Govt plans major revamp of BHASKAR startup platform

The proposed upgrade aims to integrate fragmented startup platforms across ministries into a single digital ecosystem, enabling unified access to schemes, mentorship, funding networks and ecosystem data while supporting startup lifecycle tracking from ideation to exit.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is planning a major overhaul of its BHASKAR platform, with the aim of transforming it into a central digital backbone for India’s startup ecosystem. At present, BHASKAR functions primarily as a profile-based directory, but the proposed upgrade seeks to evolve it into a comprehensive ecosystem platform connecting startups, investors, incubators, mentors and government agencies on a single interface.

According to a tender floated by DPIIT, the revamped system will bring together startup records, government schemes, funding access, mentorship networks and investor linkages into one integrated structure. The move is part of a broader effort to address fragmentation across multiple startup-related digital systems operating independently across ministries and departments.

Addressing fragmentation across government platforms

The proposal highlights concerns that several key initiatives, including Startup India, MAARG mentorship platform, Investor Connect, Seed Fund portal, MeitY Startup Hub and Atal Innovation Mission, currently function in silos. This separation, according to the department, has resulted in disconnected user journeys and limited data integration across platforms.

DPIIT believes this lack of integration has also restricted the government’s ability to generate unified insights into startup performance and evaluate outcomes across different schemes. To resolve this, the department is proposing a “National Startup Master Data” framework that would serve as a central reference database for verified startups and ecosystem participants across the country.

Towards a unified digital backbone for startups

The upgraded BHASKAR platform is expected to digitally link startup-related schemes operated by various ministries, state governments and agencies. Beyond providing access to government programs, it will also enable startups to connect with investors, lenders, incubators and mentors in a structured ecosystem.

The platform is also expected to support tracking of startup journeys from ideation to exit, offering a more complete view of lifecycle progression. The project plan includes migration of existing Startup India systems, cloud infrastructure transition, and development of the new unified platform over a five-year timeline.