Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has proposed an India-Japan startup pitching series inspired by the popular ‘Shark Tank’ format to connect young entrepreneurs with investors, partners and business opportunities across the two countries.
This proposal was made during a startup roundtable in Tokyo on August 26, 2026.
Goyal suggested that the pitching sessions could be held virtually, using digital platforms to bring Indian and Japanese startups together without the need for frequent physical meetings.
Indian startups would be able to present their business ideas to Japanese investors, while Japanese startups could pitch their products and technologies to potential partners in India.
From Startup Pitches to Investments
The minister said the objective should go beyond showing business ideas. The proposed series might be a way to move startups from initial pitches to pilot projects, investments and eventually large-scale expansion.
The idea comes as India and Japan are working to develop their commercial and economic relationship. Goyal wanted Japanese businesses and startups to come and work in India and it is the future of companies from both countries.
Goyal cited one of the key areas highlighted by Goyal was access to patient capital especially for early-stage and deep-tech startups. He suggested a potential “Japan-India deep-tech capital corridor” to provide longer-term funding to innovative businesses that may require significant investment before becoming commercially successful.
Focus on Deep Tech and Innovation
Goyal also stressed the importance of Japanese expertise in precision engineering and India’s capabilities on design, technology development and large scale deployment. A stronger partnership, he suggested, could turn promising startup concepts into commercially viable products.
The proposal also promotes greater cooperation between universities, incubators and venture funds in India and Japan. Such cooperation could also open up new pathways for entrepreneurs to access research, mentorship, funding and international markets.
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— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) August 26, 2026
Union Minister Piyush Goyal proposes India-Japan 'Shark Tank' style startup series to boost investment, business ties.
He says-
“We started with a $1 billion, $1 and a half billion dollar fund of funds to to seed startups about seven, eight years ago.… pic.twitter.com/usMYxGRu7m
For Indian startups, the proposed initiative could provide an additional route to Japanese capital and technology partnerships.
For Japanese companies, it could provide access to India’s expanding startup ecosystem and large consumer market.
If implemented, the India-Japan ‘Shark Tank’style series could become a platform where entrepreneurs do more than make a pitch. The larger goal would be to create long-term commercial relationships, encourage cross-border investment and help promising startups scale globally.
The idea is part of a push to improve India-Japan economic partnership by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and institutions.
Instead of turning collaboration into transactional business and corporate partnerships, startups and innovation would come to the forefront of the relationship.
