Title: Giving fancy packaging to ice-creams & cookies is not start-up: Piyush Goyal
The Startup Mahakumbh 2025, a premier event for entrepreneurs and startups, recently took place, and it was no less than a treat for the attendees. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, was one of the keynote speakers at the event, and he brought forth some thought-provoking insights on what it takes to be a start-up in today’s fast-paced world. In his address, he emphasized that giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies doesn’t necessarily make it a start-up. According to him, entrepreneurship and a business model are the true hallmarks of a start-up.
Goyal’s statement was met with applause from the audience, as it highlighted the importance of substance over style in the startup ecosystem. In today’s age of instant gratification, it’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of fancy packaging, but Goyal’s words served as a timely reminder that true innovation and entrepreneurship require a lot more than just a fancy wrapper.
But Goyal’s words didn’t stop there. He also shared some concerns about the Indian startup ecosystem, specifically highlighting the fact that only 1,000 startups in India’s deep-tech space is a disturbing situation. He emphasized that start-ups in other nations are focused on AI and 3D printing, and India needs to catch up with the times.
Goyal’s concerns are well-founded. The Indian startup ecosystem has been growing rapidly over the past few years, but there’s still a long way to go before it can be considered truly robust. The lack of deep-tech start-ups is particularly concerning, as it means that India is missing out on the opportunity to innovate and create solutions that can address some of the country’s most pressing problems.
The concept of deep-tech start-ups is particularly fascinating. Deep-tech start-ups are those that focus on creating innovative solutions that have the potential to disrupt entire industries. They typically involve cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and robotics, and are often driven by a desire to solve complex problems.
In a country like India, where innovation and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic growth, the lack of deep-tech start-ups is a major concern. India is facing a range of challenges, from poverty and inequality to climate change and environmental degradation, and the country needs innovative solutions to address these problems.
Goyal’s words serve as a wake-up call to the Indian startup ecosystem. It’s time for entrepreneurs and investors to focus on creating deep-tech start-ups that can address some of the country’s most pressing problems. It’s time to move beyond fancy packaging and focus on creating real value.
But Goyal’s words also offer a glimmer of hope. The Indian startup ecosystem is still in its early stages, and there’s a lot of room for growth and innovation. With the right support and resources, India can create a robust startup ecosystem that can rival those of other countries.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s words at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 were a timely reminder of what it takes to be a true start-up. Giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies may be a way to attract attention, but it’s not what defines a start-up. True entrepreneurship and innovation require a lot more than just a fancy wrapper. It’s time for the Indian startup ecosystem to focus on creating deep-tech start-ups that can address some of the country’s most pressing problems.
News Source:
https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
