After Dadagiri Row, Piyush Goyal's Gift to Indian Startups, Check

In a major push for India’s startup ecosystem, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the ₹70 crore Startup MahaRathi Challenge, aiming to inspire homegrown entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional consumer services and focus on deep-tech innovation. The announcement comes shortly after a social media stir caused by his recent remarks that sparked a nationwide debate.

New helpline to assist Startups. #StartupMahakumbh pic.twitter.com/aqgUQLQdYY

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 5, 2025

After 'Dadagiri' Row, Piyush Goyal Rolls Out ₹70 Crore Boost for Indian Startups

Earlier, Goyal had questioned whether Indian startups should limit themselves to delivery-based services, urging them to aim higher by exploring sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, biotech, and manufacturing. His comments — which referred to “dadagiri” by some startups and pushed for a more innovation-driven approach — received mixed reactions, but also brought attention to the need for a structural shift in India’s startup priorities.

Winners will receive cash rewards, business grants, corporate credits

Now, in a strong follow-up, Goyal has unveiled the Startup MahaRathi Challenge, which seeks to fund and mentor promising startups with a focus on cutting-edge sectors. The initiative is set to identify and support the top 150 startups across the country. These startups will gain access to mentorship, business support, and an opportunity to pitch to leading investors and a Grand Jury during the Startup Mahakumbh.

Winners will receive cash rewards, business grants, corporate credits, and access to a network of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors. Importantly, only DPIIT-recognized startups were eligible to apply, and the selection process was designed to find those with truly scalable and impactful ideas.

While his earlier comments ruffled some feathers, especially from founders of delivery and service-based platforms, Goyal has clarified that his intention is to inspire Indian startups to take bold leaps into high-value, transformative areas of business. He emphasized that Indian youth are capable of leading in advanced technologies and shouldn’t settle for less.

With the Startup MahaRathi Challenge, the government has not only backed its words with action but also laid down a clear vision for the next generation of Indian entrepreneurship—one that builds, innovates, and competes on the global stage.