DPIIT signs MoU with Hero MotoCorp and Zepto to aid early-stage manufacturing start-ups
Zepto to run a six-month mentoring program, integrate nearly 100 start-ups into its supply chain, and focus on sustainable manufacturing and emerging tech
Hero MotoCorp to provide R&D access, dealership network support, and paid PoCs to boost mobility-focused product innovation
With an aim to help early-stage start-ups in scaling, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has inked a MoU with two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp and quick commerce player Zepto. The collaboration will, particularly, focus on early-stage manufacturing start-ups.
The Zepto partnership aims to discover and mentor start-ups through a focused six-month program. It will support new-age ventures 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.
31 October 2025
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The collaboration will provide support through mentorship and capacity building via expert-led workshops and Start-Up India assistance, with a focus on women-led and tier 2/3 ventures.
In addition, Zepto will also integrate nearly 100 start-ups into its supply chain to offer them a platform for showcasing products, gain market share access, and expand their presence.
“Support from unicorns is one the most impactful ways to uplift start-ups, enabling them to learn from the journey of successful ventures,” said Sanjiv Singh, joint secretary of DPIIT. He further highlighted the importance of growth, while saying the market access remains a critical enabler for the success of start-ups.
Zepto cofounder Kaivalya Vohra said that the partnership with DPIIT will support start-ups in building the future of manufacturing through the ‘Zepto Nova program’.
On the other hand, the Hero Moto collaboration will provide selected start-ups privileged access to the company’s research and development hubs in Germany and India, its expansive dealership network, and dedicated mentorship.
These start-ups will also have the opportunity to undertake paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs), offering valuable exposure that could fast-track their growth and visibility. The tie-up is set to bolster product-driven start-ups addressing India’s mobility challenges, helping them move swiftly from “idea to impact”.
The MoU will focus on start-ups that are especially working on emerging technologies, along with the ones in the tier2/3 markets.
