Giving Fancy Packaging to Ice-Creams & Cookies is Not Start-up: Piyush Goyal
In a recent statement at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between entrepreneurship and start-ups. According to him, simply giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies does not qualify as a start-up. Instead, it is a business model that requires more substance.
Goyal’s remarks came as a wake-up call to many entrepreneurs who are often eager to label themselves as start-ups, regardless of their actual impact on the market. In an era where the term “start-up” has become synonymous with innovation and disruption, it is crucial to redefine what it truly means to be a start-up.
The Union Minister’s statement was in response to the current state of start-ups in India, particularly in the deep-tech space. “Only 1,000 startups in India’s deep-tech space is a disturbing situation,” Goyal said, expressing his concern over the limited growth and development of start-ups in the country. In contrast, start-ups in other nations are focused on cutting-edge technologies like AI and 3D printing, which have the potential to transform industries and revolutionize the way we live and work.
Goyal’s remarks are a reminder that start-ups are not just about innovative products or services, but also about the impact they have on society and the economy. A start-up is not just about giving fancy packaging to a product, but about creating a sustainable business model that solves real-world problems.
So, what exactly does it take to be a start-up? According to Goyal, it requires a combination of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a business model that has the potential to scale. A start-up is not just about being new or small, but about having a unique value proposition that sets it apart from others.
In recent years, India has seen a surge in the number of start-ups, particularly in the e-commerce and fintech spaces. While this growth is encouraging, it is also important to recognize that not all start-ups are created equal. Many start-ups are simply small-scale businesses that are trying to make a quick buck, rather than truly innovative enterprises that have the potential to disrupt entire industries.
Goyal’s statement is a call to action for entrepreneurs and policymakers alike. It is a reminder that true innovation and entrepreneurship require more than just a clever idea or a fancy packaging. They require a deep understanding of the market, a willingness to take risks, and a commitment to creating value for society.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s statement at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is a timely reminder of the importance of redefining what it means to be a start-up. It is not just about giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies, but about creating a sustainable business model that has the potential to make a real impact on the world.
Source: https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
