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DPIIT Signs MoU with Zepto and Hero MotoCorp to Support Manufacturing Startups through ‘Zepto Nova’ and ‘Hero for Startups’ Initiatives.

National | Dated: 14 Aug 2025

On August 12, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), signed MoUs with Zepto Private Limited (formerly Kiranakart Technologies Private Limited) and Hero MotoCorp Limited (Hero MotoCorp) to strengthen support for manufacturing startups. These initiatives, including the ‘Zepto Nova Innovation Challenge’ and ‘Hero for Startups’ accelerator programme, aim to mentor, scale, and provide resources for early-stage startups in India’s manufacturing ecosystem.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The MoU signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director of DPIIT, and Kailavya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto, formally launches the six-month long ‘Zepto Nova’ Innovation Challenge. The programme focuses on identifying and mentoring manufacturing startups, helping them advance from prototype to market-ready solutions by leveraging Zepto’s robust delivery network and digital infrastructure.
  • - The challenge emphasizes startups developing technologies in hardware, Internet of Things (IoT), packaging, and sustainable manufacturing. It particularly supports women-led ventures and startups from Tier II and Tier III cities, promoting inclusive growth within the manufacturing sector. Under the initiative, Zepto will integrate 100 Indian startups into its supply chain, offering direct market exposure and a platform to showcase their innovations.
  • - DPIIT also signed a partnership MoU with Hero MotoCorp Limited (Hero MotoCorp) to support and scale startups at their early stage through the innovation accelerator programme ‘Hero for Startups’. The MoU was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director of DPIIT, and Utkarsh Mishra, Global Innovation Portfolio Lead of Hero MotoCorp, reflecting a strategic collaboration to foster entrepreneurship in the manufacturing sector.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The collaboration will focus on startups developing solutions in future mobility, clean technology, and deep technology. Selected startups will gain access to Hero MotoCorp’s Research and Development (R&D) facilities in Germany and India, its extensive dealer and supplier network, and mentorship, facilitating rapid scaling and industrial integration.
  • (ii) Both initiatives aim to provide a structured support system for startups. Zepto Nova offers guidance through expert-led workshops, mentorship sessions, and capacity-building, while Hero for Startups facilitates hands-on industrial mentorship, access to R&D, and opportunities to pilot Proofs of Concept (PoCs). These programmes collectively aim to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization in India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
  • (iii) Through these MoUs, startups are expected to accelerate product development, gain market insights, and access funding and industry networks. Both Zepto Nova and Hero for Startups provide platforms for startups to demonstrate their innovations, integrate into industrial supply chains, and contribute to the growth of India’s manufacturing and technology sectors, promoting a robust startup ecosystem at the national level.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which department recently signed MoUs with Hero MotoCorp and Zepto to support manufacturing startups?

Correct Answer: DPIIT

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Zepto Private Limited (Zepto)

  • CEO : Aadit Palicha
  • Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka