Title: Giving Fancy Packaging to Ice-Creams & Cookies is Not Start-up: Piyush Goyal
The world of entrepreneurship and innovation is often associated with startups, but what exactly is a start-up? Is it just about giving a fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies, or is it something more? The answer lies in the words of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, who recently spoke at Startup Mahakumbh 2025. According to him, giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies doesn’t make it a start-up. Instead, it’s entrepreneurship and a business model.
In his address, Goyal emphasized that start-ups are not just about creating a new product or service, but about creating a new market or disrupting an existing one. He highlighted that only 1,000 start-ups in India’s deep-tech space is a disturbing situation, indicating that there is a need for more innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
Goyal’s statement is a wake-up call for many entrepreneurs and businesses that are looking to cash in on the start-up bandwagon. In recent years, we’ve seen numerous businesses, particularly in the food and beverage industry, using the term “start-up” to market themselves as innovative and cutting-edge. However, a closer look often reveals that these businesses are simply repackaging existing products or services with a new label.
The minister’s comments are a reminder that entrepreneurship and innovation are not just about creating a new product or service, but about creating a new market or disrupting an existing one. Start-ups are about identifying a problem or need and creating a solution that meets that need in a unique and innovative way.
Goyal’s statement is also a commentary on the lack of innovation in India’s start-up ecosystem. While India has seen a significant surge in start-ups in recent years, many of these start-ups are focused on solving problems that are not unique to India. For instance, many start-ups are focused on creating ride-sharing apps or food delivery services, which are already available in other countries.
In contrast, start-ups in other nations are focused on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing. These technologies have the potential to transform industries and create new markets, but they require significant investment in research and development.
Goyal’s comments are a reminder that India needs to focus on creating start-ups that are focused on solving India-specific problems. This requires a deeper understanding of the Indian market and the needs of Indian consumers. It also requires significant investment in research and development, as well as support from the government and other stakeholders.
In conclusion, giving fancy packaging to ice-creams and cookies is not start-up. It’s entrepreneurship and a business model. As Piyush Goyal so aptly put it, start-ups are about creating a new market or disrupting an existing one. They require innovation, creativity, and a deep understanding of the market and customers. India needs to focus on creating start-ups that are focused on solving India-specific problems and that have the potential to create new markets and industries.
News Source:
https://x.com/moneycontrolcom/status/1907795297826378009
