To bolster India’s dynamic startup ecosystem, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush
Goyal, recently launched the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) portal in New Delhi. The digital platform, part of the Startup India initiative, promises to bring together startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies on one unified platform.
BHASKAR, meaning ‘Rising Sun,’ represents enlightenment, growth, and innovation. Shri Goyal remarked that the portal would foster collaboration, competition, and cooperation within the Indian startup landscape. BHASKAR is poised to help “dreamers, doers, and disruptors” transform their aspirations into reality, aligning with the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The launch of BHASKAR comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem thrives. As of August 2024, India boasts over 1.4 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups, marking it as one of the world’s largest and most vibrant startup ecosystems. However, the rapid growth has also led to fragmentation among resources and stakeholders. BHASKAR aims to resolve this by offering a centralised platform for seamless collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation, making the ecosystem more democratic, visible, and interconnected.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
One of BHASKAR’s key goals is to create a socialised and democratised startup ecosystem. Shri Goyal emphasised that the platform would be a tool to build “Brand India” and market Indian products and services worldwide. By promoting interconnectivity among entrepreneurs and facilitating access to resources, the platform will help redefine India’s image on the global stage.
BHASKAR aims to become a one-stop digital platform for data dissemination, interaction, and exchange within the startup ecosystem. The platform’s easy-to-use features, including personalised dashboards and peer-to-peer connect options, will allow stakeholders to network and collaborate efficiently. Shri Goyal’s vision will catalyse the growth and success of startups in metro cities and tier-2 and tier-3 regions, ensuring that innovation reaches every corner of India.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Fostering Inclusivity
The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry is designed to unify India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem by connecting various stakeholders, including incubators, policymakers, and investors, under one roof. One of the platform’s key features is its ability to foster collaboration between startups in different sectors and regions, creating opportunities for cross-sectoral innovation.
Speaking at the event, Secretary of DPIIT, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, called BHASKAR a “catalyst for innovation” to drive connectivity among startups, particularly in smaller towns and cities. This inclusivity ensures regional startups can collaborate, grow, and contribute to the nation’s economic progress. By bridging gaps between urban and rural entrepreneurial ecosystems, BHASKAR will help decentralise innovation and open new avenues for growth.
Accelerating India’s Growth Story
Startups have long been recognised as the driving force behind India’s economic development. The Joint Secretary of DPIIT, Sanjiv, reiterated that BHASKAR would accelerate the Indian growth story by providing startups with comprehensive access to resources and opportunities. With knowledge being the foundation of innovation, the platform is expected to guide startups through challenges and unlock new opportunities in the ever-evolving market.
By offering industry alliances, dynamic networking, and enhanced visibility, BHASKAR will serve as a guiding light for the startup ecosystem. Personalised identification numbers (BHASKAR IDs) will give users a unique digital identity, enabling them to access various services and enhance their discoverability across the ecosystem.
Towards a Global Vision
Shri Goyal expressed the government’s desire for India’s startup ecosystem to achieve global recognition while maintaining integrity, quality, and conviction. He encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace failures as stepping stones to success and to continue innovating with the confidence that BHASKAR would support them in their journey.
The launch of BHASKAR is not just a milestone for India’s startup community but a step toward creating a globally competitive and inclusive innovation ecosystem. Shri Goyal concluded by expressing his hope that BHASKAR 2.0, with enhanced features, would be released soon, further simplifying the platform’s navigation and accessibility.
As India continues to rise as a global startup hub, BHASKAR is set to play a critical role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the country. By bringing stakeholders together on a single platform, BHASKAR will ensure that innovation thrives across regions, industries, and technologies, marking a new dawn for India’s startups.
