Piyush Goyal to startups: Prioritize Tech over ice cream & grocery delivery
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called on Indian startups to shift their focus toward technology-driven sectors like semiconductors, AI, robotics, and machine learning. Speaking at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi, he criticized the trend of startups prioritizing luxury consumer brands over innovation.
Goyal questioned whether startups should limit themselves to grocery delivery and ice cream-making instead of working on advanced technology. “I see billionaire kids launching fancy cookie and ice cream brands,” he said. “I have no complaints, but is that India’s destiny?”
He challenged young entrepreneurs to think bigger. “Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls?” he asked. He emphasized that real startups drive technological advancements, not just consumer convenience.
Comparing India’s startup ecosystem with China’s, Goyal pointed out that while Indian startups focus on deliveries and small-scale ventures, their Chinese counterparts invest in robotics, 3D manufacturing, and futuristic factories. He urged entrepreneurs to take inspiration and prepare India for the future.
“Do we have to make ice cream or chips?” he questioned, encouraging startups to prioritize tech innovations over lifestyle businesses.
Goyal assured government support for startups facing challenges. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, urging founders to keep trying despite failures. “The government will handhold and support those who struggle,” he promised.
He also stressed the need for more domestic investors in the startup ecosystem. “A strong foundation of indigenous capital is crucial,” he said. Relying too much on foreign investments, he warned, could weaken India’s long-term economic resilience.
As India’s startup scene grows, Goyal’s message aims to steer young entrepreneurs toward industries that can shape the nation’s future. His call to action urges startups to move beyond quick profits and focus on building cutting-edge solutions for India and the world.
