DPIIT and Zepto Launch Zepto Nova to Boost Startups

August 12, 2025

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DPIIT and Zepto Join Hands to Boost Manufacturing Startups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed an MoU with quick commerce firm Zepto to launch the Zepto Nova innovation challenge. This six-month acceleration programme aims to identify, mentor, and scale early-stage manufacturing startups in India, focusing on hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing solutions. The agreement was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director of DPIIT, and Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto, under the government’s Startup India initiative.

By combining DPIIT’s policy push and Zepto’s market reach, the programme will help startups move from prototype to commercial-ready products. The collaboration reflects India’s ambition to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and give startups direct access to enterprise-scale distribution networks.

Six-Month Acceleration Track with Market Access

Selected startups will participate in a rigorous six-month track offering expert workshops, tailored mentorship, and access to Zepto’s delivery network and digital platforms. Zepto and DPIIT have set a target of integrating more than 100 Indian manufacturing startups into Zepto’s supply chain. The programme also focuses on helping participants meet global certification standards and readiness requirements for large-scale manufacturing.

Special emphasis will be given to women-led teams and founders from Tier II and Tier III cities to ensure inclusivity. Kaivalya Vohra emphasised that the initiative is about “giving back to the ecosystem” while fostering long-term partnerships with manufacturers that can supply innovative, sustainable solutions for the quick commerce sector and beyond.

[Credits for header image: Deccan Chronicles
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