At Startup Mahakumbh 2025, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal raised serious questions about the direction of India’s startup ecosystem, urging entrepreneurs to prioritize deep tech and innovation over convenience-driven services. Comparing India’s startup landscape with China’s, he pointed out how Indian ventures are largely focused on food and grocery delivery, while Chinese companies are investing in electric mobility and advanced battery technologies.
Aiming Higher: Beyond Delivery Apps and Quick Commerce
Goyal’s address was direct and thought-provoking. He challenged entrepreneurs to reconsider their ambitions, asking whether India’s startup boom should be defined by an army of “delivery boys and girls” or if the country should strive to lead in cutting-edge technology.
“We are proud of what India has achieved, but are we the best in the world yet? Not yet,” he stated. “Should we aspire to be, or are we content just running delivery fleets?”
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His comments come at a time when quick-commerce and food delivery startups have become some of India’s most valuable companies, achieving unicorn status and multi-billion-dollar valuations. However, the minister’s remarks highlighted a growing concern—are these businesses truly driving technological progress, or are they just refining last-mile logistics?
Luxury Startups vs. Tech-Driven Innovation
Goyal also took aim at the rise of luxury-focused startups, particularly those backed by the children of billionaires. He pointed out that many of these businesses revolve around premium products like “fancy ice creams and cookies,” which, while profitable, do little to establish India as a global technology leader.
“I have no issue with healthy, zero-gluten, vegan ice creams, but is that the destiny of Indian entrepreneurship?” he asked. In contrast, he cited nations that are heavily investing in semiconductors and artificial intelligence—industries that will shape the future of the global economy.
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A Call for Future-Focused Startups
Goyal’s message was clear: India needs to build, not just deliver. He emphasized that the world’s leading economies are pushing boundaries in AI, chip manufacturing, and next-gen mobility solutions. If India wants to be a true innovation powerhouse, its startup ecosystem must shift its focus from short-term consumer convenience to long-term technological leadership.
