
Giving Fancy Packaging to Ice-Creams & Cookies is Not Start-Up: Piyush Goyal
The term “start-up” has become a buzzword in recent years, with many entrepreneurs and businesses claiming to be start-ups. However, according to Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies doesn’t necessarily make it a start-up. In a recent speech at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Goyal emphasized that it takes more than just unique packaging to be considered a start-up.
“In today’s world, giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies doesn’t make it a start-up. It is entrepreneurship and a business model,” Goyal said. He emphasized that start-ups require a unique business model, innovative products, and a willingness to take risks.
Goyal’s comments come at a time when the start-up ecosystem in India is growing rapidly. According to recent reports, India has become one of the largest start-up hubs in the world, with thousands of new start-ups emerging every year. However, despite the growth, Goyal expressed concern over the lack of depth in India’s start-up ecosystem.
“Only 1,000 startups in India’s deep-tech space is a disturbing situation,” Goyal said. He pointed out that start-ups in other nations are focused on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing, whereas India’s start-ups are still largely focused on traditional sectors.
Goyal’s comments are not the first time that concerns have been raised about the state of India’s start-up ecosystem. Many experts have pointed out that India’s start-ups are often focused on low-value-added products and services, rather than high-growth, high-tech industries.
Despite these concerns, Goyal remains optimistic about the potential of India’s start-up ecosystem. He emphasized that the government is committed to supporting start-ups and creating an environment that is conducive to entrepreneurship.
“We are working to create an ecosystem that is supportive of start-ups. We are providing funding, mentorship, and infrastructure to help start-ups grow,” Goyal said.
Goyal’s comments are a timely reminder that start-ups are not just about giving fancy packaging to products. They require a deep understanding of the market, innovative products, and a willingness to take risks. As India continues to grow as a start-up hub, it is essential that entrepreneurs and businesses focus on creating value-added products and services that can compete on a global scale.
Conclusion
Giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies may make them look appealing, but it doesn’t make them a start-up. According to Union Minister Piyush Goyal, start-ups require a unique business model, innovative products, and a willingness to take risks. India’s start-up ecosystem has the potential to become a major driver of growth, but it is essential that entrepreneurs and businesses focus on creating value-added products and services. With the government’s support and a focus on innovation, India can create a start-up ecosystem that can compete on a global scale.
News Source: https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009