Nasscom & ONDC Launch Program for K'taka Women Entrepreneurs

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 6 November 2025

• The program was started for women-led businesses in Karnataka by Nasscom Foundation along with ONDC Network 
• The program helps women entrepreneurs join the e-commerce market 

An initiative has been launched by the Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Network to incorporate women-led enterprises in Karnataka into the mainstream of e-commerce.  

In line with this initiative, 200 enterprises led by women have been integrated into the ONDC Network, which provides access to larger e-commerce markets, new business opportunities and growth.  

The initiative is also expected to improve the income and long-term business performance of sellers in handicraft, handloom and manufacturing sectors with a sustainability focus. 

Jyoti Sharma, the chief executive of Nasscom Foundation, stated that India's e-commerce market is expected to become the second-largest globally by 2034.  

However, a large part of its small and medium sellers, especially women, face a variety of challenges, including a lack of or limited digital skills, and lack of access to online marketplaces.  

She indicated that this work with ONDC Network aims to meet the gap by enabling 200 women entrepreneurs to have the knowledge and information needed to engage in digital marketplaces successfully.  

Both technology adoption and skills development to generate equal opportunity and sustainable market access for women entrepreneurs are focused upon. 

This initiative has commenced in 22 districts of Karnataka, including both rural and urban contexts within Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Channapatna, Belgaum, and Udupi, and modifies features that female entrepreneurs struggle with to grade up in market access, digital and financial literacy, and previous e-commerce experience. Participants received training, cataloging, GST registration, and operational support. 

Additionally, the initiative brought identified actors and governance into best positioning for ongoing support to provide quality assurance.  

Given the right skills, tools, and resources, it enables women entrepreneurs to build business capacity, broaden market presence, and support sustainable economic growth.