DPIIT partners with Zepto to mentor & fund hardware startups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zepto Private Limited to help and scale early stage manufacturing startups through its ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge.

This collaboration seeks the funding and mentorship of startups through an intensive six month programme. It will provide mentorship to startups tackling technology across hardware, IoT, packaging and sustainable manufacturing, allowing startups to develop their technologies from prototype to market ready tech using Zepto's delivery and digital infrastructure. The collaboration will support startups through capacity building mentorship through expert-led workshops and Startup India support with a focus on women-led startups, and startups from Tier II/III cities. Additionally, Zepto will incorporate over 100 Indian startup  into its supply chain giving them a platform to showcase products, gain access to the market, and grow.

Also Read: Agentic AI Startups Attract VC Funding Amid Tech Innovation Boom

Speaking on occasion, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv stated that supporting unicorns is one of the most powerful methods of being an enabler for startups, and allowing them to gain insight from the experience of successful companies. He also said that it is not just an opportunity for unicorns, but a duty to support the ecosystem. It is also important to consider growth, and mentioned that access to market is a key enabling factor for startups. The MoU was signed by Director, DPIIT, Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, and Co-founder, Zepto, Shri Kaivalya Vohra. Co-founder, Zepto, Shri Kaivalya Vohra, stated that the partnership with DPIIT will help startups build the future of manufacturing with the Zepto Nova programme.