Posted by Altinho, Goa: The Goa state’s DITE&C is hosting a unique hackathon called ‘Goa Shackathon’ on May 21 and 22, 2026 at Baga Beach. Through this unique two day event, Goa state government‘s Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) aims to turn beach shacks into collaborative workspaces, offering a novel beachside workcation experience in the state.
Goa Shackathon reimagines the concept of a conventional hackathon by transforming Goa’s iconic beach shacks into collaborative workspaces where participants can ideate, connect and create while experiencing its vibrant work-life culture. The initiative reflects Goa’s growing positioning as a destination for innovation, remote work and creative entrepreneurship.
The event has already received an overwhelming response from across the country. More than over 700 people including individuals from startups, innovators, creators, designers, along with remote professionals and students have registered for this event.
Among them, 300 participants have been selected to take part in the two-day immersive experience that blends innovation, networking and collaboration in a unique beachside setting.
“The response to Goa Shackathon has been truly encouraging. It’s exciting to see so many young professionals, creators and innovators looking at Goa as a space that supports fresh ideas, collaboration and new ways of working,” said Goa state’s Minister of IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism, Rohan Khaunte.
“Goa today is evolving as a destination where technology, creativity and meaningful experiences come together naturally,” added Khaunte.
“Goa Shackathon is designed to create an engaging and productive environment where participants can interact, exchange perspectives and work alongside like-minded individuals. Beyond the sessions and activities, the event also reflects how workspaces today are becoming more open, collaborative and experience-driven,” said Director of IT, Electronics and Communications, Kabir Shirgaonkar.
Day one of this two-day event, themed ‘Hustle and High Tides’, primarily engages startups, founders, IT professionals, academia and innovation-driven participants through discussions on the future of AI and robotics, building companies from Goa, communication and storytelling, and how geography is emerging as a competitive advantage in the evolving work landscape.
The sessions will feature noted speakers and industry leaders including Dr. Annurag Batra, Joydeep Rakshit, Hari Bojan, Vijay Vikram Singh, Mohit Dubey, Daniel Imhoff, Adrian Schmidt, Dr. Sunny Satpati, Pranay Gupta, Sairaj Dhond and Ruhail Amin. The inaugural day will also witness the presence of the state chief minister and IT minister.
Day two, themed ‘Creators and Coastlines’, focuses on creators, designers, freelancers, students, media professionals and members of the creative economy.
The sessions will include discussions on creativity as a business advantage, communication and voice modulation, AI for design, and designing from Goa, along with demonstrations and interactions led by creators and entrepreneurs including Harshit Desai, Joydeep Rakshit, Vijay Vikram Singh and Samar Farooqui. Participants will also engage in collaborative activities including networking experiences, games and a boat ride.
Participants representing sectors such as TourismTech, TravelTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Healthcare, DeepTech, EdTech, Geospatial Technology and DroneTech are expected to take part in the initiative alongside ecosystem enablers and student entrepreneurs.
Hosted exclusively at Baga Beach, Goa Shackathon aims to create a relaxed yet high-energy environment that encourages innovation, meaningful conversations and creative collaboration beyond conventional conference spaces.