The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) separately with Hero MotoCorp Limited and Zepto Private Limited to support and scale early-stage startups.
With Zepto, the DPIIT aims to support startups in the manufacturing sector through its ‘Zepto Nova’ innovation challenge, and with Hero MotoCorp through its innovation accelerator programme ‘Hero For Startups’.
DPIIT and Hero MotoCorp will jointly support startups working in areas related to the future of mobility, clean technology, and deep technology.
It aims to provide selected startups with exclusive access to Hero MotoCorp’s world-class research and development facilities in Germany and India and the company’s extensive network of dealers, suppliers, and partners, along with mentorship.
As per the MoU, shortlisted startups will also have the opportunity to work on paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs), enabling successful pilots and unlocking valuable market exposure to accelerate the growth and visibility of their innovations.
With Zepto, 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.
Speaking on the occasion, 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.