturally relevant learning to rural students, merging the power of technology with the heart of social change.
We then explore the spirited journey of Nehal Parekh and Muskan Katyal, cofounders of Cajuche. With premium quality, vibrant design, and a fresh storytelling approach, they are re-imagining feni as a heritage spirit with global appeal — making Goa’s legacy drink relevant to a new generation.
From fine spirits to fine spaces, we feature Ninaad Kambli, CEO of Rahee Group and founder of Nivasa, whose vision of sustainable luxury blends design seamlessly with nature. His work champions innovation, client satisfaction, and community
enrichment, creating living spaces that
In visual artistry, Robin Tippannavar stands out for his mastery of light and composition. As a fashion and food photographer, his cinematic storytelling turns fleeting moments into timeless art, inspiring aspiring creatives with resilience and passion.
We also shine a light on India’s booming culinary entrepreneurship — a space where tradition meets innovation. From small ventures to large-scale enterprises, foodpreneurs are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and shaping sustainable, delicious futures.
Goa’s growing EdTech scene blends tradition with digital literacy, expanding access and fostering rural inclusion while integrating cultural heritage into modern learning.
Finally, we explore localized marketing in Goa — connecting authentically with communities through festivals, local languages, and traditions. These strategies help small businesses stand out and build lasting customer loyalty.
As we reflect on these inspiring stories, it becomes evident that Goa is home to a vibrant community of individuals who are pushing boundaries and making a difference across industries. Their dedication to innovation and sustainability.
Well, that's all I have for you from my desk this month. I hope you enjoy reading this month's issue of Goa Tycoon. Do share it with your friends all across the globe.
Until next month, cheers!
Warm regards,
Jessyl Fernandez Editor
01 AcaryaX
02 Cajuche
03 Ninaad Kambli
04 Robin Tippannavar
05 India’s ‘Foodpreneurs’ are Cooking Up Economic Growth
06 The Rise of EdTech in Goa
07 Localized Marketing Tactics for Small Business Entrepreneurs in Goa
Introduction
Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palm-fringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivalsthe International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blog-based website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, UK, USA, etc.
Chief Editor
Jessyl Fernandez
Sales
Donald Fernandez
Content & Social Media
Saviola Dias
Renata Fernandes
Graphics & Layout
Latisha Govekar
For advertising queries: +91 7887330620 / 9370502124
ItsGoa Media Group
Nordic Intent HQ - Floor 3, PDA Colony, Porvorim, Goa 403521
Email: mail@itsgoa.com Website: itsgoa.com
Vaibhav Naik, a self-taught Goan coder, founded AcaryaX—an AI chatbot offering free, multilingual education—bridging language barriers and empowering rural students through accessible, culturally relevant, tech-driven learning.
www.itsgoa.com itsgoa_ Itsgoa
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Vaibhav Naik cover feature
From the coastal town of Margao, Goa, Vaibhav Vithuray Naik has carved an unconventional path in technology and education. A freelancer by profession, Vaibhav studied 3D Media and Multimedia at Chowgule College. While his academic background was rooted in creative media, his curiosity led him down a different road—into the world of coding. Without a formal computer science degree, he taught himself programming through books and YouTube tutorials, combining his creative skills with newfound technical expertise to build AcaryaX—an AI-powered chatbot designed to help students learn in their own language rather than struggling with English. He shares a deep and cherished bond with his mother, Vinita V. Naik, whose unwavering support and guidance have been a constant source of strength in every step of his journey.
The Spark of Entrepreneurship
Vaibhav’s journey as a businessman began in 2023, during the global rise of AI. While experimenting with AI tools, he noticed a gap—most online educational resources were in English, despite only around 10% of India’s population being highly proficient in the language. Even in Goa, where English is more common, he saw friends facing challenges with complex textbook terminology. This led him to a simple question: Why can’t students
learn in the language they’re most comfortable with? That question became the foun ation for AcaryaX, marking his shift from vi eo pro uction into the tech space.
AcaryaX – A Teacher for Every Student
The name AcaryaX combines “Acarya,” meaning teacher in Sanskrit, with “X,” representing the new generation of AI learning The platform’s core values are clear:
Making learning accessible to all, regar less of language, with conversational support in 13 major In ian languages—Hin i, Konkani, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Ur u, Gujarati, Kanna a, Malayalam, Punjabi, O ia, an Sanskrit
Supporting stu ents in remote areas with slow internet connectivity
Preserving Goan culture through the use of local examples in lessons
A ressing not only aca emics but also career gui ance an mental health
Keeping the service completely free so no stu ent is exclu e .
