The proposed pitching platform would connect Indian and Japanese startups with investors and business partners, with a focus on moving from ideas to pilots, investment and scale.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has proposed an India-Japan startup pitching series modelled on the popular ‘Shark Tank’ format, seeking to connect young companies from both countries with investors, technology partners and potential customers.

Goyal made the proposal during a startup roundtable in Japan, where he is on a four-day visit aimed at strengthening India's economic and business relationship with Tokyo.

Under the proposed platform, Indian startups could pitch their businesses to Japanese investors, while Japanese startups could use the same mechanism to identify Indian partners and commercial opportunities.

The initiative comes as New Delhi seeks to attract greater Japanese investment, technology and manufacturing partnerships into India.

Shark Tank-Style Platform

Goyal suggested that India and Japan could create a digital pitching platform through which startups from both countries can regularly present their ideas.

He said modern digital connectivity, including video conferencing and the internet, makes it possible to organise such sessions without requiring participants to travel for every interaction.

The proposed model would give startups an opportunity to directly approach investors and potential business partners in the other country.

The objective, however, would extend beyond pitching. Goyal said the focus should be on developing business connections that move from pitches to pilot projects, investment and eventually large-scale operations.

Indian Startups Eye Japan

For Indian startups, the proposed platform could provide access to Japanese capital and corporate networks.

Japan has a large pool of institutional and corporate investors, while its companies have expertise in areas including advanced manufacturing, mobility, robotics, electronics and industrial technology.

Direct engagement with Japanese investors could therefore help Indian startups explore opportunities beyond conventional venture-capital markets.

The platform could also encourage partnerships between Indian technology companies and established Japanese businesses looking for new products and services.

Japanese Firms Get India Access

The proposal is intended to work in both directions.

Japanese startups would be able to use the platform to identify Indian partners, customers and investment opportunities.

India's large domestic market and expanding startup ecosystem could offer Japanese companies opportunities to test products, establish partnerships and expand their operations.

Goyal's proposal therefore seeks to make startup cooperation part of the wider India-Japan economic relationship rather than treating investment as a one-way flow.

From Pitches To Investment

A central element of Goyal's proposal is converting introductions into measurable commercial outcomes.

A startup pitching its business idea would ideally move through several stages — pitch, pilot, investment and scale.

This approach could help address a common challenge in cross-border startup cooperation, where initial meetings and investment discussions do not always translate into commercial projects.

Creating a structured platform could make it easier for startups and investors to maintain contact and assess opportunities after an initial pitch.

India Woos Japanese Investors

The startup proposal forms part of Goyal's broader campaign to deepen Japanese investment in India.

During his Japan visit, the minister has sought to present India as a long-term destination for Japanese companies looking to expand manufacturing, technology and business operations.

He has also encouraged Japanese companies to view India as a reliable partner as global supply chains continue to evolve.

The government wants greater Japanese participation in India's manufacturing and technology sectors as part of its broader investment and economic growth strategy.

Focus On Trust And IPR

Goyal also sought to reassure Japanese businesses about India's business environment.

While addressing Japanese business leaders in Tokyo, he emphasised India's protection of intellectual property rights and business data.

He argued that Japanese companies could trust India with their technology, intellectual property and data.

Goyal also highlighted India's startup culture and said entrepreneurship is encouraged in the country.

His remarks were part of a broader pitch for India as a stable environment for entrepreneurs and international investors.

China Reference Draws Attention

During his interactions with Japanese businesses, Goyal also made remarks that appeared to contrast India's business environment with China.

Without naming Chinese technology entrepreneur Jack Ma or China directly, Goyal referred to the risks faced by successful entrepreneurs in some countries.

The comments appeared to allude to Ma's experience after he publicly criticised Chinese financial regulators in 2020. Ma subsequently remained largely out of the public spotlight before returning to public activities, including an academic association with the University of Tokyo.

The reference was part of Goyal's broader argument that India offers a more predictable environment for entrepreneurs and investors.

India-Japan Economic Ties

The startup proposal comes as India and Japan seek to expand economic cooperation beyond traditional trade and investment.

Japanese companies have a significant presence in India, particularly in automobiles, manufacturing, infrastructure, electronics and financial services.

New Delhi is seeking to increase Japanese investment while encouraging more companies to establish manufacturing and technology operations in the country.

A dedicated startup platform could add a new dimension to that relationship by connecting smaller, high-growth companies with Japanese capital and corporate expertise.

What Happens Next

The immediate next step would be to develop the proposed India-Japan startup pitching series and determine how startups, investors and potential business partners would participate.

If implemented, the initiative could provide Indian companies with greater access to Japanese funding and expertise while giving Japanese startups a structured route into the Indian market.

The bigger objective is to ensure that bilateral startup engagement produces actual commercial partnerships rather than remaining limited to networking events.

Goyal's proposal reflects India's broader effort to deepen economic ties with Japan and attract capital, technology and business partnerships as the country expands its startup and manufacturing ecosystem.