'Shark Tank needs change': Piyush Goyal has a strong message for sharks like Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday asked startups in India to shift their focus from short-term delivery services to high-tech industries. Speaking at the Startup Mahakumbh, he said entrepreneurs should look at fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, and machine learning. He also called for more investment from Indian investors to support the country’s startup ecosystem.

Aman Gupta, change your perspective in Shark Tank: Piyush Goyal

Goyal asked founders and investors to rethink their business models and take a broader view of growth. He directly addressed mentors from the popular show Shark Tank India and appealed to them to support sustainable and value-driven companies. “Aman Gupta, change your perspective in Shark Tank,” Goyal said.

He questioned the trend of startups focusing mainly on quick delivery services and low-value products. “Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls... Is that the destiny of India... this is not startup, this is entrepreneurship... What other side is doing -- robotics, machine learning, 3D manufacturing and next generation factories factories,” he said.

Encouragement for high-impact sectors

The minister urged founders to contribute to building India's future through technology and innovation. “Do we have to make ice cream or chips?” he asked.

He highlighted that startups should play a central role in shaping India's economic and technological future. He also said the government will support entrepreneurs who face failures and will help them get back on track.

Need for domestic capital in startups

Goyal said that India must rely more on local investors instead of foreign funding. He pointed out that a strong base of Indian capital is important for long-term stability. He also said that more domestic investors should enter the ecosystem to support self-reliant growth.