Vaibhav’s vision is simple—every chil shoul be able to learn effectively, whether they speak English, Konkani, Hin i, or any other In ian language.
AcarayaX platform showcasing AI-powered personalised tutoring for students
Challenges on the Road to Innovation
The early days of AcaryaX were defined by trial, error, and persistence. As a self-taught coder, Vaibhav often faced programming issues that took days to solve, relying on self-study and experimentation. Making the AI function well in Konkani required collaboration with local teachers to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance. Another hurdle was ensuring compatibility with slow internet speeds and older mobile devices, essential for rural accessibility. He overcame these challenges through determination and community support, particularly from educators who shared his vision.
Motivation Through Impact
What drives Vaibhav is the knowledge that his work empowers students who are intelligent yet held back by language barriers. Seeing students from different
children in remote areas can access quality education despite poor internet, keeps him motivated. Balancing the project with his career as a cameraman, every milestone feels like a meaningful achievement.
Proud Milestones
Among his proudest achievements is building AcaryaX entirely on his own, without investors or corporate backing. The platform now covers everything from basic mathematics to advanced subjects like AI and data science, delivering results on par with costly educational apps from major companies.
Innovating Beyond the Mainstream
Vaibhav’s approach to innovation is rooted in solving real-world problems. While most education platforms focus on English-speaking urban students, he targets those in villages and small towns who are often overlooked.
He incorporates teacher feedback, tracks student interactions, and adds unique features such as storytelling-based lessons, mental health check-ins, and offline-friendly content. His strategy is not to follow trends but to address needs big companies ignore.
Leadership and Collaboration
Although he is the sole operator of AcaryaX, leadership for Vaibhav means staying focused and aligned with his mission. He works closely with local teachers to verify content and ensure it meets the needs of students, especially in Konkani.
The Power of Relationships
Building trust with educators has been instrumental to AcaryaX’s success. Rather than simply seeking help, Vaibhav offered teachers a practical tool to aid their students.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: build mutually beneficial relationships where your work provides value to others.
Mobile view of AcarayaX
Scaling Without Losing Quality
With its multilingual design, Acar aX naturall appeals to students nationwide. To maintain qualit while scaling, Vaibhav developed a s stem that automaticall flags incorrect answers. He personall refines the AI based on real student queries, ensuring that growth improves accurac rather than diluting it
alancing Creativity and Technology
Managing both his video production work and Acar aX can be demanding, but Vaibhav sees them as complementar . Stor telling from his media career inspires him to make educational content engaging, while technolog fuels his creative problem-solving
Advice for Aspiring ntrepreneurs
His guidance is straightforward
A degree is not a barrier—self-learning is possible with dedication
Build solutions for problems ou’ve witnessed firsthand.
Start mall and refine continuou ly a ed on u er need
Stay anchored to your mi ion, e pecially when challenge ari e.
Looking Ahead
Vai hav’ next goal i to make AcaryaX more human-like—capa le of voice conver ation and even video call with AI avatar that look and ound like real people. The e advancement , however, require ignificant computing power.
To keep AcaryaX free and acce i le, he plan to eek upport from the Government of Goa. Hi long-term vi ion i to make AcaryaX India’ fir t AI chat ot truly dedicated to local language education, en uring every tudent can learn effectively while pre erving their cultural identity.
In hi own quiet yet determined way, Vai hav Naik i proving that innovation doe n’t alway come from the igge t companie or the mo t well-funded tartup —it can al o egin in a mall Goan town, driven y one individual’ per i tence, creativity, and commitment to education for all.
Mobile view of AcarayaX
Cajuche, founded by Nehal Parekh and Muskan Katyal, redefines Goan feni with premium quality, vibrant design, and modern storytelling, aiming to make it a globally celebrated heritage spirit. entrepreneur
Article by: Team ItsGoa Images by: Cajuche
Cajuche is a heartfelt tribute to the Goan spirit, created by co-founders Nehal Parekh and Muskan Katyal, whose roots are firmly intertwined with the culture and traditions of the sunshine state. Nehal, a spirited entrepreneur, embarked on his professional journey at the young age of 21 by opening his first liquor store in Panjim in 2018. Known for his strong communication skills and innovative approach, he has dedicated himself to delivering quality and elevating standards within the liquor industry.
