Zepto has unveiled eight start-ups chosen for the first edition of Zepto Nova, a DPIIT-supported innovation programme. The initiative focuses on helping Indian start-ups grow by enabling wider visibility, smoother logistics and faster access to customers through quick commerce.
Zepto Nova is Zepto’s start-ups acceleration initiative aimed at helping young Indian brands overcome market entry challenges. The programme supports founders with platform access, distribution strength and visibility, enabling them to reach consumers faster through quick-commerce delivery.
The programme drew applications from start-ups nationwide. Following several evaluation rounds and an intensive pitch process, Zepto selected eight ventures that showed strong innovation potential and the ability to scale through a quick-commerce model.
Four food and beverage start-ups made it to the Zepto Nova cohort. Milleto Nutto, Flavours of Calicut, Thy Chocolate and No Cap Foods were selected for their unique product offerings, strong brand recall and ability to scale quickly through faster consumer access.
Aloe Ecell adds a sustainability angle to the cohort. The start-ups is working on battery technology derived from aloe vera, highlighting Zepto Nova’s push to support innovation-driven ventures that combine environmental impact with long-term commercial potential.
Nesta Toys and Watch Out represent the toys and learning category in the cohort. Their selection reflects rising demand for creative, education-focused products and shows how quick-commerce platforms can help such brands reach families faster.
Makerverse completes the list of eight start-ups chosen under Zepto Nova. The brand represents new-age consumer innovation and highlights the programme’s intent to back emerging categories beyond food while helping niche products reach a national audience.
A number of start-ups in the Zepto Nova cohort are led by women and first-time founders. Their selection underlines the expanding diversity of India’s start-ups ecosystem and the growing presence of women building scalable, consumer-facing brands.
With the first cohort now onboarded, Zepto Nova is preparing to launch Season 2, expected in February 2026. The next edition aims to bring more Indian start-ups into Zepto’s quick-commerce growth ecosystem.
