FiiRE Goa, Run by the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fuels Startup Dreams with GENESIS EiR Support

FiiRE Goa, a startup incubator run by the Salesians of Don Bosco in Goa, continues to drive entrepreneurial growth in the country through various funding initiatives. As one of the select incubators chosen to implement MeitY’s GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) funding, FiiRE Goa has successfully facilitated financial support for four promising innovators, who will receive INR 10 lakhs each. This initiative aims to help students and entrepreneurs validate their startup ideas and foster entrepreneurship in Tier II and III cities.

The response to the GENESIS EIR funding was overwhelming, with 417 applications received. Out of these, 144 applications were shortlisted, and 106 entrepreneurs submitted their pitch videos. 10 finalists were chosen for the Committee Pitch session after an extensive selection process. Out of these 10 startups, four were selected to receive the funding. This rigorous selection process highlights the competitive nature of the program and the high caliber of entrepreneurial talent emerging from across the country.

Rev. Fr. Kinley DCruz, Director of FiiRE, reflected on the organization’s journey, stating, "FiiRE recently celebrated its sixth anniversary, and as an initiative of Don Bosco, we take great pride in having been blessed with the opportunity to support young and aspiring entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship. Through this, we continue to uphold Don Bosco’s legacy. I am delighted with the progress FiiRE has achieved over the past six years."

FiiRE Goa’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship doesn’t stop here. The incubator has also launched applications for Batch 3 of the NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme, an initiative under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. After successfully disbursing funds to 10 startups in the previous two batches, totalling INR 1 crore, FiiRE Goa is set to support seven new entrepreneurs in Batch 3. These selected entrepreneurs will receive funding to develop and refine their prototypes, further strengthening India’s startup landscape.

Speaking about the GENESIS EiR funding, Thejus Joseph, Interim CEO of FiiRE Goa, stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of this funding initiative. Supporting four exceptional innovators through this program aligns with our vision of fostering a thriving startup ecosystem in India. By enabling entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and mentorship, we are contributing to a self-reliant and innovative India.”

Currently, FiiRE Goa stands as the only incubator in Goa that offers five different funding schemes. This unique position underscores the incubator’s dedication to making India a nation of startups, driving self-sufficiency and innovation at every level. By continuing to support and mentor entrepreneurs, FiiRE Goa is playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s entrepreneurial future.

By Arush Martins