Muskan, on the other hand, brings a unique creative edge to the venture, with a background in fashion communication and culinary arts. She currently manages a global trading company distributing imported food products to hotels and restaurants across Goa. Together, their shared love for Goa’s vibrant culture forms the foundation of Cajuche.
The Design Language: Capturing Goa in a Bottle
Cajuche’s packaging reflects the vibrant and playful spirit of Goa. Bold, cheerful colors capture the region’s natural beauty and charm, while each bottle is designed to evoke Goa’s essence. The tagline, “Crafted in Goa, savored everywhere”, alongside the bird illustrated on the label, symbolizes the brand’s mission to take feni beyond borders and share Goa’s heritage with the world.
A Fresh Approach to an Age-Old Spirit
Breaking away from tradition, Cajuche positions itself as vibrant, fun, and approachable. The aim is to connect with younger generations by embracing fresh ideas that highlight the playful, modern vibe of the brand. This strategy encourages people to explore the unique charm of feni, often stepping out of their comfort zones to experience something new.
Meet the Co-Founder: Nehal Parekh
Nehal Parekh, co-founder of Cajuche Feni, is deeply passionate about Goa’s heritage drinks and is on a mission to reintroduce feni to the world with fresh energy, premium quality, and a touch of fun that resonates with today’s generation. His entrepreneurial journey began with the realization that, despite its centuries-old history, feni was often overlooked or misunderstood. Determined to change this perception, he set out to retell its story in a way that excites people both in Goa and beyond. Guided by the core values of heritage, quality, and creativity, Cajuche sources from skilled local distillers, adheres to traditional methods, and blends authenticity with modern storytelling and mixology innovations.
Milestones and Achievements
Professionally, Cajuche has established itself as a premium, youthful feni brand in record time. Personally, Nehal values the resilience he has developed, adapting to challenges while keeping the vision alive.
Cajuche
jungle juice made with Cajuche
Overcoming Challenges
In the early stages, the biggest hurdle was the perception of feni as harsh or outdated. Nehal invested heavily in quality control, modern packaging, and educating consumers. Navigating the liquor industry’s complex regulations was another challenge, overcome through persistence, mentorship, and building strong local relationships.
The Power of Relationships
Networking is central to Cajuche’s growth. From local bar owners to tourism boards, relationships have helped place the brand in the right hands. Nehal’s approach is simple, be genuine, give before you expect, and treat every interaction as a learning opportunity.
Innovation as a Constant
For Cajuche, innovation means experimenting with cocktails, collaborating with mixologists, designing standout packaging, and listening to feedback from both bartenders and customers. Keeping an eye on global trends ensures that fresh ideas flow into the brand’s evolution.
Leadership and Team Spirit
Nehal defines leadership as clarity of vision and trust. Whether it’s distillers or designers, everyone involved understands the brand’s purpose. Open communication, regular check-ins, and celebrating small wins keep the team motivated.
Staying Motivated
When faced with difficulties, Nehal recalls his mission, preserving and promoting a piece of Goan culture. Witnessing someone enjoy feni in a cocktail for the first time or hearing “I didn’t know feni could taste like this” fuels his passion.
Scaling Without Compromise
Growth for Cajuche is strategic and controlled. Distribution expands step-by-step, ensuring partners can maintain quality. Bartenders are trained on the best ways to serve feni, keeping taste and brand experience consistent.
Balancing Life and Work
While entrepreneurship leaves little room for downtime, Nehal makes it a point to recharge by exploring beaches, discovering food spots, and spending time with loved ones, a ritual that keeps creativity alive.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Nehal stresses the importance of belief: “Start with something you truly believe in, because some days, that’s all that keeps you going. Listen to customers, mentors, and the market, and don’t fear experimentation — unexpected ideas can become your strongest USP.”
Looking Ahead
Cajuche’s vision is to make feni a global conversation, with plans to enter major Indian cities, partner with top international bars, and create immersive experiences — from ready-to-drink cocktails to feni-inspired events. The mission: place Goan feni alongside any world-class spirit.
Ninaad Kambli
Ninaad Kambli, CEO of Rahee Group and founder of Nivasa, creates sustainable luxury spaces in Goa, blending design with nature while championing innovation, client satisfaction, and community enrichment. entrepreneur
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Ninaad Kambli
In the heart of Goa’s evolving real estate sector, Ninaad Kambli stands as a visionary leader, seamlessly blending architectural elegance with the tranquility of nature. As the proprietor of Nivasa and CEO of the Rahee Group, Ninaad’s journey is rooted in a deep appreciation for design and an inherited passion for creating spaces that transform lives.
