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Piyush Goyal Defends Call for Deep-Tech Focus in Indian Startups

The Union Minister's remarks on shifting from gig economy services to foundational innovation have fueled an ongoing debate over India's startup priorities.

Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha’s post on Indian startups came after Piyush Goyal’s remarks at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025.
Piyush Goyal was addressing Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi on April 3.
Businessman Ashneer Grover (left) and Union minister Piyush Goyal.
Piyush Goyal’s ‘Build AI Or Make Ice Creams’ Taunt At Indian Startups Invites Brutal Reality Check

Overview

  • Union Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated his stance that Indian startups should prioritize deep-tech innovation, such as robotics and AI, over gig economy services like food delivery.
  • Industry leaders, including Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha, defended consumer startups, citing their contributions to job creation, tax revenue, and foreign investment.
  • Critics, such as Priyanka Chaturvedi and Mohandas Pai, accused Goyal of undervaluing the economic impact of consumer startups while not addressing systemic issues like funding gaps for deep-tech ventures.
  • Ashneer Grover and others highlighted that consumer-focused startups can evolve into deep-tech innovators, referencing similar trajectories in China and the U.S.
  • BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal supported Goyal's remarks, framing them as a call for technological self-reliance and long-term strategic growth for India's startup ecosystem.