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 support and scale early-stage manufacturing startups under the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge.
The strategic partnership will run a dedicated six-month programme aimed at identifying, mentoring, and accelerating startups in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing.
The initiative will help entrepreneurs progress from prototype development to market-ready solutions by leveraging Zepto’s delivery ecosystem and digital infrastructure.
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Key Highlights of the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge Partnership:
- Startup Support: Structured mentorship programmes, expert-led workshops, and Startup India assistance.
- Inclusivity Focus: Special emphasis on women-led startups and enterprises from Tier II and Tier III cities.
- Market Access: Integration of over 100 Indian startups into Zepto’s supply chain to showcase products, secure market entry, and expand reach.
Speaking at the event, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, noted that the involvement of unicorns like Zepto is a powerful way to uplift startups by sharing their growth experiences and opening market access. He underscored that enabling market opportunities remains one of the most critical factors for startup success.
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The MoU was signed by Dr Sumeet Jarangal, Director at DPIIT, and Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto. Commenting on the collaboration, Kaivalya Vohra said the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge will support emerging companies in shaping the future of manufacturing in India.
This initiative is part of DPIIT’s broader mission to create a robust innovation ecosystem, promote inclusive economic development, and contribute towards building a self-reliant India.
