The Government of India recently unveiled the the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) portal for the startup ecosystem in India. BHASKAR has been designed to centralize, streamline, and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognized startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies. In the same vein, Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta, Vice President and Business Head at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship recently spoke to Tech Achieve Media about BHASKAR and its role in reshaping how Indian startups access, collaborate with, and retain talent. Dhriti shares his insights on how this digital platform fosters a robust talent pipeline by connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors while offering valuable resources for hiring, skill development, and mentorship. He also highlights the critical role of degree apprenticeships in bridging the skill gap within India’s startup ecosystem, enabling businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. From technology to healthcare and renewable energy, Dhriti explains how BHASKAR is set to empower multiple sectors and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global startup hub.
TAM: How will BHASKAR change the way startups access and collaborate with talent?
Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta: BHASKAR, the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry, is poised to revolutionize how startups in India access and collaborate with talent by serving as a holistic digital platform that unites entrepreneurs, investors and mentors. By fostering seamless connections, BHASKAR will enable startups to tap into a diverse talent pool, streamlining the process of sourcing, hiring, and retaining skilled individuals crucial for business growth.
Also read: Piyush Goyal Launches Bhaskar Portal for Startups in India
Additionally, the platform will play a pivotal role in entrepreneurship development by offering knowledge-sharing resources, access to industry insights, and mentorship opportunities, all aimed at building a robust talent pipeline that supports sustained innovation. Startups can leverage BHASKAR to not only scale faster but also align themselves with the skilling initiatives vital for bridging the employability gap, empowering them to build agile teams that are equipped with emerging technological skills. This digital registry is set to catalyze entrepreneurship and contribute significantly to India’s vision of becoming a global startup hub, further strengthening the ecosystem’s capacity for collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.
TAM: What role can degree apprenticeships play in addressing the skill gap in India’s startup ecosystem?
Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta: With the launch of the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry marking a pivotal moment in reinforcing India’s position as a global startup capital, the need for talent equipped with the right skills has become even more urgent. Despite over 1,46,000 government-recognized startups driving India’s innovation ecosystem to new heights, these startups face a critical shortage of industry-relevant skills due to the rapid pace of technological advancements that traditional education systems struggle to match. This is where degree apprenticeships offer a comprehensive solution, blending academic learning with hands-on training to ensure that students are not only technically proficient but also adaptable to real-world business challenges. By creating a direct pipeline of skilled talent, startups can access professionals who are already trained to meet the demands of the market, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming recruitment and retraining efforts, thereby allowing businesses to focus on growth and innovation.
Moreover, degree apprenticeships do more than address immediate talent shortages—they help build a sustainable talent pool that supports the future growth of the startup ecosystem. Through programs that can last up to three years under the Apprenticeship Act of 1961, startups can cultivate a workforce committed to continuous learning, while apprentices gain the opportunity to earn a formal qualification while acquiring practical experience. This dual benefit not only helps reduce high attrition rates but also fosters employee loyalty by aligning career growth with business objectives. Furthermore, with the flexibility of work-integrated learning extending for an additional two years, startups can continue to invest in employee development while benefiting from the productive output of well-trained apprentices.
The modular structure of degree apprenticeships allows companies to phase training according to market needs, ensuring employees acquire both technical and leadership skills for long-term success. Particularly in sectors undergoing rapid technological shifts, such as IT and data analytics, degree apprenticeships provide a scalable and flexible solution to maintaining a highly skilled workforce. By minimizing recruitment costs, reducing employee turnover, and aligning skills with industry standards, degree apprenticeships position startups for sustained success and give them a competitive edge in the global economy.
TAM: How does BHASKAR’s collaborative framework integrate with the need for industry-ready talent to drive startup success?
Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta: The platform will play an instrumental role in nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem by providing a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the unique needs of early-stage ventures. Through mentorship from seasoned industry experts, startups gain invaluable insights and guidance on navigating the complexities of talent acquisition and development. The platform’s extensive networking opportunities facilitate connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, enhancing startups’ visibility and attracting top talent.
Additionally, BHASKAR offers a wealth of resources, including hiring templates, interview questions, and employee onboarding checklists, streamlining the talent acquisition process and ensuring a smooth integration of new hires. Furthermore, the platform’s commitment to skill development empowers startups to upskill and reskill their workforce, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. By providing access to funding and fostering a supportive community, BHASKAR empowers startups to attract, develop, and retain the industry-ready talent essential for driving sustainable growth and success in today’s competitive market.
TAM: What sectors are likely to benefit the most from this talent-skilling collaboration within the BHASKAR platform?
Dhriti Prasanna Mahanta: As India’s startup ecosystem experiences an anticipated 10-15% year-on-year growth, thanks to digitalization and supportive government policies, industries such as technology, healthcare, biotechnology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and financial services are set to thrive. The technology sector, driven by advancements in software development, data science, and artificial intelligence, will gain a significant boost through BHASKAR’s tailored training programs, ensuring startups have access to a highly skilled workforce. Similarly, the healthcare sector, transforming through digital health and personalized medicine, will benefit from the platform’s ability to equip professionals with the necessary skills in medical technology and patient care.
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals will also see enhanced talent pipelines as BHASKAR offers mentorship and skilling in critical areas like research and regulatory affairs, fueling innovation. As the global shift toward renewable energy accelerates, the demand for skilled professionals in solar, wind, and energy storage will be met by BHASKAR’s focus on developing expertise in these sectors, contributing to a sustainable energy future. Additionally, the manufacturing sector’s ongoing digital transformation will benefit from training in industrial automation and robotics, while the financial services sector will find talent equipped to navigate fintech innovation, risk management, and compliance. With 66% of India’s population under 35 and a large number of STEM graduates, BHASKAR’s collaborative framework will ensure that these sectors not only fill their immediate talent needs but also cultivate a sustainable workforce that propels India toward its goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
