Wed Apr 09 07:42:28 UTC 2025: ## Indian Minister Urges Startups to Focus on “Deep Tech,” Sparking Debate

**New Delhi, India** – Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has challenged the nation’s burgeoning startup sector to move beyond consumer-focused apps and embrace “deep tech” innovation, drawing both praise and criticism. Speaking at the Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi, Goyal criticized the prevalence of food delivery apps, arguing they are creating low-skilled gig work rather than driving technological advancement. He contrasted this with China’s focus on electric mobility and other high-tech sectors.

Goyal’s remarks sparked a backlash from some startups, who questioned his assessment and pointed to India’s challenging regulatory environment. However, his concerns reflect a broader global trend of nations prioritizing technological self-reliance and national security in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.

The article highlights contrasting approaches among major world powers:

* **China:** After a period of crackdown, the Chinese government is now actively encouraging private sector participation in high-tech industries, aligning with national objectives.
* **Europe:** Concerned about its dependence on foreign technology, the European Union, as highlighted in the Draghi Report, is pushing for increased investment in innovation and skills development, and regulatory changes to foster growth of homegrown tech giants.
* **United States:** A wave of tech nationalism, spearheaded by figures like Palantir CEO Alex Karp and fueled by billionaire investors, advocates for a renewed focus on domestic technological advancement, particularly in defense and infrastructure. This movement seeks to counter what it views as a decline in American technological ambition.

While Goyal’s call for India to prioritize deep tech resonates with this global trend, the article notes significant challenges. India’s relatively low computer literacy rates and existing infrastructural limitations hinder the potential for rapid advancement in high-tech sectors. While the minister’s call for nationalistic ambition is clear, the article concludes that significant improvements in education and infrastructure are necessary to support the kind of technological leap Goyal envisions.

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