Title: Giving fancy packaging to ice-creams & cookies is not start-up: Piyush Goyal
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, the term “start-up” has become synonymous with innovation, creativity, and disruption. However, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal recently emphasized that simply giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies doesn’t make it a start-up. According to him, it’s entrepreneurship and a business model that truly define a start-up.
Goyal made these remarks at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, a prestigious event that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the start-up ecosystem. His comments have sparked a heated debate among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, with some agreeing with him while others disagreeing.
Goyal’s assertion that fancy packaging doesn’t make a start-up is rooted in the fact that any business, regardless of its size or nature, can use attractive packaging to differentiate itself from the competition. However, this alone does not necessarily make it a start-up. A start-up, by definition, is a young company that is typically characterized by its innovative products, services, or business models, which often disrupt existing markets or create new ones.
Goyal went on to highlight the challenges faced by the start-up ecosystem in India, particularly in the deep-tech space. He noted that there are only about 1,000 startups in India’s deep-tech space, which is a disturbing situation. He attributed this to the fact that start-ups in other countries are focused on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, and other emerging technologies.
Deep-tech startups are those that focus on developing cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. These startups often require significant investment and expertise, which can be a barrier to entry for many entrepreneurs and investors.
Goyal’s comments have sparked a debate about what it takes to be a start-up. Some argue that a start-up is simply a young company that has a innovative idea or product, regardless of whether it’s an ice-cream shop or a tech company. Others argue that a start-up must be a company that is disrupting a traditional industry or creating a new market.
The debate is not new, and it has been ongoing for years. Some argue that the term “start-up” has become too broad and is often used to describe any young company that is trying to make it big. Others argue that the term should be reserved for companies that are truly innovative and disrupting the status quo.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s comments at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 have sparked a debate about what it takes to be a start-up. While some argue that fancy packaging doesn’t make a start-up, others argue that it’s a young company with an innovative idea or product. Goyal’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and business model is a reminder that a start-up must be more than just a clever idea or product. It must also have a solid business plan and the ability to execute it.
As the start-up ecosystem continues to evolve, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what a start-up is and what it takes to be successful. By doing so, we can encourage more entrepreneurs to take the leap and create innovative products and services that can disrupt traditional industries and create new ones.
News Source:
https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
