Zepto and DPIIT Unite to Accelerate India's Manufacturing Startup Revolution
- Zepto and DPIIT launch the Zepto Nova challenge to mentor manufacturing startups in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable production.
- The programme focuses on women-led and Tier II/III startups, offering workshops, Startup India support, and market access via Zepto’s supply chain.
- DPIIT also partners with Hero MotoCorp and Maruti Suzuki to boost startups in mobility, clean tech, and automobile manufacturing through mentorship and R&D access.
Zepto has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to support and scale early-stage manufacturing startups via its six-month Zepto Nova innovation challenge. The programme aims to identify and mentor startups working on cutting-edge technologies in hardware, IoT, packaging, and sustainable manufacturing. Zepto will help these startups transition from prototype stages to market-ready products by leveraging its delivery and digital infrastructure, the quick commerce company said.
The initiative will include expert-led workshops, Startup India assistance, and special focus on women-led startups and those based in Tier II and III cities. Zepto plans to integrate over 100 Indian startups into its supply chain, providing them with crucial market access and product visibility.
Separately, DPIIT also signed an MoU with Hero MotoCorp to back early-stage startups specializing in future mobility, clean tech, and deep tech through the ‘Hero For Startups’ accelerator programme. This partnership, part of the Startup India initiative, offers startups access to Hero MotoCorp’s research and development facilities in India and Germany, its extensive dealer and supplier network, and expert mentorship. DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv highlighted that the collaboration aims to fast-track innovation from idea to impact, especially for startups in emerging technologies and from Tier II and III regions.
Selected startups will have opportunities to undertake paid proof-of-concept projects, enabling them to pilot solutions and gain market exposure.
In July, DPIIT also partnered with Maruti Suzuki to support startups developing technology solutions in automobile manufacturing and mobility. Recognised startups under Startup India can access Maruti Suzuki’s innovation programmes, mentorship, and extensive industry network, including incubators, accelerators, and investors.
