The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has teamed up with Zepto, India’s fastest-growing 10-minute delivery unicorn founded by Aadit Palicha, to launch the ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge.
This collaboration aims to identify, mentor, and scale early-stage manufacturing startups across high-growth technology areas, giving them the tools and market access to succeed.
Driving Innovation in Manufacturing
The partnership will focus on empowering startups in:
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Hardware technology
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IoT (Internet of Things)
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Innovative packaging
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Sustainable manufacturing solutions
The Zepto Nova programme will run for six months, helping startups move from prototype stage to market-ready solutions by leveraging Zepto’s delivery network and digital infrastructure.
What Startups Will Get
Through Zepto Nova, selected startups will benefit from:
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Mentorship from leading industry experts in manufacturing, supply chain, and product innovation
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Capacity-building workshops conducted in collaboration with DPIIT and Startup India
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Access to Zepto’s operational network for scaling products faster
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Direct market access opportunities by integrating into Zepto’s supply chain
A Boost for Women-Led & Tier II/III Startups
Inclusivity is at the heart of this initiative, with a focus on:
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Women-led startups in manufacturing and technology
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Founders from Tier II and Tier III cities
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Startups promoting eco-friendly and sustainable solutions
Zepto has committed to integrating over 100 Indian startups into its supply chain, providing them with a national platform to showcase products, reach new customers, and expand their presence.
Leaders Speak
Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, said:
“Support from unicorns is one of the most impactful ways to uplift startups, enabling them to learn from the journey of successful ventures. Market access remains a critical enabler for the success of startups.”
Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto, added:
“At Zepto, giving back to the ecosystem is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege. This partnership with DPIIT is a testament to what’s possible when public and private sectors come together to unlock scale, speed, and sustainability for entrepreneurs to build a Viksit Bharat.”
Why This Matters for India’s Startup Ecosystem
With India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision in mind, Zepto Nova bridges the gap between government support and private sector innovation.
Key benefits for startups include:
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Faster product commercialization
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Increased market access through Zepto’s logistics network
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Stronger representation for women entrepreneurs and emerging city founders
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A push towards sustainable, future-ready manufacturing
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