GIDC To Develop Innovation Park In Verna, Targeting 35,000 White-Collar Jobs

Panaji, Sept 5 (KNN) The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) will develop plug-and-play office and research spaces at the Hello World Innovation & Research Park within the Verna industrial ecosystem, with the facility expected to generate around 35,000 white-collar jobs.

The initiative is aimed at enabling manufacturing companies in Verna to shift suitable research, design and office-based functions from factory premises to dedicated facilities, allowing industrial plots to be used more efficiently for manufacturing and production expansion.

“The proximity of research teams, technology companies and manufacturing enterprises can also encourage collaboration, innovation, process improvement and adoption of advanced technologies across the Verna industrial estate,” a GIDC official said.

Innovation Park To Support 35,000 White-Collar Jobs

Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho said the technology park is expected to support around 35,000 high-technology, white-collar jobs and help create professional opportunities for Goan youth within the state.

The Hello World Innovation & Research Park is spread across around 4 lakh square metres at the tail end of Phase IV of the Verna industrial estate. GIDC has allotted three of its six large plots.

80% Space Reserved For Technology, Research Offices

According to GIDC, at least 80 per cent of the built-up area will be reserved for office space catering to specified technology and research sectors, while commercial space will be restricted to 7-10 per cent.

Park To Complement Verna Manufacturing Base

GIDC Chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said Verna has emerged as Goa’s strongest manufacturing ecosystem and that the innovation park would complement the existing industrial base by providing modern facilities for research, design, technology and product development.

He said the park would allow manufacturers to relocate suitable research and office functions from their factories and use their existing industrial land to expand production.

Project Aims To Retain Skilled Talent In Goa

Lourenco added that the project could create more white-collar opportunities for Goan youth and help reduce the outmigration of skilled young professionals seeking career opportunities outside the state.

GIDC Pays Rs 8.4 Crore Statutory Dues

Godinho also said GIDC has paid Rs 8.4 crore to the state government as statutory payment towards its house-tax liability under Section 37A of the Goa Industrial Development Act, 1965.

(KNN Bureau)