From Inspiration to Enterprise
Ninaad’s path was shaped early on by his father, a seasoned real estate professional with over three decades of experience. Watching him meticulously craft spaces that impacted people’s lives instilled in Ninaad a desire to develop serene, luxurious environments that coexist harmoniously with their surroundings.
This vision became the foundation for Nivasa and Rahee Group, conceived to meet the growing demand for bespoke living spaces and immersive resort experiences.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Launching in a competitive and unpredictable market came with its share of hurdles. Economic fluctuations and shifting real estate dynamics required strategic adaptability.
Ninaad addressed these challenges by diversifying offerings, focusing on resilient planning, and building strong client relationships—ensuring that each project embodied the brand’s values of luxury, tranquility, and sustainability.
Defining Milestones
A landmark achievement for Ninaad was the completion of his first luxury villa project, which set the tone for future developments. This early success validated his vision and established Nivasa and Rahee Group as a trusted name in Goa’s premium property segment.
Interior of Villa in Arpora
Praya villa, Morjim
Leadership with Purpose
Ninaad’s leadership philosophy revolves around collaboration, empowerment, and clear communication. He fosters an environment where creativity thrives, trust is paramount, and ownership is encouraged. Leading by example, he celebrates both individual and collective wins, nurturing a motivated and innovative team.
Culture of Excellence
The work culture at Nivasa and Rahee Group is anchored in integrity, innovation, and excellence. By prioritising inclusivity and positivity, Ninaad ensures his team remains engaged, resulting in exceptional client satisfaction.
Innovation and Adaptability
Staying ahead in a competitive industry requires constant evolution. Ninaad actively embraces emerging technologies, monitors market trends, and welcomes fresh ideas.
Customer-Centric Focus
For Ninaad, client satisfaction is not negotiable. He champions personalised service, transparent communication, and unwavering quality standards. By actively incorporating feedback, the group refines its offerings, strengthening trust and loyalty among its clientele.
Guidance for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ninaad advises emerging business leaders to remain passionate, resilient, and open to learning. He emphasises the importance of a clear vision, adaptability, and a customer-first mindset as the foundation for long-term success.
Balancing Vision and Well-being
Maintaining balance is essential to Ninaad’s productivity. He manages this through clear boundaries, prioritisation, and personal time—often spent in nature, travelling, or pursuing hobbies that help him recharge.
Looking Ahead
This commitment to innovation enables the group to
Over the next five years, Ninaad envisions expanding Nivasa and Rahee Group’s portfolio with more luxury villas, apartments, and resorts that redefine sustainable living.
His goal is to establish new benchmarks for luxury real estate in Goa and beyond, without compromising harmony with nature.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond business growth, Ninaad hopes his work leaves a meaningful imprint—promoting sustainable luxury and enriching communities.
He aspires for his brands to be synonymous with quality, trust, and innovative design, inspiring future generations to embrace the balance between development and the environment.
Project in Arpora
Tippannavar, a fashion and food photographer, blends cinematic storytelling with raw emotion, transforming fleeting moments into art while inspiring aspiring creatives through passion, resilience, and mastery of light and composition. photographer
www.itsgoa.com itsgoa_ Itsgoa
Robin
Robin Tippannavar
Article by: Team ItsGoa
Images by: Robin Tippannavar
For Robin Tippannavar, photography began as a spark—a curiosity to freeze fleeting moments and make them eternal. Even as a child, he noticed the way light fell across a room or how someone’s laughter could be captured mid-breath. That quiet fascination with storytelling without words pulled him toward the camera, and once he held it in his hands, there was no turning back.
From Hobby to Full-Time Hustle
Eight years ago, Robin transformed what began as a casual hobby into a full-fledged career. He knew he wasn’t built for a desk job; instead, he wanted a life steeped in color, chaos, emotion, and creativity. Betting on himself, he pursued photography fulltime—a decision that became the foundation of his professional identity. Robin has also been a part of Growth Gravy as a photographer.
A Signature Style
Robin’s work is raw, real, cinematic, and soulful. He thrives in the delicate balance between chaos and calm, weaving emotion into composition to make every frame feel like a scene from a film.
