One Startup Per Neighborhood: BHASKAR Digital Portal Launched to Boost Growth

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024 Union Minister Piyush Goyal addresses the FICCI national executive meeting in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

2 minutes of reading Last update: Sep 19, 2024 | 16:46 IST

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday inaugurated the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR), a central hub for startups, investors, service providers and government bodies to collaborate and exchange ideas.

“Let’s make it a one-stop shop for all formalities across the ecosystem, with simple and easy-to-use links and easy navigation,” the Trade and Industry Minister said.

BHASKAR aims to connect relevant stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, such as mentors and investors, to promote the growth of the industry. The portal will have features such as centralized access to resources, networking and collaboration, and creating personalized branding, among others.

How can I use the BHASKAR portal?

BHASKAR, which means the rising sun, symbolises the growth journey of startups in India, Goyal had said earlier. As part of the initiative, all stakeholders will be assigned a unique BHASKAR ID. The approach aims to provide users with personalised interactions and a tailored experience on the platform.

The center plans to position the portal as the world’s largest digital registry for the startup ecosystem, a process that is expected to drive faster decision-making and action.

The Centre said India’s startup ecosystem has seen significant growth with at least 146,000 government-recognised startups that have created over 1.5 million direct jobs.

Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia said the Centre plans to increase the number of startups to five million in the coming years.

DPIIT deputy director general secretary Sanjiv said the central government has set a target of opening at least one startup in every district by January next year.

First published: Sep 19, 2024 | 16:46 IST