Commerce minister Goyal bats for separate non-profit to house Start-up India, BHASKAR portal

Goyal urges for a separate non-profit for start-ups

The start-up ecosystem has become large enough to warrant a separate non-profit to house its various programmes like Start-up India and the newly launched BHASKAR portal, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.

“Start-up India should have a house of its own and not be integrated with Invest in India,” the minister said at the launch of BHASKAR portal on September 16.

The minister noted that the non-profit or Section 8 company can then be handed over to Unicorns to run in a professional manner.

“The government shouldn't be doing everything, we will be there to support them," he added.

National Startup Advisory Council can also be part of that company in partnership with stakeholders, Goyal said at the launch of a BHASKAR portal, which is being touted as a one-stop solution for start-ups or aspiring entrepreneurs to connect them with other parts of the ecosystem.

The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) portal will also work as a registry portal, besides being a chat platform for innovators and entrepreneurs.

The commerce minister also argued for a silicon valley for India, which can house all kinds of start-ups and investors and can be one place to pitch ideas.

Goyal said that the country should think about a whole new township to support entrepreneurs and start-ups..

“BHASKAR will help start-up players connect with each other, collaborate and compete with each other. It will bring hope, aspirations, and success to kickstart an ambitious revolution,” the minister noted.

Goyal also urged start-ups to become a part of Indian delegations to other nations.

“We should look outward, many of our unicorns can become global players,” Goyal said.