Mastering Fashion and Food Photography
Specialising in fashion and food, Robin brings a unique ability to transform the ordinary into art. Whether it’s a sizzling dish for a restaurant menu or a high-fashion editorial, his images go beyond aesthetics—they tell stories that speak to the senses. Watching a client’s eyes light up or viewers react to a photograph they can’t taste is, for him, the most rewarding part of the job.
Thriving Under Pressure
Photography, especially in his niche, comes with its share of hurdles—unpredictable weather, fading daylight, shifting moods of models or melting dishes, and last-minute chaos. But Robin embraces these challenges, using the pressure to sharpen his creativity.
One particularly memorable assignment was a luxury restaurant shoot in Goa during the height of summer. With temperatures at 38°C, no shade in sight, desserts melting, and even models fainting, the conditions were extreme. Yet the shoot resulted in some of the finest work of his career—a testament to his ability to thrive in the madness.
Seasoned char grilled prawns
Neerphanas Rawa Fry
Avacodo cream cheese roll
Capturing the Candid
For Robin, authentic emotion comes from patience. He becomes almost invisible, letting people breathe, talk, and move naturally. He doesn’t force a moment; he earns it, waiting for it to unfold before pressing the shutter.
Guiding the Next Generation
His advice to aspiring fashion and food photographers is simple yet powerful: start now, fail fast, and shoot constantly.
Learn lighting as if your career depends on it, train your eye, and remain relentlessly curious.
The Role of Technology
Post-Processing: The Secret Sauce
Editing, for Robin, is an enhancement—not a rescue mission. A strong image becomes unforgettable through thoughtful color grading and finishing touches, but the foundation must always be solid incamera.
Tips for Amateurs
For those looking to improve, Robin recommends shooting daily, studying light, watching films for color and framing inspiration, avoiding gear obsession, and editing with intention.
Most importantly, he urges photographers to shoot from the heart, not just the eyes.
The Power of Social Media
Robin views social platforms as a modern-day portfolio, billboard, and resume in one.
Beyond likes, it’s about building genuine connections, earning trust, and giving people a glimpse into his creative world.
Staying Inspired
He fuels his creativity by living fully—travelling, dancing, watching art films, collaborating with other creatives, and stepping back when burnout approaches.
Revisiting the reasons he started keeps his fire alive.
The Journey Ahead
Photography, for Robin, is more than a profession— it’s his purpose, his playground, and his declaration to the world:
Robin acknowledges that technology has dramatically transformed the industry, with cameras capable of shooting in near-darkness and smartphones rivaling DSLRs. But he insists that while tools evolve, the soul of a photograph will always come from the person behind the lens. www.itsgoa.com
This is what I was born to do. While the path may demand sweat, late nights, and perseverance, the reward is in the art, the impact, and the stories told without words.
Pork gyoza dimsums
Russian vodka with orange twist
Culinary entrepreneurship in India is booming, blending tradition with innovation, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and empowering foodpreneurs through education, incubators, and sustainable practices.
Article & Images by: Team ItsGoa authored article
India’s ‘Foodpreneurs’ are Cooking Up Economic
Culinary entrepreneurship is in the spotlight as culinarians create delicious new dishes every year, they are also expected to learn to market their skills. Culinary arts is stirring up the economy, becoming a key indicator of economic growth. It is shaping India’s gastronomic future as culinary curriculums are beginning to incorporate business mentorships.
By Parixit Pai Fondekar, Founder of the Kamaxi Group, Verna
In a country where food is a cultural ecosystem and a booming industry, a new generation of culinary entrepreneurs is driving innovation in professional Indian kitchens. As the hospitality and food services sectors in India expand rapidly, culinary entrepreneurship is emerging as a key indicator of economic growth. Whether it is a cloud kitchen that redefines delivery, a food truck run by culinary interns or a home chef who turned passion into profession, India’s culinary sector is evolving.
The culinary industry accounts for approximately 1.9 percent of India’s GDP, with the organised segment growing at over 13 percent CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate), said a new report. This surge translates into a significant rise in employment, particularly in regions like Goa, where hospitality contributes to over 30 percent of job creation.
The term “foodpreneur” has become the buzzword in recent times as a number of young chefs, home cooks and culinary professionals are mastering finer, nutritious recipes while delivering unique dining experiences to customers. Zero-waste kitchen models and local food sourcing are being widely promoted.
