With 20,004 entities, Karnataka ranks second in startup registrations on BHASKAR portal

Karnataka has secured the second spot in startup registrations on the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) portal, with 20,004 entities enrolled as of June 30, 2025. The state trails Maharashtra, which leads the country with 33,845 registrations, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha during the monsoon session of Parliament.

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The BHASKAR portal, developed under the Startup India initiative, serves as a centralized platform to connect startups with investors, mentors, service providers, and government agencies. Each registered entity receives a unique identification number, streamlining access to schemes and support measures aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Uttar Pradesh ranks third with 19,382 registrations, followed closely by Delhi (18,972) and Gujarat (17,370). In contrast, smaller union territories such as Lakshadweep (5), Sikkim (22), and Ladakh (25) have reported minimal participation.

Currently operating in its pilot phase, BHASKAR is testing personalization features for stakeholders while also enabling domestic and global collaborations. The initiative is expected to play a key role in scaling India’s innovation ecosystem.

Outreach programs for micro and small enterprises

To boost participation, the government has launched targeted outreach programs for micro and small enterprises. These include awareness campaigns, workshops, and information sessions organized in collaboration with state nodal agencies, incubators, accelerators, and academic institutions.

The broader objective is to integrate diverse entrepreneurial experiences into a national startup network, while also promoting rural entrepreneurship and facilitating cross-sectoral partnerships through the portal.