BHASKAR portal: All you need to know about platform for India's startup ecosystem

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry unveiled the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) portal under the StartUp India program on Monday. BHASKAR is a centralised digital platform designed to bring together startups, investors, service providers, mentors, and government bodies to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across India's rapidly growing startup ecosystem, including Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

“We should bring all the separate elements onto one platform, so that (youth) in tier II and III cities won't feel left behind in terms of knowledge,” Goyal said at the launch event of the portal, addressing startup players, hosted by DPIIT and the Commerce ministry in Delhi.

“Technology and interconnectivity will help Indians build ‘Brand India’ as a tool to market our products and services across the world and help us change the image of India to the rest of the world,” he added.

Key features of BHASKAR

• The portal will help startups, investors (including institutional investors), mentors, and students to register with the portal to facilitate inter- and intra-stakeholder interaction.

• Networking and Collaboration: The portal facilitates seamless interactions between startups, investors, and mentors, promoting sector-wide growth and cooperation within the startup ecosystem.

• Personalised BHASKAR ID: Each stakeholder is assigned a unique ID, providing a tailored experience with personalised dashboards to access relevant tools, resources, and collaborators.

• Comprehensive Resource Access: BHASKAR acts as a repository of startup fundamentals, business planning tools, and expert mentorship, supporting entrepreneurs from ideation to execution.

• Cross-Border Collaboration: The platform enhances India's global reputation as a hub for innovation, making it easier for international investors and startups to engage with the Indian market.

• Inclusion of Incubators and Policymakers: By merging the Bharat Ecosystem Registry, BHASKAR provides startups and investors access to incubators and policymakers, fostering an environment of inclusive innovation.

Currently, over 1.4 lakh startups are recognized by DPIIT, but fragmentation of resources remains a challenge. Goyal also announced plans for BHASKAR 2.0, which will include enhanced features and technology at the event. He also proposed the creation of an indigenous Silicon Valley in India, with dedicated startup townships of 25-500 acres, to foster innovation. The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) is set to play a key role in developing 20 such townships across India, including in Bihar, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.