Title: Giving fancy packaging to ice-creams & cookies is not start-up: Piyush Goyal
The Startup Mahakumbh 2025 recently concluded, and it was a platform where many entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers came together to discuss the future of startups in India. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, was one of the key speakers at the event. He shared his thoughts on what it takes to be a start-up and what the current state of the startup ecosystem in India is.
In his address, Goyal emphasized that giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies doesn’t make it a start-up. He explained that it is entrepreneurship and a business model that matters, not just the packaging. This statement might seem simple, but it highlights the importance of substance over style in the startup world.
Goyal also expressed his concern about the state of start-ups in India’s deep-tech space. He said that having only 1,000 startups in this space is a disturbing situation. Compared to other nations, start-ups in India are not focused on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D printing. This lack of focus on cutting-edge technologies is a major concern for the country’s startup ecosystem.
The Minister’s statement about fancy packaging not being a start-up is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about creating a product or service, but also about creating a sustainable business model. Many startups fail because they focus too much on the product and not enough on the business side of things. Goyal’s words of wisdom serve as a reminder for entrepreneurs to stay focused on the bigger picture and not get distracted by superficial elements.
The concern about the lack of start-ups in India’s deep-tech space is also a valid one. The country is home to a large and growing pool of talent, but it needs to channel this talent towards emerging technologies that have the potential to transform industries. Goyal’s statement highlights the need for policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs to work together to create an ecosystem that supports the growth of deep-tech start-ups.
It is also important to note that Goyal’s statement is not just limited to the startup ecosystem. His words can be applied to any business or industry. In today’s competitive world, it is not enough to just have a good product or service. You need to have a solid business model, a clear strategy, and a focus on execution. Goyal’s statement is a reminder that entrepreneurship is about creating a sustainable business, not just about creating a product or service.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s statement at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is a timely reminder for entrepreneurs and policymakers alike. It is a call to action to focus on creating sustainable businesses that have a real impact on society, rather than just creating products or services that are trendy or fashionable. The country needs to channel its talent and resources towards emerging technologies that have the potential to transform industries, rather than just focusing on superficial elements.
News Source: https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
