Originally published in 2021. Updated July 2025 for context.
When Ketaki Ogale and her friend Omkar Pandharkame kept running into the same challenge, projects stalling because no one knew who within the company had the right skills, they started thinking bigger. As seasoned professionals in the tech industry, they recognized that the most under-utilized asset in any company is often its people. Not because they lack skills, but because those skills are siloed and hidden from view.
That frustration led to a powerful solution: BHyve, an HR platform that uncovers, connects, and activates employee knowledge within organizations, turning workplace learning into a collaborative, AI-driven process.
The Problem: Lost Time and Hidden Talent
“This project started off so simple. But now it’s grown into something way larger than it was supposed to, and I have no idea where to turn to get it done,” Omkar once told Ketaki. That conversation became the genesis of BHyve.
Instead of reinventing the wheel every time a challenge arises, BHyve gives organizations a way to instantly discover who already has the skills or experience to help move a project forward. More than just a searchable internal skills database, BHyve uses artificial intelligence to suggest learning connections within a company—helping employees learn from each other and improving overall project delivery speed.
The Technology: AI-Powered Peer Learning
“This HR platform goes far beyond simply listing an employee’s skills and abilities,” says Ketaki. “Once all of the skill profiles are entered into the platform’s searchable database, the AI starts recommending learning matches. That’s the secret sauce.”
The platform boosts efficiency while creating a culture of shared learning. Instead of siloed employees Googling answers or redoing work, BHyve links them with colleagues who’ve already solved similar problems.
North Forge: A Gateway to Canada
To expand into North America, Ketaki and her co-founders—Vihang Mirkhelkar and Omkar Pandharkame—began looking for the right startup support system. That’s when they discovered the North Forge Founders Program.
“We applied and within 8 hours, I received a response from North Forge as well as a personal note from Joelle Foster, CEO,” recalls Ketaki. “It gave me the impression that this team was willing and able to go above and beyond.”
Through North Forge, the BHyve HR Platform team accessed market insights, established a strong Canadian network, and began building a foundation for long-term growth in North America.
“You can tell that the team at North Forge genuinely cares about the companies in the program. It’s passion-driven support,” said Ketaki. “They’ve helped us build a presence in a completely new market—and we’re even planning to make Winnipeg our home base.”
Looking Ahead
With a focus on collaboration, not just content, BHyve is redefining workplace learning. And with the backing of North Forge’s global startup support ecosystem, the company is poised to scale.
“Technology fuels innovation,” said Ketaki, “but it’s people—and how we help them connect and collaborate—that truly drives transformation.”
Want to unlock the full potential of your startup? North Forge can help.
