The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with quick-commerce major Zepto to launch the ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge, aimed at identifying, mentoring, and scaling early-stage manufacturing startups in India.
The six-month programme is designed to help promising startups progress from prototype stage to market-ready solutions, leveraging Zepto’s robust delivery network, logistics, and digital infrastructure. This strategic partnership is set to bolster India’s manufacturing ecosystem by connecting innovators with industry opportunities and real-world market access.
Focus on Hardware, IoT, Packaging, and Sustainable Manufacturing
The challenge will particularly target startups in hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), advanced packaging solutions, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. Through structured mentorship, product refinement support, and access to Zepto’s resources, the programme will bridge the crucial gap between product development and large-scale deployment.
Selected startups will benefit from expert-led workshops, product testing environments, and customised guidance to fine-tune their offerings for commercial readiness. This approach aims to ensure that innovations meet market demands while maintaining high quality and scalability.
Empowering Women and Tier II/III Startups
A defining feature of the Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge is its emphasis on women-led startups and enterprises originating from Tier II and Tier III cities. Recognising the untapped potential in these regions, the programme will provide a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to access national markets and compete on a larger scale.
By giving visibility to innovators outside metropolitan hubs, the initiative aligns with Startup India’s mission to democratise entrepreneurship and foster inclusive growth in the startup ecosystem.
Integration into Zepto’s Supply Chain
One of the key incentives for participating startups is the opportunity for integration into Zepto’s supply chain. The programme aims to onboard over 100 Indian startups into Zepto’s procurement and logistics network, enabling them to directly serve millions of customers across the country.
This direct market access not only accelerates commercialisation but also provides startups with valuable data, customer feedback, and scaling opportunities that are otherwise difficult to access in early growth stages.
Collaboration for National Impact
Under the MoU, DPIIT will extend facilitation support through its Startup India initiative, offering regulatory guidance, networking opportunities, and investor linkages. Zepto, in turn, will contribute its technological expertise, operational infrastructure, and market insights to ensure participating startups can thrive.
Officials from DPIIT emphasised that the collaboration reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a self-reliant manufacturing sector driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. “By combining policy support with private sector execution, we can transform early-stage ideas into globally competitive products,” a DPIIT spokesperson noted.
The Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge represents a new model of public-private collaboration in the startup sector, particularly in manufacturing. By focusing on emerging technologies, sustainable practices, and inclusivity, the initiative is poised to make a tangible impact on India’s industrial growth story.
