Launch · Commerce & Consumer Brands

Zepto and DPIIT select 8 startups for first Nova cohort

By Startup Enthusiast · 20 January 2026

What they do

Zepto and DPIIT shortlisted 8 startups for the first Zepto Nova cohort after receiving 49 applications and selecting 25 for final pitch

The cohort includes startups in food and beverages, sustainable energy, toys and learning, and consumer brands

The initiative marks a decade of Startup India and shows the startup ecosystem's maturity

Zepto and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) have launched the Zepto Nova innovation initiative.
The programme aims to help Indian startups grow through market access, visibility and logistics on Zepto's quick-commerce network.
For the inaugural edition, 49 applications were received.
After a two-day evaluation, 25 startups were shortlisted for a final pitch.
Finally, 8 startups were selected for the first cohort.
The selected startups are: Milleto Nutto, Aloe Ecell, Flavours of Calicut, Thy Chocolate, No Cap Foods, Nesta Toys, Watch Out and Makerverse.
Several of these startups are women-led and first-generation ventures.

The initiative marks a decade of Startup India and shows the startup ecosystem's maturity.
Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, commented on the initiative.
The cohort spans sectors like food and beverages, sustainable energy, toys and learning, and consumer brands.

Zepto is a quick-commerce platform in India that uses technology and delivery hubs for fast local delivery.
It delivers groceries, household electronics, beauty products, apparel, toys and everyday essentials.
Zepto also offers Zepto Café, a food service with freshly prepared items available through the Zepto app.
The company was co-founded in 2020 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra.

Product: A rapid-delivery app for groceries and everyday essentials.
Customers: Consumers ordering groceries and essentials online.
How it makes money: It earns from product margins, delivery fees, and order-value thresholds across its quick-commerce network.
What sets it apart: It was built as a quick-commerce native company from day one.
Operations: Operates dark-store based 10-minute delivery across multiple Indian cities.