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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is gearing up to unveil a revolutionary digital platform to bolster India’s start-up ecosystem.
The Bharat Start-up Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR), launched under the Start-up India initiative, is designed to centralise, streamline, and facilitate collaboration among key players in the entrepreneurial landscape, including start-ups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government entities.
This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s vision of establishing the nation as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, further cementing its commitment to driving the start-up movement forward.
India, home to over 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognised start-ups, is one of the world’s most vibrant start-up ecosystems. BHASKAR aims to harness this potential by offering an integrated digital platform that addresses common challenges faced by both entrepreneurs and investors. The platform will act as a comprehensive registry, giving users easy access to a variety of tools, resources, and knowledge essential to guiding entrepreneurs from the ideation phase through to execution.
By fostering a conducive environment for networking, collaboration, and growth, BHASKAR will enable seamless interaction among ecosystem stakeholders. Each stakeholder will receive a personalised BHASKAR ID, enhancing the platform’s searchability and facilitating the discovery of relevant opportunities and partnerships.
BHASKAR’s overarching goal is to build the world’s largest digital registry for start-up stakeholders. To achieve this, the platform offers several key features, including:
- Networking and Collaboration: BHASKAR will bridge the gap between start-ups, investors, and mentors, enabling cross-sector interactions and fostering a collaborative environment.
- Centralised Access to Resources: Start-ups will benefit from immediate access to critical tools and knowledge, allowing for faster decision-making and scalability.
- Personalised Identification: Each stakeholder will receive a unique BHASKAR ID, ensuring personalised interactions and a tailored experience across the platform.
- Enhanced Discoverability: With powerful search capabilities, users can easily locate relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities, accelerating action and decision-making.
- Promoting India’s Global Brand: BHASKAR will elevate India’s reputation as a global innovation hub, facilitating cross-border collaborations and expanding opportunities for start-ups and investors alike.
The launch of BHASKAR represents a pivotal step in the government’s mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. As a central hub for collaboration and resource sharing, the platform will unlock the full potential of India’s start-up ecosystem, helping the country cement its status as a global leader in entrepreneurship. By fostering a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy, BHASKAR will lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
The Government of India encourages all stakeholders to join this transformative initiative, with BHASKAR poised to redefine India’s start-up landscape and create a more connected, efficient, and collaborative environment for entrepreneurship.
India’s diverse strategy for supporting start-ups and inclusivity aligns with its digital and economic ambitions. This holistic approach is focused on creating a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning the country as a global leader in digital innovation and technological progress.
OpenGov Asia reported that DPII recognised 140,803 start-ups, with over 67,000 having at least one woman director, underscoring its commitment to gender inclusivity in the digital economy. The Start-up India initiative has created 1.55 million jobs and introduced an Action Plan with 19 key measures, including funding, partnerships, and regulatory reforms to support start-ups.
Key initiatives include the ₹945 crore (US$114 million) Start-up India Seed Fund Scheme and the ₹10,000 crore (US$1.2 billion) Fund of Funds for Start-ups, managed by SIDBI, to support early and growth-stage ventures. The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Start-ups (CGSS) improves capital access, while platforms like the Start-up India Hub and the National Mentorship Portal offer networking and guidance.
All these efforts, along with global partnerships, aim to position India as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.