Karnataka ranks 2nd in Bhaskar startup registrations; Maharashtra first

Karnataka is now India’s second-largest startup hub with 20,004 ventures registered on the Bhaskar portal, after Maharashtra’s 33,845. The platform links startups with investors, mentors, and government schemes, while outreach efforts aim to boost rural and small enterprises

Bengaluru: Karnataka has emerged as the second-highest contributor to India’s startup ecosystem, with 20,004 startups registered on the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (Bhaskar) portal as of June 30, 2025. The data was presented in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session, where Maharashtra topped the list with 33,845 registrations.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada shared the details in a written reply to Karnataka MP Iranna Kadadi. He explained that the Bhaskar portal, developed under the Startup India initiative, has been designed to consolidate, organise, and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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The platform connects startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government agencies, while also strengthening India’s commitment to the innovation movement. Each registered entity on Bhaskar is provided with a unique ID, helping them access various schemes under Startup India and improve operational transparency.

Uttar Pradesh followed Karnataka with 19,382 registrations, securing third place. Delhi (18,972) and Gujarat (17,370) completed the top five. Among Union Territories, Lakshadweep recorded the least number with just five registrations, followed by Ladakh (25) and Sikkim (22).

Prasada further informed that Bhaskar is currently in its pilot stage, with its core features being tested ahead of a larger rollout. These features include stakeholder-specific customisation and facilitation of domestic and international collaborations.

On promotional measures, the minister said the government is actively engaging micro and small enterprises through outreach initiatives. These include awareness campaigns, workshops, and orientation sessions across states and Union Territories. The campaigns are being carried out in partnership with state startup nodal agencies, incubators, accelerators, colleges, and universities.

According to the minister, the objective is to connect stakeholders, especially small entrepreneurs, to a wider national startup network that reflects their needs and experiences. The government has also provided details on the number of startups holding Bhaskar IDs in each state, the collaborations facilitated through the portal, the schemes integrated, and the steps being taken to promote rural entrepreneurship.