Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Empower 200 Women-Led Enterprises in Karnataka for E-Commerce Success

Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Empower 200 Women-Led Enterprises in Karnataka for E-Commerce Success

November 05 2025, Bengaluru: In a step bringing women entrepreneurs into the mainstream of e-commerce, Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Network launched an initiative focused on women-led enterprises in Karnataka. Through this initiative, 200 enterprises were on-boarded on ONDC Network, providing them with the access to expansive e-commerce markets, enabling new entrepreneurial opportunities and accelerating business growth for India. With a focus on sustainability, the initiative also supported sellers from sectors such as handicrafts, handloom and manufacturing, helping them increase incomes and improve long-term business outcomes.

Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation commented, “India’s e-commerce market is slated to surpass the US to become the second-largest globally by 2034, as per many industry reports. Yet, many small and medium sellers still lack the digital expertise needed to thrive in this space, limiting their growth opportunities, a scenario which is more skewed for women. Our collaboration with ONDC Network has helped bridge the digital divide by building capacities and empowering 200 women entrepreneurs to seamlessly enter and thrive in online marketplaces. By harnessing technology and skill development, we have provided them with a level playing field and access to sustainable market linkages to ultimately drive economic growth.”

Implemented across 22 districts of Karnataka including rural and urban regions of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Channapatna, Belgaum, Udupi etc., the initiative addressed the significant challenges faced by women entrepreneurs including limited market access, lack of digital and financial skills and no prior e-commerce experience. Women entrepreneurs received on-ground support through training, cataloguing and GST registration. The program also built their capacities, connected them with stakeholders, and ensured regular governance for problem-solving and quality control. Through the right tools, skills and resources, the initiative equipped women entrepreneurs with essential tools to compete in the modern business landscape, amplifying their market presence and driving sustainable growth.

Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO at ONDC said: “Every woman entrepreneur carries a story of resilience, determination and aspiration. Through this collaboration with Nasscom Foundation, ONDC Network is providing the digital infrastructure that enables enterprises to access wider markets and strengthen their businesses. The true transformation lies in the way these women are adopting digital tools, building new skills and embracing new opportunities to grow their ventures. As they succeed, they not only create a stronger future for themselves but also generate positive impact for their families, communities and the broader economy. Together with Nasscom Foundation, we are committed to supporting this journey and contributing to a more inclusive digital landscape for India.”

Through this effort, Nasscom Foundation and ONDC Network, in collaboration with the technical expertise from Sattva Consulting, created a self-sustaining ecosystem that empowered women entrepreneurs, strengthened local economies, and facilitated ease of business.