Giving Fancy Packaging to Ice-Creams & Cookies is Not Start-Up: Piyush Goyal
In a recent statement, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emphasized that giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies does not necessarily make it a start-up. He made this remark at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025, an event aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in India. Goyal’s statement highlights the need for startups to focus on developing innovative business models and technologies, rather than just relying on attractive packaging to stand out in the market.
Goyal’s comments came as a wake-up call to the Indian startup ecosystem, which has been plagued by a lack of innovation and focus on deep-tech areas. He pointed out that the country has only around 1,000 startups in its deep-tech space, which is a “disturbing situation.” In contrast, startups in other countries are focused on cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D printing.
The minister’s statement is a reflection of the government’s growing concern about the lack of innovation in the Indian startup ecosystem. India has been one of the fastest-growing startup hubs in the world, with a large number of startups emerging in recent years. However, many of these startups have focused on traditional areas like e-commerce, food delivery, and ride-hailing, rather than exploring new technologies and business models.
Goyal’s remarks are also a warning to entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own businesses. He emphasized that simply giving fancy packaging to products does not make it a start-up, and that entrepreneurs need to focus on developing innovative business models and technologies to succeed.
The minister’s statement has sparked a debate in the startup ecosystem, with many entrepreneurs and investors expressing concerns about the lack of innovation in India. Some have argued that the Indian startup ecosystem is too focused on quick fixes and short-term gains, rather than investing in long-term growth and innovation.
In recent years, India has seen a surge in the number of startups, but many of these startups have focused on traditional areas like e-commerce, food delivery, and ride-hailing. While these startups have been successful in terms of growth and revenue, they have not necessarily led to significant innovation or disruption in their respective industries.
The lack of innovation in the Indian startup ecosystem has been attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of funding for deep-tech startups, a lack of talent and skills in these areas, and a lack of government support for startups that are focused on innovative technologies and business models.
Goyal’s statement is a reminder that the Indian startup ecosystem needs to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, rather than just relying on quick fixes and short-term gains. The government and investors need to provide support to startups that are focused on developing innovative business models and technologies, rather than just giving fancy packaging to products.
In conclusion, Piyush Goyal’s statement at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 was a wake-up call to the Indian startup ecosystem. He emphasized that giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies does not make it a start-up, and that entrepreneurs need to focus on developing innovative business models and technologies to succeed. The minister’s statement highlights the need for the Indian startup ecosystem to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, rather than just relying on quick fixes and short-term gains.
Source: https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
