Solving the Challenges Faced by Indian Startups: A Roadmap for Success
A recent exchange between Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and a semiconductor startup founder has reignited debate around the systemic challenges faced by Indian startups—especially in critical deep-tech sectors like semiconductors, AI, and defense. Despite the government’s vocal support for innovation, many startups are stifled by bureaucratic inertia, lack of market access, and outdated policies. This article highlights the core pain points raised by entrepreneurs and proposes actionable reforms to build a vibrant, future-ready startup ecosystem in India. Key Challenges Facing Indian Startups 1. Lack of Government Procurement Support Problem: Startups are often told “build it first, then we’ll see” —making risky, capital-intensive R&D efforts financially unviable. Solutions: Advance Purchase Commitments: The government should offer pre-committed contracts for strategic technologies. Startup-First Procurement Mandates: Reserve 10–20% of public procureme...