Zepto, DPIIT shortlist 8 startups in first cohort of Zepto Nova innovation challenge

Zepto has announced the first cohort of eight startups selected under Zepto Nova, an innovation initiative launched in partnership with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The programme is designed to help promising Indian startups scale by enabling market access, discoverability, and logistics support through Zepto’s hyperlocal quick-commerce network.

The inaugural edition attracted 49 applications from across India, with 25 startups shortlisted for the final pitch round. Following a two-day evaluation process, eight startups were selected for onboarding. The cohort spans sectors such as food and beverages, sustainable energy, toys and learning, and consumer brands. The selected startups include Milleto Nutto, Aloe Ecell, Flavours of Calicut, Thy Chocolate, No Cap Foods, Nesta Toys, Watch Out, and Makerverse.

Several of the selected startups are women-led and first-generation ventures, highlighting the depth and diversity of India’s startup ecosystem. Notably, Aloe Ecell is developing an aloe-vera-based battery, Flavours of Calicut is building a national Kerala snack brand, and Thy Chocolate focuses on artisanal bean-to-bar chocolates.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “As we mark a decade of Startup India, initiatives like Zepto Nova showcase the maturity of India’s startup ecosystem, where startups actively enable the growth of other startups.”

Co-founded in 2020 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto is a quick-commerce platform operating in India. The company uses technology and a network of delivery hubs to enable fast local delivery. Zepto offers products across categories such as groceries, household electronics, beauty, apparel, toys, and everyday essentials. Zepto Café is the company’s food offering, providing freshly prepared items through the Zepto app.