
The Role Of Innovation In Startups – Why Thinking Big Matters
Every startup begins with a question: “What if there’s a better way?”
What separates a small idea from a world-changing one is innovation—the courage to think beyond limits, challenge the usual, and solve problems in ways no one has dared before.
From food delivery apps to electric scooters, the things we now consider “normal” once sounded crazy. But someone believed in a bold idea—and acted on it.
Innovation is more than just technology. It’s a mindset. It’s about spotting everyday pain points and creating smarter, faster, more meaningful solutions. For India’s growing middle class and thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs, innovation is not a luxury—it’s the way forward.
Innovation Isn’t Optional—It’s a Necessity
In the startup world, innovation is the heartbeat. It powers ideas, fuels growth, and opens doors to possibilities that didn’t exist before.
Think about Zomato—what started as a restaurant review site is now a food-tech giant. Or Cred, which turned a simple credit card payment app into a lifestyle brand. They didn’t just improve something; they reimagined it.
That’s the power of thinking big. It doesn’t just tweak systems—it transforms them.
Solving Real Problems
Innovation doesn’t need to be fancy. Some of the most impactful startups began by solving simple, everyday issues.
Ola saw the chaos in urban commuting and gave us cabs at our fingertips.
Meesho noticed how homemakers wanted to earn from home—and created a digital reselling revolution.
Groww turned the fear of investing into a friendly, app-based experience for young earners.
These ideas weren’t born in Silicon Valley—they were born in Indian homes, streets, and WhatsApp groups.
Thinking Big Opens New Opportunities
When startups think big, they don’t just enter markets—they create them.
WhiteHat Jr introduced coding to school kids and turned it into a national conversation.
Ather Energy didn’t just build e-scooters—they imagined a cleaner, smarter city ride.
By daring to think differently, these founders unlocked demand no one knew existed.
The lesson? Don’t just think about today’s needs. Think about tomorrow’s change.
Think scale. Think bold.
The Middle Class Is the Origin of Innovation
India’s middle class isn’t just a customer base—it’s a goldmine of insight. Nobody understands daily challenges—traffic, rising costs, education stress, job uncertainty—better than the middle class.
And that’s exactly where many great startup ideas come from. When you solve a middle-class problem, you don’t just create a business—you create relevance.
Innovation rooted in local needs has the power to go global. And many Indian startups are already proving it.
Innovation Is for Everyone—Yes, Even You
You don’t need millions in funding or an MBA from abroad to innovate. What you do need is the courage to ask:
“What’s broken, and how can I fix it in a better way?”
Whether you’re a student, an office-goer, or running a small business—your observations matter. Today’s startups are being launched from bedrooms, cafés, and Tier-2 cities—not just boardrooms.
So if you’ve got an idea, don’t wait for perfect.
Start messy. Start small. But start.
In a world that changes faster than ever, the only way to stay ahead is to dare.
To dream loud, act bold, and solve deep.
Startups that think big don’t just build apps or services—they build hope, jobs, solutions, and a better future.
So the next time you face a problem and say, “Someone should fix this,” remember—it could be you.
Your idea could be the next big thing.
And all it takes to start is that first spark.
— Abhinath Manikrao Shinde