AUG 12: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zepto Private Limited to accelerate the growth of early-stage manufacturing startups through the ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge.
The collaboration is designed to identify, mentor, and scale startups over a focused six-month programme, targeting innovations in hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), packaging solutions, and sustainable manufacturing. By leveraging Zepto’s extensive delivery network and digital infrastructure, participating startups will be able to transform prototypes into market-ready products.
Under this initiative, DPIIT and Zepto will extend comprehensive support through expert-led workshops, capacity-building programmes, and guidance under the Startup India framework. Special emphasis will be placed on empowering women-led enterprises and entrepreneurs from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, ensuring inclusive participation in India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Zepto has committed to integrating more than 100 Indian startups into its supply chain, offering them a direct platform to showcase their products, access markets, and expand their reach.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, DPIIT Joint Secretary Shri Sanjiv noted that collaboration with unicorns is among the most impactful ways to uplift the startup community. He emphasised that it is not only an opportunity but also a responsibility for successful ventures to contribute to the ecosystem, with market access being a decisive factor in determining a startup’s success.
The MoU was signed by DPIIT Director Dr. Sumeet Jarangal and Zepto Co-founder Shri Kaivalya Vohra.
Highlighting the vision behind the partnership, Vohra said that Zepto Nova aims to help shape the future of manufacturing in India by enabling innovative ideas to grow into impactful businesses.
This initiative forms part of DPIIT’s ongoing efforts to encourage innovation, drive inclusive economic growth, and strengthen India’s journey towards self-reliance.
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