According to NRAI’s (National Restaurant Association of India) projections, India’s food services industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1 percent and touch ₹7.8 lakh crore by FY28. Simultaneously, the cloud kitchen market in India is experiencing a boom, valued at $1.13 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $2.84 billion by 2030,
growing at a CAGR of 16.66 percent . This provides cost-effective opportunities for the entry of foodpreneurs into the market, especially digitalsavvy entrepreneurs, without the expenses of dinein establishments.
Simultaneously, global culinary trends such as healthy eating, fusion cuisines and sustainable sourcing are influencing Indian kitchens. Young Indian chefs are combining age-old culinary traditions to bring fresh, futuristic thinking into their techniques. Fierce Kitchen, Goa’s first culinary incubator, launched in collaboration with Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at Goa Institute of Management (GIM), is helping culinary talents transition from home kitchens to commercial ventures, giving start-ups access to mentorship, food labs and business guidance.
Culinary education has evolved beyond techniques. Now, cost control, sustainability, food safety and entrepreneurial thinking are making their way into the curriculum. Therefore, culinarians can branch into diverse job opportunities outside the kitchen, including roles in culinary management, food business development and event planning.
Parixit Pai Fondekar, Founder, Kamaxi Group
The Fierce Kitchens food truck, operated by student interns from the Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA) in Verna, an initiative to help students learn industry-relevant skills in real-world settings, draws attention along the picturesque Colva-Benaulim road, in South Goa
Despite the demand, there’s a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly those equipped with both hands-on training and management expertise. Industry experts suggest that work-integrated learning modules are essential to bridge this gap and ensure industry readiness in the hospitality sector.
Culinary entrepreneurship still faces hurdles that include access to funding, business know-how, kitchen space and market knowledge and continues to limit many aspiring foodpreneurs. However, expanding curriculums and incubators are helping overcome these hurdles. As we celebrate Culinarians Day (July 25) and National Culinary Arts Month (July), it is clear that culinary entrepreneurship is gaining momentum.
As budding chefs, investors or restaurant-goers who enjoy discovering new flavours, Indian foodpreneurs are cooking up something exciting for everyone.
About the author: Parixit Pai Fondekar
Parixit’s experience in the recruitment and skill development sector for the global cruise and hospitality industry spans across a decade and half.
He is the founder of Kamaxi Group, Goa, which encompasses several verticles, including Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts, India’s first Culinary Business School, Kamaxi Skills, Kamaxi Overseas Consultants, Kamaxi Maritime Academy and Fierce Kitchens, a culinary incubator.
www.itsgoa.com
The Rise of EdTech in Goa — Transforming Learning Beyond Classrooms
Goa’s EdTech sector blends tradition with technology, expanding digital literacy, rural access, and cultural integration. Local startups, government initiatives, and innovative learning tools are shaping the state into a growing hub for digital education excellence.
Article by: Renata Fernandes
Images by: Freepik
authored article
When people think of Goa, they often imagine palmfringed beaches, laid-back vibes, and vibrant festivals. But beyond its scenic beauty, Goa is quietly carving a niche in the field of education technology (EdTech). As the world shifts towards digital-first solutions, Goa’s students, educators, and entrepreneurs are embracing new tools that blend traditional learning with cutting-edge innovation.
From Chalkboards to Clickboards
Over the past decade, Goa’s education sector has steadily evolved from relying solely on textbooks and blackboards to adopting smart boards, online portals, and interactive learning apps. The COVID-19 pandemic sped up this shift, making tools like Zoom, Google Classroom, and Byju’s essential. Unlike India’s fast-paced urban tech hubs, Goa has balanced tradition with technology, with schools in Panjim, Margao, and Mapusa embracing digital tools while maintaining a focus on holistic, extracurricular learning.
Empowering Students in Remote Villages
One of the most inspiring aspects of EdTech in Goa is its reach into rural areas. Government-led initiatives and NGOs are introducing tablets, digital libraries, and offline learning modules to students in villages like Sattari and Canacona. These tools are bridging the gap for students who previously struggled with access to quality education due to geographic isolation.
For instance, Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College has introduced hybrid learning models that allow students from far-flung areas to attend lectures virtually, ensuring they don’t miss out on lessons during monsoons or travel disruptions.
A New Wave of Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Goa’s EdTech movement is not just about learning math or science online; it’s about equipping students with 21st-century skills like coding, digital marketing,
and video editing. Coding bootcamps in Panjim and Calangute are introducing school kids to programming languages like Python and Scratch. Similarly, online design courses are helping students in interior design, fashion, and architecture to access global mentorship.
