Piyush Goyal startup row: boAT founder Aman Gupta backs Union minister, says 'we need to aim higher'

Piyush Goyal startup row: boAT founder Aman Gupta backs Union minister, says 'we need to aim higher'

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal's statement on Indian startups stirred a debate. He questioned the trend among the startups focusing only on "fancy ice creams" and food delivery apps. While the statement drew criticism, several Indian entrepreneurs also came forward in support of Goyal. Recently, boAT co-founder and Shark Tank India judge Aman Gupta also stepped in to support Piyush Goyal. 

"Not everyday government asks founders to dream bigger"

Gupta took to X and posted a long message expressing solidarity with Piyush Goyal. "It's not every day that the government asks founders to dream bigger," his X post reads. "I was there. I heard the full speech. Piyush Goyal isn't against founders. He believes in us. His point was simple: India has come far, but to lead the world...we need to aim higher. It reminded me of something I say often on Shark Tank India, If you want to build a world-class product, you must know your competition.That applies to India too. "he added. 

Further, he also explained why comparision with China or the US is not weak or wrong, but a "smart strategy." His X post reads, "Benchmarking against China, the US, or anyone else — isn’t weakness. It’s smart strategy. We’re already the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world and the fastest-growing major economy. But if we want to be No.1 — We need to also go deep into AI, deeptech, climate, mobility, infra. We need LLMs and innovation stacks that compete on global standards. And to make that happen, we also need Scientific risk, More patient capital, Founder–policymaker collaboration and a long-term national vision. "

What did Piyush Goyal say?

Piyush Goyal, speaking at Startup Mahakumbh 2025, whether India should be content with developing apps that deliver groceries or ice cream, especially when Chinese startups are investing in semiconductors, EVs, and AI. 

Read More Seemanth Kumar Singh is new Bengaluru Police Commissioner after Siddaramaiah's action over stampede

"We are making food/hyper delivery apps; creating cheap labour so the rich can have a meal without stepping out, while the Chinese are working on AI (artificial intelligence), EVs (electric vehicles), and semiconductors. Should we make ice cream (delivery apps) or make chips (i.e., semiconductors)? Dukaandari hi karna hai (Do we just want to sell things)? Goyal asked at the event.

Read More D Gukesh's favourite moment from Norway Chess leaves Magnus Carlsen in splits: Watch

He further said, "Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls... Is that the destiny of India...this is not a startup, this is entrepreneurship... What the other side is doing -- robotics, machine learning, 3D manufacturing and next generation factories."

Tags:

About The Author

Aryan Age Picture

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

Google Gemini gets smarter: Now automate daily tasks with scheduled actions Google Gemini gets smarter: Now automate daily tasks with scheduled actions
New Delhi: Google is rolling out a new update to Gemini, its AI assistant, introducing Scheduled Actions for Pro, Ultra,...
Huawei Band 10 launched in India with Pro Swim Tracking and special Amazon offers

Health

Is it just burnout or something serious? When should you take brain fog seriously, doctor answers Is it just burnout or something serious? When should you take brain fog seriously, doctor answers
New Delhi: In today’s world, feeling mentally exhausted is very common. This can have a significant impact on our mental...
World Multiple Sclerosis Day 2025: 5 tips to manage the condition better, according to experts

Lifestyle

Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory Memory games to mental math: Try these brain exercises to improve your memory
New Delhi: Your brain is one of the most important organs in the body. It controls different functions of the...
Consume these healthy, low-sodium snacks to satisfy your tea-time cravings, know recipe