Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Suggests Shark Tank-Style Platform for India-Japan Startups

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday, (August 26, 2026) suggested an India-Japan startup pitching series, where young companies from both countries could present their ideas to investors and potential business partners, as per The Economic Times news report. 

He compared the proposed format to the Shark Tank model. Speaking at a startup roundtable, Goyal said the sessions could be organised online. This would allow Indian and Japanese startups to take part without requiring physical meetings. 

A Two-Way Platform 

Goyal said Indian startups could pitch to Japanese investors through the proposed series. Japanese startups, on the other hand, could use the platform to look for partners and business opportunities in India. 

He said the plan should extend beyond individual pitching sessions. Companies could move from initial discussions to pilot projects, investment, and larger-scale business activity. 

Deeptech Funding Proposal 

The minister also proposed a Japan-India deeptech capital corridor. He said Japan's long-term, or patient, capital could be directed towards startups, including companies looking for funding at an early stage. 

Goyal said investment should not be limited to mature unicorns. He also called for Japanese precision engineering capabilities to be combined with Indian companies and businesses. 

Links Between Universities and Funds 

Goyal suggested that universities, incubators, and venture funds in the two countries should work more closely. He said greater interaction between these institutions could support connections between startups, investors, and businesses. 

He also said India has opportunities across the product cycle, from design and testing to deployment and sales. Japanese businesses and startups were invited to explore partnerships in the country. 

Read More: Tamil Nadu Government Bets Big on Deep-Tech and AI with New State Initiatives! 

Conclusion 

The suggested measures cover startup pitching sessions, Japanese investment in early-stage and deeptech firms, and wider cooperation between the two startup ecosystems. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.   
 
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.