Goa opened a new frontier for tourism and technology with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd. The agreement lays the foundation for establishing an Advanced Design & Development Center in the State and integrating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into Goa’s future tourism and mobility landscape.

The Honourable Minister for IT, Electronics and Communications, and Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Paryatan Bhavan in Patto. Several officials accompanied him, including:

• Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, who serves as the Director of DITE&C
• Shri Kedar Naik, the Director of DOT
• Dr Milind Sakhardande, the Joint Director of DITE&C
• Shri Shawn Mendes, who acts as the Officer on Special Duty to the Minister for Tourism
• Shri Neville Noronha, the Officer on Special Duty to the Minister of IT
• Shri D.S. Prashant, the CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC)
• Mr Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation Private Limited.

This version maintains the active voice while clarifying each individual’s role.
Speaking about the partnership, Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, noted, “This partnership sets the stage for Goa’s entry into next-generation mobility and design-driven industries. With VTOL technology and advanced aerospace design coming into the State, we see new possibilities for innovation, tourism and sustainable mobility. Most importantly, this collaboration will open pathways for Goan youth through skilling, apprenticeships and high-value jobs.” He added, “Our focus is to ensure that every new technology introduced in Goa strengthens the State’s economy and benefits our people first.”

Under this partnership, Sarla Aviation will establish a long-term base in Goa as a hub for innovation, creativity and advanced aerospace technology development. The centre will focus on research, system design, testing and prototype development, contributing to Goa’s emergence as a destination for high-value, design-led industries. The startup, backed by Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety, is developing a six-seater electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to ease road congestion by introducing a new layer of clean, efficient aerial mobility.

The MoU also defines a roadmap for introducing VTOL-based aerial mobility in Goa, positioning the State to lead India’s coastal air mobility sector. Key components of the plan include:
●      Engaging hotel owners, hospitality operators and tourism stakeholders to explore the adoption of VTOL services for premium and sustainable tourism experiences.
●      Developing a Goa-specific Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Policy to guide future deployments.
●      Exploring airport-to-resort connectivity through energy-efficient aerial routes.
●      Identifying and supporting a Goa-based VTOL service operator, with possible government facilitation to make services accessible and viable.

These initiatives collectively aim to make Goa India’s first Coastal Aerial Mobility State, combining tourism, mobility and innovation under one vision.

Director of DITE&C, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, shared, “This collaboration brings advanced aerospace design into Goa’s innovation ecosystem and aligns with our long-term vision for technology-led growth. With policy support, digital infrastructure and a skilled talent base, Goa is positioned to become a platform where technologies like VTOL can be designed, tested, and scaled from the State.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, noted, “The tourism sector is evolving rapidly, and Goa is well-positioned to adopt innovative mobility solutions that enhance both access and experience. Through this MoU, we will work closely with hospitality stakeholders and operators to explore how VTOL technology can be integrated into Goa’s tourism offerings. This will enable seamless connectivity across beaches, resorts and hinterland destinations, reduce travel time, and promote eco-conscious travel. Such mobility solutions will shape a new tourism experience for Goa, one that combines ease of access, sustainability and high-quality visitor engagement.”

Mr Adrian Schmidt, Co-founder & CEO of Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd., expressed, “We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Goa for welcoming new technologies with openness and entrepreneurial spirit. With their support, we’re proud to begin expanding our initial Air Taxi operation networks across the State and bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Goans as early as 2029. We’re also thankful for the warm welcome to establish Sarla’s first Satellite Studio in Goa. We believe Goa’s unique blend of quality of life and work will attract world-class talent and help position India as a global top talent destination.”
The collaboration reinforces Goa’s efforts to strengthen its technology and creative sectors while opening new pathways for high-end skilling, research and future careers for Goan youth. It also supports the State’s tourism priorities by enabling new mobility solutions and enhancing visitor experiences.

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