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 does not qualify as a start-up. According to Goyal, “It is entrepreneurship and a business model,” he said, dismissing the notion that merely rebranding a product with a new packaging is enough to label it as a start-up.
Goyal’s comments come at a time when the start-up ecosystem in India is facing numerous challenges, including a lack of innovation and a focus on superficial changes rather than meaningful developments. The minister’s words serve as a timely reminder of the importance of substance over style in entrepreneurship.
In an era where the term “start-up” has become synonymous with innovative and groundbreaking ideas, Goyal’s statement is a much-needed dose of reality. Many entrepreneurs and businesses have been guilty of using the term “start-up” as a marketing gimmick, without truly embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Goyal’s remarks also highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes a start-up. A start-up is not just about creating a new product or service, but about disrupting existing markets, solving real-world problems, and creating sustainable and scalable business models.
The minister’s comments also touched on the state of the start-up ecosystem in India, which he described as “disturbing.” He noted that only 1,000 start-ups in India’s deep-tech space is a concerning situation, especially when compared to other nations where start-ups are focused on cutting-edge technologies like AI and 3D printing.
Goyal’s concerns are echoed by many experts and industry insiders, who point out that India’s start-up ecosystem is still in its early stages of development. While there have been some notable success stories, the overall landscape remains fragmented and lacks a clear direction.
One of the key challenges faced by Indian start-ups is the lack of funding and support. Many entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding from investors, who often prioritize established brands and established players over new and innovative ideas.
Another major challenge is the lack of infrastructure and resources. Many start-ups lack access to quality talent, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge technology, making it difficult for them to compete with established players.
Goyal’s statement serves as a wake-up call for entrepreneurs and policymakers alike. It is time for the start-up ecosystem in India to move beyond mere marketing gimmicks and focus on creating real value and innovation.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s statement is a reminder that true entrepreneurship is about substance over style. Giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies may be a clever marketing move, but it is not a start-up. India needs to focus on creating real innovation and disruption, rather than just paying lip service to the term “start-up.”
Source: https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
