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 that 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. This statement has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry experts.
Goyal’s comment came as a wake-up call for many start-ups that are focusing solely on aesthetics and packaging without having a strong business model or innovative product. He highlighted that there is a need for start-ups to focus on creating value and solving real-world problems rather than just concentrating on fancy packaging and marketing.
Goyal’s statement was a part of his keynote address at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, where he also expressed concern over the lack of deep-tech start-ups in India. He pointed out that only 1,000 start-ups in India’s deep-tech space is a disturbing situation, and that start-ups in other nations are focused on AI and 3D printing. This highlights the need for Indian start-ups to shift their focus towards more innovative and futuristic technologies.
Deep-tech start-ups are those that focus on developing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies have the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for growth and development.
Goyal’s statement was not only a call to action for start-ups but also a reminder that entrepreneurship and innovation are about solving real-world problems and creating value for customers. It’s not just about creating a product or service that looks good or is trendy, but about creating something that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of start-ups in India, but many of them are focused on solving problems that don’t exist or creating products that don’t have a market demand. This has resulted in a lack of sustainable growth and profitability for many start-ups.
Goyal’s statement is a reminder that start-ups need to focus on creating a strong business model and a innovative product that solves a real-world problem. It’s not just about creating a product or service that looks good or is trendy, but about creating something that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
In addition to his comments on start-ups, Goyal also spoke about the importance of digital payments and the need for India to move towards a cashless economy. He emphasized that digital payments are not only convenient but also help in reducing corruption and increasing transparency.
Goyal’s statement has sparked a lot of debate and discussion among entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry experts. Some have argued that his statement is too harsh and that start-ups should be encouraged to innovate and experiment with new ideas, even if they don’t necessarily create a strong business model. Others have agreed with Goyal’s statement, arguing that it’s time for start-ups to focus on creating real value and solving real-world problems.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s statement at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 was a wake-up call for start-ups in India. He emphasized that giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies doesn’t make it a start-up and that entrepreneurship and a business model are what truly define a start-up. His statement highlights the need for start-ups to focus on creating value and solving real-world problems rather than just concentrating on aesthetics and packaging.
Source: https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
