New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zepto Private Limited to identify, mentor, and scale early-stage manufacturing startups under the ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge.
The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), packaging, and sustainable manufacturing.
Under the six-month programme, selected startups will receive mentorship, capacity building, and market access support to help them move from prototype to market-ready solutions. Zepto will leverage its delivery and digital infrastructure to integrate over 100 Indian startups into its supply chain, enabling them to showcase their products, connect with customers, and expand their market presence.
The initiative will place special emphasis on women-led enterprises and startups from Tier II and Tier III cities, with expert-led workshops and Startup India assistance forming part of the support package.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv said, “Support from unicorns is one of the most impactful ways to uplift startups, enabling them to learn from the journey of successful ventures. It is not just an opportunity but also a responsibility for unicorns to contribute to the ecosystem. Market access remains a critical enabler for the success of startups.”
The MoU was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, and Shri Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto. Vohra said, “The partnership with DPIIT will support startups in building the future of manufacturing through the Zepto Nova programme.”
This partnership aligns with DPIIT’s broader mission to foster rapid innovation, drive inclusive economic growth, and contribute to a self-reliant India, leveraging public-private collaborations to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem.
