Keynote masterclass, strategic international partnerships, and the upcoming India-Africa Conclave pave the way for local businesses to expand across global markets
Vibrant Goa Foundation hosted a high-impact ‘Rise 2.0’ Keynote and Export Masterclass to propel Goan MSMEs globally
Over 150 export startups and local entrepreneurs gathered at The Fern Kadamba, Old Goa, recently for the Rise 2.0 Keynote Session and Export Masterclass: ‘Export Gateway of Opportunities – The Success Mantras.’
Organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation in association with the Confederation of Global Goan Entrepreneurs (COGGE), the event served as an official precursor to the flagship Vibrant Goa Global Expo and Business Summit, scheduled from 29th to 31st October 2026, in Panjim, Goa.
Keynote Session and Export Masterclass
The session featured an intensive Export Masterclass by Ajit Shah, a renowned Export Consultant from Mumbai, who provided practical roadmaps and strategies for Goan MSMEs to scale beyond national borders.
Chief Guest Mauvin Godinho, Minister of Industries, Transport, Panchayat Raj, and Protocol (Government of Goa), commended the Vibrant Goa Foundation for its steadfast support of MSMEs. He urged local businesses to capitalize on international trade opportunities and participate actively in the upcoming Global Expo to take Goan business beyond boundaries.
Insights on Leadership, Sustainability and Global Academia
Dr Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), highlighted the critical need to embed leadership and spiritual values into education and business development.
Prof. Walter Leal, representing HAW Hamburg (Germany) and World Peace University (WPU), announced that Goa has been chosen as the destination for an upcoming Global Sustainability Expo. The initiative will invite international research papers focused on environmental protection, held as part of the Sustainability Summit in partnership with MIT-WPU and Hamburg University.
the Board of Advisors of COGGE
Strategic Global Partnerships and Road to October 2026 Summit
To drive bilateral trade for Goan exporters, the Vibrant Goa Foundation is onboarding local MSMEs under its ‘Champions Exporters’ initiative while connecting them directly with target international buyers from over 50 countries.
Key international strategic partners backing buyer outreach include: ADAM Global, Global Chamber, World Trade Centre and the Global India Business Forum
The upcoming 3rd edition of the Vibrant Goa Global Expo (Oct 29–31, 2026, Panjim) will feature specialized pavilions for Semiconductors and Defense, alongside key industry sectors: Real Estate, Education, Tourism, Light Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Information Technology.
Leadership Expansion and Appointments
To support its expanding initiatives, the Vibrant Goa Foundation welcomed prominent industry figures to its advisory and executive leadership teams:
Board of Advisors (COGGE): Manguirish Pai Raikar and Harshvardhan Bhatkuly
Newly inducted Directors: Arch. Rita Mody Joshi, Asha Arondekar, Mudit Agarwal, Mandar Mhapshekar, and Nirmesh Tyagi.
Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant and Chairman of Vibrant Goa, Rajkumar Kamat
Ongoing Export Handholding and Mentoring Sessions
To ensure continuous ground-level assistance, Vibrant Goa Foundation announced structured export mentoring sessions led by Priyanka Patil (Export Start Up Faculty): North Goa: Every Friday (11am to 6pm) at Vibrant Goa Office, 716, Gera Patto, Panaji. South Goa: Every Tuesday and Wednesday (11am to 6pm) at KACODA IDC, Curchorem, South Goa.
Media Contact & Enquiries: Website: www.vibrantgoa.com
Email: info@vibrantgoa.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 80075 92225 / +91 88059 80235
300+ overseas buyers expected to attend 3rd Edition of Vibrant Goa Global Expo and Summit, this October
The First Board of Advisors Meeting of Vibrant Goa Global Expo and Summit (VGGBS) 2026 was held recently at Hotel Fortune Miramar, Panaji.
The meeting was chaired by Chairman Suresh Prabhu, along with Advisors to the Board – Anil Counto, Pradeep da Costa, Mac Vaz, Harshvardhan Bhatkuly and Pratima Dhond.
The meeting was attended by the Trustees of Vibrant Goa Foundation led by Chairman Rajkumar Kamat, Co-founder Arman Bankley, and Trustees Vinay Verma, Rasik Naik, Ajay Gramopadhye, Gautam Kharangate and Manoj Patil, along with newly appointed Directors – Arch. Rita Joshi Modi, Asha Arondekar, Mudit Agarwal, Ryan Vaz and Mandar Mhapsekar.
The key agenda of the meeting was to appraise the developments and prepare the roadmap for Vibrant Goa Global Expo and Summit 2026 scheduled to be held from 29th to 31st October, 2026.
The Board was briefed on the ongoing activities for mobilizing international buyers through strategic tie-ups with ADAM Global, WTC Global Chambers and Global India Business Forum (GIBF), along with enrollment of sellers from Goan SMEs from focus sectors of Real Estate, Light Engineering, IT, Tourism, Education, Renewable Energy, among others.
A major focus was laid on the 4th Edition of India-Africa Conclave to be held on 30th October 2026 as part of Vibrant Goa Summit. It was informed that participation from 30+ African Countries along with their ministries, business delegations and trade officers has been finalized by GIBF. There is also an overwhelming response from local Goan MSME sellers who are being enrolled, and match-making of buyers and sellers will be planned soon once the lists are ready.
Suresh Prabhu highlighted the need to invite Central Ministers including the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture and the Minister of State for MSME; prominent Indian business leaders were identified to be invited as keynote speakers for the summit.
The former Union Minister expressed satisfaction at the ground level preparation for the event that will
be held in October.
Attendees comprising of entrepreneurs, industry leaders and professionals provided valuable suggestions to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state and to help chalk out a detailed roadmap for Vibrant Goa 2026