DPIIT partners with Zepto to support manufacturing startups; Vohra says, 'We believe that giving back...'

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aadit Palicha-led 10-minute delivery startup Zepto to support and scale early-stage startups in the manufacturing sector through its ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge. 

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The collaboration aims to discover and mentor startups through a focused six-month programme. It will support startups developing technologies in hardware, IoT, packaging and sustainable manufacturing, enabling them to progress from prototype to market-ready solutions using Zepto’s delivery and digital infrastructure. 

The partnership will provide support through mentorship and capacity building via expert-led workshops and Startup India assistance, with a focus on women-led and Tier II/III startups. In addition, Zepto will integrate upwards of 100 Indian startups into its supply chain, offering them a platform to showcase products, gain market access and expand their presence. 

Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Sanjiv said that support from unicorns is one of the most impactful ways to uplift startups, enabling them to learn from the journey of successful ventures.

He added that it is not just an opportunity but also a responsibility for unicorns to contribute to the ecosystem. Highlighting the importance of growth, he stated that market access remains a critical enabler for the success of startups. 

Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto, said, “At Zepto, we believe that giving back to the ecosystem is not just a responsibility—it’s a privilege. Through Zepto Nova, we’re proud to support India-first innovation by empowering startups that are building the future of manufacturing. This partnership with DPIIT is a testament to what’s possible when public and private sectors come together to unlock scale, speed, and sustainability for entrepreneurs to build a Viksit Bharat.”