Startup Originals Team
India’s journey to becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse just got a major boost. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has joined hands with quick commerce leader Zepto to launch the ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge-a landmark initiative aimed at discovering, mentoring, and supporting early-stage manufacturing startups. This collaboration reflects a growing recognition that young, innovative companies need not just funding, but genuine market access, mentorship, and digital resources to scale sustainably.
Zepto Nova: A Six-Month Innovation Accelerator
At the heart of the DPIIT–Zepto partnership is Zepto Nova, a focused six-month programme designed to help startups in hardware, IoT, smart packaging, and sustainable manufacturing transition from prototype to market-ready solutions. Leveraging Zepto’s vast delivery and digital infrastructure, the initiative will not only support technical development but also help startups commercialize their innovations more quickly and efficiently.
Key highlights:
- Mentorship and Capacity Building: Startups will engage in expert-led workshops, receive one-on-one mentorship, and benefit from the Startup India initiative’s support.
- Inclusivity and Regional Focus: Special attention will be given to women-led startups and those originating from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, ensuring a diverse, regionally representative pipeline of innovators.
- Market Integration: Zepto plans to integrate over 100 selected startups into its own supply chain, offering them direct access to customers and a platform to showcase their products at scale.
Addressing Startup Needs: From Prototype to Scale
Manufacturing startups often face steep barriers: high costs, long product development cycles, and, crucially, limited pathways to reach the market. Zepto Nova intends to help startups break these bottlenecks by providing:
- Testing and piloting their products in real-world environments.
- Access to Zepto’s logistics, digital tools, and customer networks.
- Support in building sustainable, scalable business models.
This partnership is uniquely designed to help young companies move beyond the lab and into homes and businesses across India.
Shared Responsibilities and Growing the Ecosystem
At the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), DPIIT leaders stressed the vital role unicorns and market leaders play in lifting newer companies. “Support from unicorns is one of the most impactful ways to uplift startups, allowing them to learn from the journey of successful ventures,” noted Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT. Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto’s Co-founder, echoed this commitment:
“Giving back to the startup ecosystem is not just a responsibility-it’s a privilege. Zepto Nova is our way of supporting India-first innovation by empowering those building the future of manufacturing.”
Aligning with National Goals: Make in India and Viksit Bharat
The DPIIT–Zepto collaboration is closely aligned with national missions such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ The initiative aims to foster more inclusive, self-reliant growth and set the stage for future public-private partnerships that can shape India’s manufacturing landscape.
The Road Ahead: Vision for Scale and Impact
If successful, Zepto Nova could serve as a model for future collaborations between the government and the private sector, accelerating India’s progress towards a thriving, resilient manufacturing startup ecosystem. By focusing on real-world market integration, digital empowerment, and inclusive growth, DPIIT and Zepto are betting on the next generation of entrepreneurs to drive India’s journey to global leadership in manufacturing.
