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In a significant move to boost India’s innovation-driven manufacturing ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with quick-commerce unicorn Zepto Private Limited. The collaboration aims to support early-stage startups through the newly launched ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge.
The six-month accelerator programme is designed to identify, mentor, and scale startups working on cutting-edge solutions in hardware, IoT, sustainable manufacturing, and packaging. By combining DPIIT’s policy support with Zepto’s technological and supply chain infrastructure, the initiative seeks to transform prototypes into market-ready products.
Startups selected under the Zepto Nova programme will gain access to mentorship, expert-led workshops, capacity-building sessions, and support through the Startup India platform. A particular focus will be given to women-led startups and entrepreneurs emerging from Tier II and Tier III cities.
Highlighting the initiative’s broader impact, Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto, said, “Supporting India-first innovation is both a privilege and a responsibility. With Zepto Nova, we’re creating pathways for startups to scale sustainably. This partnership with DPIIT reflects the power of public-private collaboration in building a Viksit Bharat.”
The programme also includes a unique market access component, with Zepto committing to integrate over 100 Indian startups into its national supply chain—giving them a platform to showcase products, gain visibility, and reach new customers.
Speaking at the MoU signing, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, underscored the value of unicorn-led support, stating, “When successful ventures step up to mentor and support startups, it creates a multiplier effect. Market access is one of the most powerful enablers of growth, and partnerships like these are essential for inclusive innovation.”
The agreement was formally signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, and Mr. Kaivalya Vohra on behalf of Zepto. The initiative reinforces DPIIT’s ongoing mission to promote entrepreneurship, foster sustainable innovation, and build a self-reliant, future-ready India.
