Private Equity

Incubation/Acceleration

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

Entrackr  

Quick commerce player 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 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. 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.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.