EdTech Startups Emerging in Goa
Several Goan entrepreneurs are tapping into the EdTech boom. Local startups are offering niche online courses — from Konkani language learning apps to marine biology modules designed for coastal students. Coworking spaces in Panjim and Porvorim have also become hubs where educators and tech developers collaborate to create innovative educational tools.
One notable example is ClassBoat Goa, a platform that connects learners with specialized instructors across fields such as photography, music, and business management.
Blending Culture with Technology
What sets Goa apart is its ability to integrate its rich culture into digital learning. For example, students studying history can take virtual reality tours of Old Goa’s churches, while culinary students can attend online Goan cooking classes with renowned chefs. This not only preserves Goan heritage but also makes learning interactive and fun.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the EdTech wave is promising, Goa faces challenges like patchy internet in rural belts, high device costs, and resistance from parents preferring traditional teaching. However, with the government’s push towards “Digital Goa” and increased CSR investments, these barriers are slowly being dismantled. The future looks bright. As more Goan students gain access to personalized, techenabled learning, the state is positioning itself as not just a tourism paradise but a hub for digital education excellence.
Localized Marketing Tactics for Small Business Entrepreneurs in Goa
Localized marketing in Goa helps small businesses connect authentically by embracing festivals, culture, language, and community ties, creating loyal customers and standing out from larger competitors in the state’s diverse market.
Article by: Renata Fernandes
Images by: Freepik
authored article
Running a small business in Goa comes with its own unique charm — an challenges. The coastal state’s mix of local resi ents, omestic tourists, an international visitors creates a vibrant, iverse customer base. But this iversity also means that a one-size-fits-all marketing approach rarely works. To truly stan out, small business entrepreneurs in Goa nee to a opt localize marketing tactics that connect eeply with their target au ience while reflecting the state’s istinct culture, language, an lifestyle.
Why Localized Marketing Matters in Goa
Localize marketing is about tailoring your pro ucts, services, an promotions to match the cultural an regional context of your customers. In Goa, this coul mean using Konkani phrases in a s, highlighting eco-frien ly practices, or participating in local festivals like Carnival or Shigmo. By speaking the language — literally an figuratively — of your customers, you buil trust an bran loyalty. Small businesses in Goa often compete with larger bran s an franchises. The a vantage lies in your ability to connect personally with customers in ways big bran s cannot. Whether you’re running a caf in Panjim, a boutique in Assagao, or a scuba iving business in Palolem, localize marketing ensures your business feels roote in the community.
1. Tap Into Goa’s Festive Calendar
Goa celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year — from religious events like Ganesh Chaturthi an Christmas to cultural ones like Bon eram an Carnival. Aligning your marketing campaigns with these events can boost engagement
A bakery coul launch a special line of Bebinca cupcakes for Christmas
A fashion boutique coul create Carnival-inspire outfits with bol colors an feathers
A beach shack coul offer theme cocktails uring Sunburn Festival.
Tip: Don’t just sell — participate. Sponsor local
events, host workshops, or set up stalls at village fairs to make your bran visible in community spaces.
2. Use Konkani and Local Dialects in Communication
While English an Hin i are wi ely spoken, a ing a touch of Konkani or Portuguese-inspire phrases in your marketing instantly gives it a Goan i entity. For example
“Amkam tumkam welcome” (We welcome you) for hospitality businesses
“Susega Sun ays” for restaurants promoting lazy brunches
This small linguistic touch signals authenticity an buil s rapport with locals.
3.
Collaborate with Local Influencers
Goa has a growing pool of content creators who cater to both local an tourist au iences. Partnering with micro-influencers can help your bran reach niche communities. For example, a han crafte jewelry bran coul collaborate with a Goan fashion influencer, while a caf coul invite a local foo blogger for a tasting event.
Pro Tip: Choose influencers whose au ience aligns with your business rather than just focusing on follower count.
Conclusion:
Think Local, Act Smart
For small business entrepreneurs in Goa, localize marketing isn’t just a strategy — it’s the heart of buil ing a bran . Aligning offerings with the state’s festivals, culture, language, an values buil s strong customer connections. In a market where relationships matter as much as pro uct quality, that bon makes all the ifference. The essence of Goa is warmth, authenticity, an creativity. If your marketing reflects these values, you won’t just attract customers — you’ll gain loyal a vocates who share your story wi ely.
